Cup final in trouble

Cup final in trouble

12 July 2011 - by CHARLIE McSTAY

THE Newcastle and District Football League’s showpiece Bobby Dalzell Cup final which is traditionally played at Christmas is in danger of not being played until at least the New Year.

That’s because an investigation is ongoing into the contention that Ballyvange, who were supposed to play Annalong on Saturday in the semi-final, unknowingly played an ineligible player, Barry Treacey (inset), in their quarter-final win over Killough.

Should it be proved that Treacey was ineligible, then Ballyvange will be dumped out of the competition and Killough reinstated.

The scenario would then mean a semi-final for Killough against Annalong, who were also reinstated themselves after Newcastle seconds were axed for playing an ineligible player.

Ballyvange manager Johnny Holland is adamant that Treacey was eligible and that no rules were broken.

He says he intends taking a copy of the player’s registration to a Newcastle League meeting tomorrow night.

“I don’t know where all this is coming from. Barry Treacey was one of the first players I signed at the start of the season and I have no doubt that we have the proper copy of his registration.

“I can’t say anything further until the meeting has taken place tomorrow night and we as a club are vindicated and cleared of any wrongdoing.”

If the Newcastle League accepts Ballyvange have broken no rules then the semi-final against Annalong could be played this Saturday.

If Ballyvange are expelled from the competition then the league face a problem as to when to play the Killough v Annalong semi-final.

Both clubs are involved in County Antrim Junior Shield games on Saturday, December 17.

One possibility could be to play the semi-final on Tuesday, December 27, the original date for the final, and the rearranged final could then be played on Monday, January 2 at Drumaness.