Simple but effective switch leads to six Irish League wins from seven for high-flying Dungannon Swifts

A summer reward of European football following last season’s record-breaking results left the Swifts struggling to adapt to those increased demands during the early stages of the current Premiership campaign.

Five consecutive defeats arrived over league play within a seven-game sequence that offered a sole success – an away win against basement side Glenavon.

However, Dungannon now visit Cliftonville this weekend in sparkling form off six wins from the past seven tests, including four clean sheets.

Experienced centre-back Wallace points to added points following conversations from Swifts boss Rodney McAree and his coaching team over reducing the noise.

“I think at the start of the season, with Europe players weren't used to it, we had a few tough games at the start coming off the back of that,” said Wallace. “Plus you’re trying to fit in new signings and it just wasn't clicking.

"After losing the first five games it was a big one against Glenavon as they had also lost games in a row at that point too...our season was starting from that Saturday.

"We just went back to basics so it was all about hard work and being hard to play against (2-0 win in September at Mourneview Park).

“It feels like the team’s more settled and consistency was the main term used last year and it’s been that again across the last weeks.”

Fresh faces coming in from outside plus those promoted from within as part of Dungannon’s long-standing tradition of youth development help keep the squad sharp.

"Dungannon’s always had great youth and those training push us,” he said. “I’m 31 years old and my thinking is always about someone coming from behind trying to take a spot...but in a positive way.

"Rodney’s not making seven or eight signings every season, it's probably only two or three to give that freshness, then bring one or two young boys up.

"He has been building the squad up since his return to the club (in 2023).

"We’ve had injuries but recently we’ve been building up numbers with players coming back, plus maybe getting that rub of the green that didn’t happen earlier in the season at times.

"At the start of the season we were conceding a lot of easy goals...that all adds up.

"We were creating chances but not finding the net but the last few weeks we’ve been scoring and managing to hold on and see out games.

"Earlier we were conceding first in games then finding it difficult to get back into the match but I think over the last couple of weeks when we’ve scored first, we've held on overall.”

One potential challenge to that defensive run could prove Cliftonville striker Joe Gormley fresh from hitting his 300th goal for the Reds during midweek BetMcLean Cup progress.

"Joe's probably one of the best finishers in the Irish League since I've been involved,” said Wallace. “And 300 goals...he's been doing it since he's signed for Cliftonville and it's almost just another day at the office for him.

"He may be getting older but, as the strikers say, the goalposts don’t move.

“Hopefully he can score a few more goals...just not against us.”