Derry & District: McAlinden Cup quarter finals this weekend
U18 competition At a recent meeting of the Derry and District council, it was decided to try and organise an under 18 competition, or at least see if there was any response from interested clubs. To date we have received approaches from several teams who may take part, Tristar, Lisahally, Sion Swifts and Trojans Colts. If any more teams are keen to play, contact Jim Crossan (Chairman) at 07753346097. Or Liam Smyth at 07856043428, or William Barrett at 07914048770. If we have enough teams we hope to play either a knock out cup, or a league cup. We hope to run this competition around late March early April.
Quarter Finals of McAlinden Cup Campbell’s vs. Tristar – Lisnagelvin No. 4 Campbell’s gave up one shot at a trophy when they capitulated against Phoenix at Lisnagelvin on Sunday but they now have the opportunity to edge closer to a cup final when they face Tristar at Lisnagelvin this weekend. These two teams actually met a few weeks ago and it was Tristar who came out on top, winning 2-1 thanks to goals from Conor Barr and Mickey McCreadie. Campbell’s took the lead in that game but couldn’t break through again against a stubborn Tristar defence. That result will give Tristar all the confidence they need to get another positive result again, with the incentive of reaching a cup semi-final another boost. Prediction: Another close one, but Tristar to go through again.
Phoenix vs. Trojans – Brooke Park Phoenix Athletic won their first ever D&D trophy last week, and they did so in style with a 4-1 win over Campbell’s at Lisnagelvin to finish top of Section ‘B’. That should give them the confidence ahead of what will surely be a difficult game against Trojans this weekend. Trojans defeated TOTHC last week and are in good form heading into this one, so they will be slight favourites to progress here. They should not rule out Phoenix however. Christy McGeehan has assembled a decent group of players who will be eager to upset the odds to reach a cup semi-final. Prediction: Trojans to nick it.
Park Bar vs. Don Boscos – St. Columb’s No. 3 This promises to be an entertaining game at St. Columb’s Park as both teams have had no problem finding the net this season. Park Bar remain the team to beat having walked to the league championship, and they will be expecting to make it to the final of the McAlinden Cup. It is up to Don Boscos to convince them otherwise. Boscos have nothing to lose in this one, but everything to gain and if they really go for it, they could well give the trophy-collecting Park Bar a good game of it. Prediction: Closer than many expect but still a Park Bar victory.
City Cabs Cup Section A Top of the Hill Celtic v Lisahally - Lisnagelvin No. 4 Top of the Hill Celtic are not in good form at all, with their latest defeat to Trojans one of a number of disappointing defeats recently. They are under pressure to get a result here as they need points to progress and they know that another slip up could end their interest in this competition early. Lisahally are not having a great season either but they will take heart from Celtic’s faltering form of late. The Strathfoyle side need that form to continue because they know that if Celtic turn it on, they will comfortably win this one. Prediction: Celtic to get back to winning ways. Condolences The committee of the D&D would like to extend their condolences to the family of Jim ‘Golly’ Gallagher, a long standing supporter of the association and a and lifelong stalwart of Foyle Harps. May he rest in peace.