Harry draw

Harry draw

1 March 2023

THE semi-final draw for the NFU Mutual Harry Clarke Cup has been made with two mouth-watering ties in store for local soccer fans.

Current holders Killough will go toe to toe with fierce league rivals Celtic Bhoys on Friday, March 24 whilst Bobby Dalzell Cup finalists Strangford are 

set to face off against Valley Rangers Colts at the earlier date of Friday, March 10.

Both contests will be played under the lights at the Ballyhornan 4G pitch, which is also the home of the Hoops.

With just a point splitting first place Killough and second place Celtic Bhoys in the Newcastle League’s Premier Division standings, there is sure to be fireworks when these two clash.

However, this is a game that Killough joint-manager Conor Doyle is more excited for rather than nervous.

“We were ready to face any team that was pulled out of the draw,” he said.

“Obviously it makes the occasion that bit more intense drawing Celtic, considering the league standings.

“But, honestly, it’s hard to even focus on the tie as we will continue to take our season game by game.

“We will no doubt be even more excited when the occasion rolls round, but as for now our priority is picking up three points against Strangford at home in the league this Saturday,” he continued.

“This weekend’s game is just as important to us. Every game now is treated as a cup final, we can afford no slip ups both in the league and cup.”

He added: “We have been buoyed by our fantastic support all season from the village and that will no doubt be the case when we meet Celtic in the semi-final.”

Meanwhile Hoops boss Shane Adair also shares Doyle’s feelings regarding the two top teams in the division preparing for a cup showdown.

“It was a good draw, if you want to win the cup you have to beat the best teams in the competition,” he said.

“It will be a great occasion, both teams have fantastic support and we are two very good sides on the pitch.

“We have already met this season on two occasions and have both won one apiece, so it will all come down to simply who wants it more.

“Killough are no pushovers, but we certainly aren’t either.”

He continued: “Our players still have fire in their bellies, especially after how we exited the Bobby Dalzell.

“Make no mistake, our aim is to win every competition we are in.”

Before that battle takes place, Strangford will undergo a mammoth two weeks which could go down as a massive success in their recent history if things go their way.

Strangford will play their Harry Clarke Cup semi-final exactly one week before they contest the Bobby Dalzell Cup final against Ballynagross on Friday, March 17.

However, they will not be looking past their semi-final opponents Valley Rangers Colts, who have won eight games out of eight in their respective Division 2 campaign and excelled in their Harry Clarke fixtures by defeating Cloughey, Downpatrick and Tollymore Forest along the way.

Despite two divisions separating the teams, Strangford first team manager Russell Swail remains focused at the task at hand.

“We won’t be taking Valley lightly and we know we need to be at our best to beat them,” he said.

“I think it’s a great draw, Killough and Celtic Bhoys are far and away the two best teams in the league so to avoid them gives ourselves and Valley Rangers a good chance of going to the final.”

He added: “Playing Celtic Bhoys on their home pitch is a difficult hurdle for anyone to get over.”