Errigal Contracts Derry senior semi-finals
Saturday
Glen 1pm: Swatragh v Lavey
Castledawson 3pm: Bellaghy v Ballinascreen
IF Swatragh were not already favourites for a second title in three seasons, the defeat of Sleacht Néill in the quarter-finals a couple of weeks ago has shortened the odds. But they now have to face Lavey, the team that sent the holders packing.
There is never a bad time to get goals and Lavey hit three in the first half of the quarter-final – all three scored by teenagers. Ríonach McNally claimed the first before a double strike from Áine Young in the last few minutes before the break.
Those green flags gave Lavey a good lead to cling to and, with Niamh Gribbin sound in goals, Carla Collins accurate up front and Caitriona Toner and Aoife Shaw showing great leadership, they were able to reach the finish line.
They took Bellaghy to extra time in the previous round but only showed glimpses of their quality in that game. Lavey will hope that winning the quarter-final will bestow them with the confidence to take the game to Swatragh.
The 2024 Ulster finalists haven’t had a game for four weeks – one of the problems of staying unbeaten in the competition. It’s a long wait with limited options for challenge games.
The profile of the Swatragh team is quite young with a few older hands such as the McNicholls, Shannon O’Doherty and Niamh Quinn to guide them through. They should start favourites and, after Lavey’s win last day out, shouldn’t be complacent.
Like Swatragh, Bellaghy have been idle since they beat Lavey in extra time a month ago. Although they won that day in the rain, they were inconsistent in their play and lost a lot of possession trying to work their way through with short passing. When they were more direct with longer ball into the corners, they were more effective.
Ballinascreen have improved in each game they have played after a poor league campaign and then took a bit of a trimming against Swatragh in Round 2A. In the quarter-final they were well tested by an improving Glen side and survived. One feels however that they need to up their game to reach another final.
The ‘Screen have a number of players who featured in four finals against Sleacht Néill 2016-21. They therefore have experience.
Bellaghy are a younger team. Some of their mothers were playing when the Tones last reached a final – away back in 1993. But this team could make a breakthrough tomorrow (SATURDAY)
