U16 SFAI National Cup 1/4 Final
Carrigaline United v Bridge United
Ballea Pk, Carrigaline, 2pm
Fresh off the back of their emphatic win in Nenagh last weekend, our u16s turn their attention to the main event, this Saturday's National Cup 1/4 Final.
The team will travel to Ballea Park, home of Carrigaline Unied and home of one of Cork's largest and most famed schoolboy clubs.
This will be, without doubt, a step up in class from previous opposition encountered this season thus far.
So far, any challenge that this group have come across, they've seen, raised and bested. The list of superlatives to describe this bunch is quickly running dry.
Having watched their opponents in a recent league game against Douglas Hall, manager Pa O'Halloran feels his side will need to be at their best to come away with the win.
Fortunately all players came through last weekend's game injury free, giving O'Halloran a full deck to choose from.
The impact of Niall Moloney and Reece Kirkland off the bench last week will give food for thought to O'Halloran, Vinny Coughlan and Corey Downes when they sit and pick the starting 11.
Goalkeeper Finn Murphy has been imperious up to now, the same could be said for the three wise men infront of him, Niall Liddane, Mike Morey and Jack Phelan.
Callum Phelan and Ben Maxwell have all the attributes of modern full backs; as comfortable going forward as they are defending their channel.
Matthew O Halloran, Aidan Moloney and Luke O Halloran in the centre of midfield bring a maturity and a consistency rarely seen at this age. Even more impressive is their ability to create and score goals from deep.
Issac Deegan-Green's second half in Rathangan was a huge positive, as was penalty hero Marcus Joyce, not to mention Darragh Hayes' sublime hatrick in Nenagh.
Is it a step up in class? Definitely. But will these boys hold any fears? Absolutely not!
As always this group is very well supported on their travels, we urge anyone at a loose end on Saturday to come down and give the lads your support, you wont be disappointed that's for sure. Kick-off in Cork is scheduled for 2pm.
