Douglas minors keen to build on renewed momentum 

Having got back on track in the Cork ETB Rebel Óg U18 Premier 1 FC with victory over Glanmire a fortnight ago, Douglas are keen to maintain their momentum.

The southsiders take on Na Piarsaigh in their third of three games in Section 2 on Wednesday night (7pm). Victory would not guarantee progression to the semi-final in and of itself as a win for Glanmire against Clonakilty in the other game would create a three-way tie, broken by scoring difference, but selector Fionn Sheehan was pleased with how the team had reacted to their opening-round loss.

Winners of the Premier 1 league, Douglas suffered defeat away to Clonakilty in their first outing but a 2-9 to 1-5 triumph at home to Glanmire got them back on track.

“We were delighted,” Sheehan said.

Look, I think the Clon game was a bit of an outlier for us, we've been going well in the league all along and had won eight from eight.

“It was a small bit of a shock, but I suppose we got some more bodies back from holidays and especially with lads this age, they're kind of all over the place.

“We're lucky we had everyone back, we had a full squad against Glanmire so delighted with how it went, they deserved it.”

Na Piarsaigh have lost their two outings to date – however, the Farranree club could still qualify with a big-enough win if Clon see off Glanmire and Douglas will take nothing for granted.

“We've nothing won yet or we're not in the next round yet I suppose, beating Na Piarsaigh is next on our agenda,” Sheehan said.

“That’s the way it’s always been with these lads, next game is the important one and that’s where our focus will be.

Dual minor for us, there'd probably be about 13 of our starting team.

“I think we only have ten players who are football-only.

“So it’s hurling and football weeks we do – last week it was Saturday and Monday for hurling training, play the match Wednesday and then football again.

“We work well together as two management teams.”

Essentially, the objective will be to replicate the best parts of the Glanmire win, which was founded on solid defence and quick counter-attacks, with a full-forward line of Ben Herlihy, Adam Kelly and Thomas Murray then able to inflict damage when the ball was worked to them.

“I suppose it's kind of the calibre of player we have,” Sheehan said.

“They're great athletes, we tend to produce great athletes in this club so that's kind of the makeup of our squad.

“We try to get bodies behind the ball and break as fast as we can but, in fairness, the three lads up top today, they were awesome all through the game.

“Some tough matchups with their full-back line but they were all really good.”