Under 21s Face Shels In Semi
Finn Park is the venue on Sunday as Eddie Seydak’s Finn Harps Under 21s face a tricky tie against Shelbourne in the semi final of the Dr Tony O Neill Under 21 League.
Harps defeated Limerick in their quarter final by three goals to two at Finn Park a fortnight ago. Shane O Connor’s penalty in extra time sent Harps through after the sides played out a 2-2 draw in normal time. Eamonn Seydak and Mark Scoltock had scored the two goals for Harps.
The young Harps have qualified for the latter stages of the competition now for the third year running. Two seasons ago, Bohemians defeated them on penalties at the quarter final stage. Last year, UCD ran out three nil winners over Harps in the semi finals. This year, Harps will want to go one better and progress to the final.
Harps progressed to the quarter finals after pipping Derry City to top spot in the Connacht/Ulster section. Derry qualified as runners up after they were held to a draw by Galway and Harps defeated Monaghan 4-0 on the same day. These results left Harps finishing on 28 points from their 14 matches with the Candystripes a point behind on 27.
This Sunday, Shels, under the stewardship of Frank O Neill, will provide a stern test for Eddie Seydak’s side. Shels’ threats come mainly from Chris Mulhall, Daniel Sheridan and Brian King (son of ex-Harps boss Noel King). Alan Mc Cabe also provides a constant threat from midfield and the Reds have quality players all over the park.
Harps, will have to wait until after the first team game on Saturday night before finalising a team. Under 21 players Shaun Mc Gowan, Chris Breen, Gary Crossan and Conor Gethins could all play a part in both matches depending on how Saturday night is survived. Michael Funston will almost certainly play on Sunday. The Bonagee man serves a suspension on Saturday night and will be fresh to play on Sunday.
The rule for the latter stages that players who have played ten first team games can’t feature does not apply to players who are under 21 and so Seydak may chose to use the first teamers.
The experienced heads aside, Harps have quality players throughout. Michael Boyle commands his defence expertly and in front of him Darragh Mc Gee and Mark Scoltock provide a strong partnership at centre back. Eamonn Seydak and Brian Lafferty are the fullbacks. Gary Crossan, Shane O Connor, Seamus Peoples and Fintan Bonner will contest the midfield spots with Funston, Gethins and Mc Gowan if selected.
Up front, Johnny Gallagher could be partnered by Chris Breen if he comes through Saturday nights game. If not, Fintan Bonner could be moved up. Scott Devenney has gone to college in Glasgow and although he was home for the quarter final it is unlikely that he will be available on Sunday.
Squad player Shane Quinn, Art O Connor and Cathal Sharkey provide ample cover on the bench and shows just how strong this Harps team is.
Should they win Sunday’s match they will again have home advantage in the final which take place next weekend. All games have to be played to a finish with extra time and penalties if required.
Sunday’s game kicks off at 1.00pm, gates at Finn Park open at 12.15 and all supporters are asked to come out and get behind the young lads. They certainly have done enough in their campaign to date to deserve it
