Celtic ‘Bhuoyed’ up for final

Celtic ‘Bhuoyed’ up for final

18 May 2016

CELTIC Bhoys are hoping that it won’t be a case of third time lucky for Ballyvea in the Toals Harry Clarke Cup final in Drumaness on Friday night.

Stephen Torney’s emerging side may be rank outsiders for the showpiece, but they have no intention of handing the cup over without a fight in their first Newcastle League final.

Ballyvea will be playing in their third final in five months. They lost the Bobby Dalzell Cup final to Annalong Rangers at Christmas and a few weeks back were beaten by Harryville Homers in the Junior Shield decider.

Last week the Carginagh Road side made amends somewhat for those two bitter defeats when they clinched the Newcastle League’s Premier Division title for the first time in seven yearsl but they would dearly love to get their hands on the Harry Clarke Cup.

However, they have been playing three games a week in bid to catch up on fixtures and go into the final a bit leg weary and that is where Celtic are hoping to catch them on the hop.

Celtic, who lifted the Division 1 crown a few weeks ago, have been able to rest players ahead of the the big showdown and go into the final in a relaxed and confident mood.

Celtic have a strong, balanced side and have the ability to play with several different formations, but I expect them to go with a flexible 4-1-3-2 system.

There is no doubt that Nathan Curran, who took over the team captaincy following a long term injury to club skipper Paul Brady at the start of the season, will start between the sticks.

Curran has a Steel and Sons Cup medal in his trophy cabinet from his time at Kilmore Rec  and he one of the top custodians in the local game who exuded confidence.

He will probably be fronted by a back four of Joe Murphy, another Kilmore Rec convert, young Michael Rice, the ageless Peter Kelly and Chris Laverty.

Kelly really is a man for all seasons and has seen and done it all with a number of clubs. He is the glue in the side’s back four and knows exactly when to sit and when to push forward. 

This unit will be protected by Jordan Curran, yet another former Kilmore player. He is a bit of an enforcer in the middle of the park. He rarely loses a tackle and thrives on the cut and thrust of a midfield battle. 

In front of him will be Jordan McAllister, Kerrie Grant and Shane Baggley, a trio of attack-minded players, who all love getting into the box.

All three have insatiable appetites for a piece of the action and they will be going as strong in the last minute as they were in the first.

It is up front that Celtic can cause Ballyvea real problems. In Chris Mullan and Caolan Boyd they have the perfect attacking double act.

Mullan is the jewel in the crown. The former Downpatrick FC winger has the pace, strength and power to unhinge any defence and he will be given a licence to roam on the open confines at Meadowvale.

Boyd dovetails perfectly with Mullan’s wizardry. He is a box player who shows no fear and leads the line well with a subtle touch for a big man. He can be unmarkable from set-pieces and is not shaken off the ball easily.

Celtic manager Stephen Torney is also looking forward to the game. “It is a massive achievement for us to each the final, but we will not be going just to make up the the numbers,” he said.

“Ballyvea are one of the best junior sides in the game and we know the prospect of facing them will be tough, but we are ready for the challenge,” he said.

“We intend going out and enjoying the occasion. I know what we are capable of and assistant manager Shane Magee has the boys in great shape. We can’t wait for the game to start.”

Ballyvea may be hot favourites to secure the double, but they will give Celtic Bhoys total respect and they have no intention of resting on their laurels after lifting the Rathmourne Cup last Thursday night.

Club secretary David Crutchley said: “It was a great achievement for the lads given the very busy run in. We have no injuries worries at the moment. Everyone came through the last two games unscathed.

“We are looking forward to the final, and expecting a tough game as Celtic have had an excellent season too. 

Ballyvea will pick their match day squad from Steven Main, Keith Hanna, Mark Burden, Jordan McConnell, Geoff Bennett, Robert Stevenson, David McConnell, Jeffrey Stewart, Gary Haugh, Alan Chambers, Timmy Johnston, Mark McConnell,  Graeme Gordon, Philip McConnell,  Philip Chambers, Karl Patterson and Ryan Haugh.