Soccer

Crumlin Star hope to topple Queen's University to net Intermediate Cup

Former Carrick Rangers striker Miguel Chines has been sensational since hooking up with Crumlin Star last year
Former Carrick Rangers striker Miguel Chines has been sensational since hooking up with Crumlin Star last year Former Carrick Rangers striker Miguel Chines has been sensational since hooking up with Crumlin Star last year

IFA Intermediate Cup final: Queen’s University v Crumlin Star (tonight, Windsor Park, 7.45pm)

ARDOYNE club Crumlin Star are aiming for another remarkable treble this evening when they take on Queen’s University in the IFA Intermediate Cup final at Windsor Park.

The ‘Star keep soaring to ridiculous heights after they rounded off another triumphant Amateur League Premiership campaign unbeaten with a 2-0 win over Crumlin United earlier this week, conceding just 12 goals in total.

The north Belfast men annexed the NAFL Border Cup over the Christmas period and hope they can add the coveted Intermediate Cup silverware to their packed trophy cabinet against holders Queen’s who were re-instated after their semi-final conquerors Portstewart were ejected from the competition for fielding an ineligible player.

After coaching spells with Cliftonville and Glentoran, Paul Trainor took the reins three seasons ago and has continued the club’s pursuit of excellence.

“It’s the best job I’ve ever had,” said Trainor.

“It’s the most satisfaction I’ve had in football. It helps that it’s my local club, even when I was involved with Cliftonville and Glentoran, the ‘Star were always my club.

“My wife [Susan] washes the kit, my daughter [Shaunagh] looks after the website and my son [Paul jr] trains the team and I’ve a great assistant in Paul Berne.”

During Trainor’s time in charge, 'Star have won three league titles, two Border Cups and a Clarence Cup.

“Through [former managers] Charlie McLean, Eamonn Hawkins and Sean Brown, Crumlin Star have won a hell of a lot of trophies,” Trainor added.

“The problem was the club couldn’t go any further than the Amateur League Division 2A for a period because of pitch criteria.

“We eventually got a facility down at ‘the Cliff’ [in Larne] that got us up to intermediate football. Obviously we’ve got a facility now at the ‘Cricky’ [Cliftonville Road] until work starts at the ‘Bone’ Heights [on the Oldpark Road].”

Ciaran Murphy, James Doyle and veteran Miguel Chines have bagged over 20 goals each this season for the 'Star, while Joe and Aidan McNeill and Kevin Trainor chipped in from midfield.

Queen's have already claimed the Intermediate Premier League crown under manager Peter Thompson.