Cork Youth manager Louis Nolan: We have real strength in depth

The FAI U17 and Youth Cups take centre stage this weekend in Youths football, however, there’s also a full fixture list of Daly Industrial Supplies Cork Youth League fixtures to be played.

Before I come to my preview I like to congratulate the Cork Youth League team and their management for their clinical display last Saturday evening when they defeated Limerick Desmond League to get their FAI Inter-League campaign off to a great start.

Their manager Louis Nolan was happy with his team’s overall display and was full of praise for his entire squad.

“We were delighted to get the campaign up and running with a win,” Louis said.

“It was a mixed performance to be honest, we found ourselves two goals up in the first half and probably wasted a few chances in front of goal and then we allowed Limerick back into the game. 

"It could have easily been 2-2 at the break.

“We got the lads in at half time and tweaked a few things and the response in the second half was superb. 

You can also see the strength in depth in the squad with the lads who came on in the second half and the impact they had.

"The quality of the side is really high in every position and the competition for places is also high, however, it was the team chemistry and camaraderie with the lads is what pleased me more and we all can look forward to to our next game against away to Waterford at the end of November,” Nolan added.

We start the preview with the FAI U17 Cup where Midleton have a home game against Lakewood Athletic at Knockgriffin Park at 2pm on Saturday, while elsewhere, St Mary's must travel to play Carrigaline United at Ballea Park kickoff at 7pm.

There are also two big U17 Premier fixtures down for decision, Douglas Hall are at home to Passage at Moneygourney at 1.30pm and they had Jack Leahy, Adam Kelly, Larry Butler and Ryan Hourihane all on target when both these sides met in the FAI U17 Cup last weekend, so they will be looking for a similar performance tomorrow. 

Leeside can overtake Lakewood at the top of the table if they take all three points at their disposal when they welcome Fermoy to Leeside Park.

In the U17 League, Leeds are showing some great form at the moment and remain unbeaten and they should prove too strong for Bandon when both sides meet a the Town Park. 

The other unbeaten side in this division are Carrigaline United, however, they face a tougher test when they face Springfield Ramblers at the Stephen Ireland Astro.

On Sunday, there are three big FAI Youth Cup fixtures with Douglas Hall locking horns with Carrigaline United at Moneygourney, Clonakilty have a home game against Lakewood Athletic at Ballyvackey and when both sides meet in the Munster Youth Cup a few weeks ago it was Lakewood who came out on top 4-2, while elsewhere the winners of Everton and Rockmount have a home tie against Fermoy.

College Corinthians who are riding high in the U18 Premier League and they will be hoping to continue their recent form when they meet Riverstown at the GACA, while elsewhere Midleton welcome Kinsale to Knockgriffin Park at 2pm.