Sunday the 18th of May is a big day for the Dundalk FC U-14 girl’s squad as they take on Albion Rovers in a cup final fixture at United Park, Drogheda. The Dundalk side gave very impressive performances in the two-leg semi-final against Slane Wanderers earlier in the season. A 6-3 win at home followed by another comfortable victory in Slane earned the girls their worthy place in Sunday’s final. But it is going to be a challenge for the Dundalk girls as their cup final opponents Albion Rovers beat them 3-0 in a play-off game held in Ardee last Sunday to confirm which of the two sides would finish as runners-up in the league. Speaking to Team Coach Andy Lennon after last night’s training session he assured, “The girls are very confident going into the cup final on Sunday. We have put last week’s league defeat behind us and are now focused on the cup game. The squad is putting a huge effort in this week and we have increased our training sessions from two to four ahead of the big game on Sunday”.
While admitting that it would be an extra sweet victory to beat Albion Rovers considering Dundalk’s recent league defeat to them, Andy praised the opposition. “Albion are a good side and will give us a tough game. It is always a good game when we play them. I have a lot of admiration for them as they have built up a very good structure at the club. I am sure the cup final will bring the best out of both squads”.
This will be the second time in his career that Andy brings a team to a cup final and he is in no doubt that it is a big day for himself, the girls and Dundalk FC. “Sunday is already a great day for Dundalk Football Club as a whole, with the Youths side and our squad both playing in cup finals. Our team have played together since U-12 and I would love to win the match for the girls and the club. All of my players deserve it, they’ve worked really hard this season and some silverware would be a just reward”.
Whatever the outcome of the game, the team coach knows he will be very proud of his squad when they take to the field on Sunday. “We’ve developed a saying that win loose or draw, we do it together. Hopefully the cup final goes our way on the day. We are certainly putting in all of the hard work and effort required to be victorious”.
The cup final takes place in United Park, Drogheda on Sunday with a 12 o’clock kick-off. The DFC Trust and all at Dundalk FC wish the girls the very best of luck for the game and hope it will be a memorable occasion for them all. |
