Dungannon Swifts' U12 team suffered a heartbreaking 3-2 defeat to Maiden City Academy in the O'Neill's Foyle Cup U12 Final at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium. The Co. Tyrone side took a 2-0 lead but were pegged back by a stunning second-half comeback from the Derry outfit, who finished 6th in the Northern Ireland Premiership last season with 46 points from 33 games (15W-1D-17L).
What happened in the match?
Dungannon Swifts raced into a 2-0 lead through James McKeown's brace, but Maiden City Academy fought back with goals from Carter Riddles and Stephen Parkhouse. Riddles' second goal levelled the game before Parkhouse's winner sealed a dramatic victory for the Derry side. The Swifts' U12 team, who have scored 40 goals and conceded 58 in the senior team's recent form (3W-0D-2L in their last five), will be disappointed to have let a two-goal lead slip.
Who stood out for Dungannon Swifts?
James McKeown was the standout performer for Dungannon Swifts, scoring both goals in the first half. The young striker showed great composure to finish his chances and gave the Swifts a dream start. However, the team's defence was exposed in the second half as Maiden City Academy's attacking trio of Parkhouse, Riddles and Paudie Lynch took control of the game.
What does this mean for Dungannon Swifts?
While the U12 team's defeat will be a disappointment, the senior team will be looking to build on their recent form as they prepare for the new season. The Swifts finished 27 points behind leaders Larne last season and will be hoping to improve on their 6th-place finish. Their last result was a 3-1 defeat to Linfield on 12th May 2026, and they will be looking to bounce back in their next fixture.
What comes next for Dungannon Swifts?
The U12 team will be looking to learn from this defeat and come back stronger in their next tournament. The senior team, meanwhile, will be focusing on their pre-season preparations ahead of the new Northern Ireland Premiership campaign. With a goal difference of -18 last season, the Swifts will be looking to tighten up at the back and improve their attacking output.
