THE FINAL place in the quarter-finals of the Clubman Shirts League Cup is on the line this evening in Castle Park, where Buncrana Hearts host Culdaff FC (kick-off 6.45pm).
Culdaff need only a draw to advance into the last eight, but it’s a game the home side have to win.
Buncrana are still on the lookout for a new manager, but have shown moments of promise so far in their opening two League Cup games.
This game was originally pencilled in for Friday night, but had to be refixed because of a bereavement in the Buncrana club, which also forced the cancellation of Sunday’s Jackie Crossan Premier Division game against champions Glengad United.
Buncrana lost on the opening night 2-1 against Aileach – who have already qualified for the quarter-finals – but bounced back to overcome Illies 4-2 with Liam McCarron, Stephen McHugh, Declan Fullerton and Adam Duffy on the mark.
[adrotate group=”38″]Gary Duffy is in interim charge of the Hearts, who face a Culdaff side smarting from a heavy 5-1 League loss at Clonmany Shamrocks on Sunday when Jamie Coyle (2), Aidan Friel, Jason Devlin and Michael Devlin had Clonmany toasting a big win.
It was their first defeat of the new season. After Brendan Fildara’s brace earned a 2-2 draw against Illies, Paul McLaughlin and Brendan Fildara netted in a 2-1 win over Aileach.
It promises to be a close-run thing this evening in Buncrana.
Already, Cockhill Youths, Rasheney, Clonmany Shamrocks, Glengad United, Aileach, Dunree and Carn have qualified for the quarter-finals.