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Newtownbutler v Gowna
Tue, 30 Oct 2018
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Newtownbutler v Gowna
Fresh off a pulsating preliminary round extra time victory over Donegal champions Termon, Newtownbutler First Fermanagh’s are back in action again this Saturday afternoon in the Paul McGirr U16 Club Champions Tournament as they face a Gowna team who have enjoyed a great season in Cavan this year at both U15 and U17 level. Finbarr O’Keefe and Martin McGuinness’s Newtownbutler while small in stature in many areas of the field do not lack when it comes to passion and footballing ability, this is best personified by the efforts of diminutive Ger O’Keefe who amassed 1-06 in a man of the match performance in their preliminary round success, O’Keefe and corner forward Conor Courtney will be the two men the Cavan champions will certainly have to keep tabs on. Centre back Diarmaid King and towering midfielder Sean Conlon will play a massive role in gaining a stranglehold of possession but Conlon’s midfield partner Caolan Swift is just one of a number of injury worries for Newtownbutler and manager Finbarr O’Keefe is hopeful that last Saturday’s epic battle will not take its toll on his small squad ‘Certainly our young team have gained great experience from a tough battle in the preliminary game but it was a demanding effort too. There are a few knocks to be sorted and hopefully we will have a full squad for what will be an interesting tie. The Gowna club seem to be on a high this year having a strong and prolonged championship season at senior level as well as their underage success. The First Fermanagh’s would often compete, at various youth ages with several clubs from our neighbouring county and expect Gowna to be a tenacious and skilful outfit.’
Gowna under the tutelage of Lawrence Brady will no doubt have benefitted from the advantage of having had a chance to eye up their opposition last week but they will be well aware of the difficult task they face on Saturday. Known for playing an attacking brand of football, Gowna have a potent forward line with an eye for a goal so a high scoring game is in store. Ably led by inspirational captain Ciaran Boylan the Cavan champions will be aiming to add to what had been a great season for the Cavan club. Manager Brady though is well aware they have a tough task in store ‘We are looking forward to the game on Saturday and hope to give a good account of ourselves. It will be a tough game against Newtownbutler they played very well last Saturday and have a good balance throughout their team’.
The first game of the Saturday’s double header takes place at 12:00 in Gardrum Park, Dromore and having the benefit of having one game under their belt could well give Newtownbutler the edge, the never say die attitude they showed in overcoming the Donegal champions will leave Gowna in no doubt as to the level of performance they will need to reach if they are to progress to the semi finals.
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