Derg face Stute in Lough 41 Championship opener

MUCH has changed at Dergview since their thrilling Irish Cup run at the tail-end of last season.

Back in May the Castlederg outfit defeated rivals Ballinamallard United and St James’s Swifts to reach the last eight of the prestigious knockout competition before their uplifting adventure came to a shuddering halt at Premiership opponents Ballymena United.

That may have been only a matter of months ago but a lot of water has passed under the bridge at Darragh Park since.

There had been considerable infrastructure development at the north Tyrone club with a second pitch developed and floodlights erected while the main pitch had been relaid in preparation for the new season.

Ivan Sproule, who had been linked with a move to Dungannon Swifts in early summer, quit as manager to be replaced by Strabane man Tommy Canning.

Canning, who had previously been involved in a number of management positions at the club, stood down as under-19 boss at Finn Harps in taking over the managerial reins and has swiftly put his stamp on things.

The former Tyrone Milk Cup supremo has made a number of new signings and during pre-season helped the club to create history by winning it’s first ever senior trophy.

Less than a fortnight ago skipper Blaine Burns lifted the North West Senior Cup following a thrilling 3-2 comeback final victory over Limavady United at the Limavady Showgrounds courtesy of goals from Keenan Diver, Matty Kirk and Jamie Browne.

FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK’S STRABANE CHRONICLE