M & L Contracts Derry SFC quarter-final: Owenbeg (7.45pm): Glen v Kilrea
The winner of tonight’s Glen and Kilrea clash at Owenbeg (7.45pm) will go into tonight’s semi-final draw that will take place immediately after the final whistle.
Glen gave an impressive display in a comprehensive win over Lavey.
It is easy to say that Lavey had their shortcomings but to score four goals in a senior championship game was quite a feat for this young Glen team.
Kilrea for their part hit a late goal to see off Dungiven in a game where both shot a dozen wides in a low key encounter.
On the wide Owenbeg pitch the sizzling pace of Glen will be a big advantage but in terms of direct play the Pearses will make the ball do the work.
They are likely to isolate the likes of Benny Quigg and Paddy McNeill up front and play in a long and low ball, a tactic at which James Kielt is adept.
Indeed around the middle third Kilrea have the tools to at least equal the ball winning ability of Glen.
The three Kielt brothers, Charlie, James and Larry along with Denver Johnston are big and powerful men who are good in the air and can kick points from long range.
A lot could hinge on the duel between Kilrea’s experienced centre half back Brian Óg McAlary and Glen’s centre half forward Emmett Bradley who took the Lavey defence apart and scored 2-5 in the process.
With speedsters like Tiarnan Flanagan, Paul Gunning and Danny Tallon to feed off him it looks as if the Kilrea defence will have their hands full.
These are two clubs who have never won the championship despite having had very good under age teams.
Kilrea have plenty of experience and will feel that they have the players to take them to the last four.
Glen seem certain to be without the injured defender Ryan Dougan and there are a couple of other players on the doubtful list.
If Glen can replicate the performance of the win over Lavey they have a great chance to reach the semi final.
