Six Cavan teams through to next round of SFAI Cup

Last weekend saw the opening round of the SFAI-Cup. This knock-out competition gives boys and girls the opportunity to meet teams from all over Ulster.

For Ballyjamesduff AFC it was a successful opening with three of the four underage teams advancing to the next round. Chairperson Larry McGinn said: “The club always likes to enter this competition. It gives the teams exposure to clubs outside the Cavan-Monaghan league.”

In the past, Ballyjamesduff have fared well in the cup with their U14s and U16s teams bringing home the Ulster trophy, and last year’s U15 reaching the final.

“We have a strong representation this year as well. Our girls’ side will start next weekend,” said Larry.

Along with a few other teams from Cavan, the Ballyjamesduff U12s lost their first match (Carrick Rovers 2-5), but they have another chance in the shield competition. The SFAI Cup set-up is not only aimed at giving all players game-time, but also accommodating their skill level. Ballyhaise Celtic U12 will move into the shield competition after Drumbar United won 2-0.

In the U13 division, Ballyjamesduff AFC won 4-3 in extra time against Monaghan United after Rian and Elio scored brilliantly for their team.

Kingscourt Harps scored 7 goals against Erne Wanderers (7-3). Cootehill Harps Red narrowly lost out against Clones (2-3); so did Cootehill Harps White against Blayney Rovers (3-4).

Cappry Rovers made the trip down from Donegal to Cavan Town, where they met the Shamrocks in the U14s knock-out round. Unfortunately for the home side, Cappry Rovers were too strong on the day and have advanced to the next round after winning 4-0. Moville, another Donegal team, were met by Kingscourt, which the Harps decided 3-0 in their favour. Cootehill won 3-1 over Blayney. Ballyhaise were beaten away at Illistrin FC (2-4), but Ballyjamesduff are going to the next stage after beating Milford in a “nail biting finish” with the match going to penalties. Coach Steven Nulty described it as an “evenly matched game with great excitement”. The deciding moments were then defined by goalkeeper Flynn Atcheson, who saved two penalties in the shoot-out.

Ballyjamesduff’s U15 team won against Blayney Rovers 4-2 while Cavan Celtic were defeated by Cockhill Celtic (0-4). Kingscourt Harps welcomed Aileach FC to their new grounds and sent them home with a 3-1 defeat.