Saintfield and Celtic in last 4

Saintfield and Celtic in last 4

4 April 2018

THERE are two major cup semi-finals down for decision over the next few days.

Tonight, Saintfield United seconds pit their wits against favourites Rosario seconds at Seaview in the last four of the Amateur League’s Walter Moore Cup.

On Friday night Celtic Bhoys lock horns with Ballyvea in the first SportLoMo Harry Clarke Cup semi-final at Bignian Park, home of Valley Rangers.

Lindsay Ross’ Saintfield giant-killers have reserved their best football this season for cup games and they have turned Pigeon Hill into a fearsome fortress where they fear no side.

Wins at home over Division 3A title-chasers St Luke’s (3-1), runaway Division 3B leaders Larne Tech Old Boys (3-1), a fancied Islandmagee (2-0) and Bangor Rangers (5-0) have catapulted the Saints into tonight’s showdown and they will fancy their chances against a Rosario side who are third from bottom in 3A.

The big problem facing manager Ross tonight is a real selection headache. He has had to pick and mix his squad all season long as late first team call-ups regularly means he never knows what his team is on Saturday.

However, he will have a full squad and more tonight with everyone looking to play. He has experienced defenders in Alan Weir and Duncan Spence, whose son Duncan junior is also in the panel. If needed, first team utility player David Morrow can also be called upon as can Ryan and Adam Sofley.

Ben Stoneman, Peter Boylan, Paul Sheeran and Declan Sherrard have shared the goals between them and Seaview is the perfect place on cup semi-final night to continue their love affair with the back of the net.

The Saints warmed up for the game with a hard-earned 2-1 home win over 1st Bangor Old Boys while Rosario drew 2-2 at home to Immaculata.

Friday night’s Newcastle League semi-final is another hard one to call between two of the league’s best sides.

Ballyvea already have the Bobby Dalzell Cup in the bag and are now involved in a treble bid as they remain slight favourites to win the Premier Division league title and the Harry Clarke Cup.

Celtic will have to be at their most potent if they are to halt Ballyvea’s progress, but there is no doubt that they have the players to do so.

From Nathan Curran in goal to Stephen Galbraith up front, they are blessed with Galacticos. Curran is a shot-stopper supreme and gets sublime protection from Ciaran McGarritty and Mikey Rice, who are two of the best central defenders in the league.

It is in midfield and up front that Celtic are laden with potential match winners. One big blow to Celtic’s bid is the loss of Chris Mullan who was sent off against Tollymore United on Saturday.

However, Jay Dagens, Mark Feenan, Marty Robinson, Kerri Grant, Caolain Boyd and Galbraith have all played at a higher level and all are noted creators and goal scorers.

Celtic only know the one way to play and that is going forward. They will not sit and see what Ballyvea have to offer and will go for the jugular from the off with a who dares win attitude.

Manager Billy Heal will have his players expertly prepared for Celtic’s challenge and knows he has the men to keep the Hoops from scoring. 

I would expect big performances from goalkeeper David Fitzpatrick and defenders David and Jordan McConnell, Keith Hanna and Jeffrey Stewart. 

Alan Chambers and William Glenny will provide the hard yards in midfield alongside possibly Philip and Mark McConnell. Ballyvea have also perfected playing Rob Stevenson and Philip Dodds up top, leaving the dangerous and talented Mark Burden in a withdrawn role.

Burden scores goals for fun and is relishing playing in behind two strikers, but he is still recognised as the most dangerous goalscorer in the league.

Friday’s game promises to be an enthralling clash between two different styles, but who will prevail?

Mourne Rovers showed in a recent league game that Ballyvea can be beaten and Celtic will take great encouragement from that, but Stephen Torney’s side must hit the ground running and hope that their firepower can knock Ballyvea off their perch.