Midleton welcome Belvedere to Turner's Cross for FAI U17 Cup final

There are some huge matches across this weekend for clubs in the Cork Youth Leagues, starting with Midleton playing Dublin side Belvedere FC in the FAI U17 cup final at Turner’s Cross, on Saturday at 2pm. 

There are two JAKO Ireland Munster Youth Cup semi-finals also down for decision with Lakewood Athletic travelling to Jackman Park to take on Pike Rovers from Limerick, 3pm. On Sunday, College Corinthians play Waterford side Tramore AFC at Knockgriffin at 4pm. 

Corinthians are unbeaten in all competitions this season and had another superb performance last Sunday beating Portmarnock 2-0 in Dublin their goals coming from Joe Mouret and Padraig McGrath.

Locally, we have two semi-finals in the U19 Daly Cup where Ringmahon Rangers entertain Mogeely at Ringmahon Park at 11am and Carrigaline United are at home in Ballea Park to Rockmount at 7pm. 

Also in the U19 Daly Shield, Lakewood Athletic lock horns with Douglas Hall in Ovens at 5pm, while Springfield Ramblers welcome Leeds to the Steven Ireland Astro at 8pm.

Tomorrow’s FAI U17 cup final at the Cross tomorrow should be a cracking game, as both sides play very attacking football. 

Belvedere are currently on top of their respective league in Dublin and so far in this competition they have bagged a total of 25 goals with Senan Boyle adding five and Ryan James, Bobby Doyle, Billy Feeney all chipping in with three goals each, so the Magpies will have to be at their best defensively if they are to lift the cup.

MASSIVE

Their manager Colm Fitzgerald and his team are eagerly looking forward to their big day tomorrow and hope that they get big support from all their members in the club.

“It's going to be a massive day for all involved in the club. This is the first time Midleton FC has reached an U17 FAI cup final,” Colm said.

“The players are all looking really forward to the game, however, it’s been a short turnaround from what was a very tough semi-final. 

"Carrigaline really put it up to us that day and it came at a cost with a few injuries. Thankfully, we have a big squad so we were able to rotate over the last few games to allow players to recover. 

"It gives us a selection headache with 17 fit players ahead of the final which is a good complaint.

We'll go into the game with a huge amount of respect for Belvedere but will stick to the game plan and play our own style. 

"We travelled to Dublin to watch the other semi-final so we’re well aware of our opponents' strengths. 

"They have a big strong team who move the ball quickly and use the wings very well. I'm sure they’ve been down to Cork but thankfully haven’t seen a settled 11 just yet.

“The morning of the match we will head for team breakfast in the Talbot Hotel Midleton and travel as a team to Turner's Cross. With over 1,000 members in the club, we’ll be hoping for a large support in black and white to cheer on the lads.

“Keith, Dave and myself are confident that every player will leave everything on the pitch down the Cross and we can't ask for any more."