Leadon Timber Frame Derry SHC semi-final: Slaughtneil v Lavey (today, Owenbeg, 4pm)
SLAUGHTNEIL manager Michael McShane will be ‘ultra-cautious’ with his walking wounded ahead of today’s clash with Lavey.
McShane won’t make his mind up on the inclusion of Paul McNeill and Gerald Bradley until closer to throw-in.
Conor McAllister is in the ‘latter stages’ of his rehab on a knee injury that didn’t need an operation.
Also definitely out is Seán Ó Caiside who yesterday had a scan on a suspected cruciate ligament injury sustained on football duty last weekend.
“I haven’t made my mind up I will risk him or not,” McShane said about the chances of Gerald Bradley playing.
“I’d like to, but if there is any risk at all, he won’t be starting. We have a big panel and we have no need to be risking anybody or taking any unnecessary risks.”
McShane confirmed that Paul McNeill is also back in full training and is ‘not far away’ from a return.
Lavey manager Johnny McGarvey awaits the outcome of James Crawford’s fitness test this morning on an injury that has kept him out since he was forced off in their draw with Swatragh.
“He will be given a chance to prove himself, but I wouldn’t be too hopeful,” pointed out the Lavey boss.
Lavey will ‘definitely’ be without top scorer Fintan Bradley after a setback on a hamstring injury picked up in training.
The sides met at the same stage two years ago, with Slaughtneil waltzing to a 1-32 to 1-12 victory with nine Cormac O’Doherty points and 1-5 from man of the match Gerald Bradley.
In the league games during the interim, a brave Lavey showing has been toppled by Slaughtneil’s eye for goal. Brendan Rogers returned from Derry senior football duty to score 5-7 in three league games, of which 3-2 came in a 6-21 to 2-10 win over Lavey.
After a league campaign that included a draw at home to Kevin Lynch’s in a fantastic encounter, Lavey lost out of the title by virtue of score difference. On the same night they were sunk by Slaughtneil, the Lynch’s ran up a big margin at Ballinascreen.
In the group stages of the championship, drama followed Lavey every step of the way.
After out-hurling Kevin Lynch’s they were hit with two late points from Sean and Conor Kelly and went home with their tail between their legs.
On the final game, they were pegged back by Swatragh in a game they were in control and looked in danger of losing at home until a scrappy Ciaran Hendry goal squirmed across the line to force the draw that took them into semi-finals on score difference.
In Bradley’s absence, Ryan Mulholland, Ryan McGill and Ciaran Hendry have carried the scoring burden, with Brendan Laverty and Eamon McGill key cogs in defence, behind goalkeeper Michael Taggart who is having an excellent season.
Lavey have shown signs of promise this season, but Slaughtneil will be fancied to take another step in their bid for a ninth successive title.
