Derry Junior Championship semi-final preview: Battle to reach the final

The Derry Junior Championship is set for the semi-finals of the competition this weekend. 

All four clubs will believe that they can progress to the final, but know they face a real battle to do so.

Craigbane v Ballerin

Celtic Park - Friday - 7:30 pm

The first of the semi-finals brings together the favourites for the championship against the last remaining junior league club.

Craigbane have been in electric form throughout the competition as they enter the fixture with a perfect record so far.

Fergal Mortimer has been key in the attack for the club, with his creativity and prowess in front of goal vital to getting them to this point, and it will be the same again.

Ballerin know there is little expectation on them in this match and will relish the opportunity to put the cat amongst the pigeons.

The club were victorious in the quarterfinal after a titanic battle with Slaughtmanus, a side Craigbane defeated with the last kick of the game, which will give the club confidence that they can defeat their much-fancied opponents.

Ballymaguigan v Lissan

Owenbeg - Sunday - 1:45 pm

The two sides have faced off already in this season's championship, with Ballymaguigan coming out on top on the scoreline of 4-10 to 1-10.

The current junior championship holders will be confident of victory, as they have yet to taste defeat in the competition.

However, they were given a warning last round that nothing is guaranteed in this sport as Magilligan pushed them close, almost producing the shock of all shocks, and perhaps it was the perfect wake-up call to inspire them to consecutive championship victories.

Lissan will be out for revenge and to bring silverware back to south Derry after their disappointing relegation from the intermediate division this season.

They will have the belief that they can do it, as they have the ability to shock anyone on their day, and the forwards to make opponents pay if given the chance.