Galvin at double to keep the Swifts in Euro Play-off hunt

DUNGANNON SWIFTS 2

LOUGHGALL 0

A SECOND-HALF double from Tomas Galvin gave Dungannon Swifts a third straight win.

The Co Tyrone side remain in the hunt for seventh spot — and a Play-off for European football — after this victory against Loughgall.

In a poor game, Galvin’s two goals — in the space of three second-half minutes — proved decisive.

The teenager has now scored seven times in the Sports Direct Premiership this season.

While Dungannon are ninth, Loughgall drop a place to eighth.

It was a frustrating night for Dean Smith’s side, who never looked like coming back after falling behind.

For Dungannon, though, it is an encouraging end to the season. The last time they won three successive League games was January 2022.

They had to be patient as a lacklustre first half produced plenty of effort but little in the way of goalmouth action.

Galvin and Gael Bigirimana saw efforts go off-target for Dungannon. Leo Alves also had a shot deflected wide and, from the corner, Cahal Mcginty shot over.

For Loughgall, Alberto Balde’s cross flashed dangerously across the box, but no one was there to get a touch.

The game desperately needed a goal, and it came early in the second half.

Kealan Dillon played a onetwo with James Knowles and hit a sweet strike that was brilliantly stopped by Berraat Turker. Unfortunately for the Loughgall goalkeeper, the ball fell to Galvin, who swept home.

Dungannon pushed forward again, forcing a corner when Luke Cartwright came sliding in to thwart Dillon. Alves’ delivery to the back post wasn’t cleared, with the ball reaching Galvin who slotted home.

DUNGANNON: Dunne, S Scott, Curry, Mcginty, Glenny, Bigirimana, Knowles, Dillon (Campbell 77), Alves (Maguire 88), Mitchell, Galvin (Hutchinson 59 [J Scott 77]). Subs not used: Henderson, Moore, Taggert. LOUGHGALL: Turker, Rea, Murdock, Kelly, Andrade, Norton (Harvey 80), Cartwright, Balde (Mcaleer 68), Hoey (Gibson 68), Waide, Magee. Subs not used: Devine, Teggart, Carroll, Towe. Referee: Evan Boyce (Ballygowan)

Match rating: 3/10 Man of the Match: Kealan Dillon