Following yesterday's fantastic Irish Cup success, Glentoran are immediately seeking more Irish Cup glory in the form of their U14 and U15 sides.
Glentoran U14s have been one of the most successful teams in recent years, winning the NIBFA Cup back to back in 2012 and 2013 and last summer came second in the European Cup in Berlin. They seek another victory tomorrow, no doubt looking back to the fantastic comeback in their quarter final in March as the high point in their road to the final. Playing against Crusaders at Mullusk injuries and trials meant 3 U13 players were called into their squad and despite being 2-0 down, Oisin Barr from the U13s made himself a hero grabbing a late winner.
In the semi-final, one of Glentoran Academy's brightest stars Ethan Galbraith took centre stage scoring an incredible 5 times against Coleraine in a 5-3 victory after extra time.
For the U15s, they have had a fantastic season to this point and a League and Cup double are both very much up for grabs as the season enters the business end. Their cup run hasn't thrown up too many close encouters as they have performed fantastically in each game making light work of Lisburn Distillery (3-1), Ballymena Utd (3-0), Ards Rangers (10-0), Donegal Celtic (2-0) and Dungannon Swifts (3-1) en route to the semi final.
Their semi-final played at Solitude last month was against a strong St Oliver Plunkett side and a tigher affair was expected. The U15s showed their class though in a fantastic performance, running out comfortable 3-0 winners. Paul O'Neill, Callum Carson and Ben Redpath scored the goals on the night that sent them through to the Final.
Both sides have the toughest side in their age group left to overcome still though! The U14s face Cliftonville a side they have tussled with in many close games in the last 12 months. As for the U15s, its a Belfast Big Two Cup Final against Linfield! Both games will be played at Cookstown's Mid Ulster Sports Arena tomorrow Mayday, Monday 4th May.
U15s: Glentoran v Linfield Kick Off- 11.30am
U14s: Glentoran v Cliftonville Kick Off- 3.30pm
Glentoran Football Club would like to wish all players and coaches best of luck for the Final. The boys will be having their breakfast at the Park Avenue Hotel tomorrow before leaving for Cookstown and there will be a guest appearance from a certain other Irish Cup draped in red, green and black ribbons for the boys to seek inspiration from.
Good luck to everyone involved! COYG