Dergview vs Dungannon Swifts

The first half at Darragh Park was a tightly contested affair, with Dungannon unable to find a breakthrough before the interval despite fielding a strong starting XI. The Swifts posted a half-time update on social media suggesting the game remained goalless at the break.

Whatever McAree said in the dressing room had the desired effect. Dungannon emerged with renewed purpose after the restart and scored three unanswered goals to take control of the contest.

While the provider data does not include individual scorers for this friendly, the three goals — all arriving in the second half — were enough to secure the Forsythe Memorial Cup trophy for the visitors.

Dergview, who play in the NIFL Championship (tier two of Northern Irish football), struggled to create clear chances against a Dungannon defence that has now kept two clean sheets in pre-season.

Dungannon's half-time adjustment proved decisive. After a goalless first 45 minutes in which Dergview held their own, the Swifts' intensity and movement increased noticeably after the restart. The first goal, arriving early in the second period, forced Dergview to push forward and opened the spaces for Dungannon's additional strikes.

Paul O'Neil (Dungannon Swifts) — The midfielder was reportedly among the goalscorers in the second half, continuing his pre-season form.

Dylan Glass (Dungannon Swifts) — The young goalkeeper kept a clean sheet at Darragh Park, commanding his area well against Dergview's set-piece threats.

Dungannon's defence — The back four, marshalled by Peter Maguire and John Scott, restricted Dergview to few meaningful opportunities throughout the 90 minutes.

Player of the Match: Paul O'Neil (Dungannon Swifts)

The 3-0 scoreline reflects Dungannon's superiority after the break. The Swifts have now scored 12 goals across their four pre-season wins (3-0 vs Annagh United, 3-1 vs Institute, 3-0 vs Dergview) with only one conceded, demonstrating impressive defensive organisation early in preparations.

Dergview, by contrast, have now lost both of their pre-season friendlies reported so far (0-3 vs H&W Welders and 0-3 vs Dungannon), though they face a step up in class against Premiership opposition.

Dungannon Swifts continue their unbeaten pre-season run (W4 D1) as they build towards the 2026/27 Boyle Sports Premiership campaign. The Swifts, who won the Irish Cup in 2025 and reached the final again in 2026, have a further friendly against Loughgall on 21 July before the competitive season begins.

Dergview, who finished 10th in the NIFL Championship last season, will use the remaining pre-season fixtures to sharpen their attacking edge before their league campaign starts.

A professional second-half display from Dungannon Swifts, who showed the gulf in class between the NIFL Premiership and Championship. The clean sheet and three goals will please McAree, though the manager will want earlier breakthroughs in future outings. Dergview can take heart from a competitive first-half display but must improve their attacking output.