Dunlewey Celtic sit a point behind leaders St.Catherines as the sides meet in a top of the table clash this Saturday.
Dunlewey have enjoyed a successful year thus far and will be looking forward to welcoming the Killybegs side to Glentornan. A win for Dunlewey would put them two points clear at a vital stage of the season.
But St.Catherine’s have also been highly impressive this year conceding just ten goals in twelve games to date, a record that is by far the best in the league. Dunlewey on the other hand have been impressive in the scoring end of the pitch, notching thirty-four goals already.
Ciaran Boyce is the man between the sticks for Dunlewey and he knows his side have a difficult task ahead. “Saturday’s match should be one of the toughest of the year with both teams flying high, but we’re only after a tough derby with Gweedore Celtic last week so we’re well prepared for a battle,” said Boyce.
The Falcarragh man who also plays Gaa for his club Cloughaneely has been in fine form this year and admits his side’s league position has been much to do with their style of play. “We’ve scored a fair few goals this season alright, from all over the pitch as well so that’s always a serious help. If the strikers aren’t on form someone else usually steps up and that’s what you need to be doing to be up challenging for promotion,” added Boyce.
Boyce is a tall keeper, with quick reflexes and safe handling to match. His name has been mentioned for saving quite a few spot-kicks over the past two years. “Ah I wouldn’t count them or anything like that, but I’ve kept a few out. I always love the challenge of them, and a shootout is better again,” he said.
The game earlier in the season finished 3-1 in favour of St. Catherines but Boyce and his teammates will look to cut out the mistakes they made that day. “I actually wasn’t up in Killybegs that day so first thing to change is the keeper hopefully haha. After that we’d hope to change the scoreline,” joked Boyce.
Dunlewey know the importance of the tie on Saturday, and understand that a victory could really kick them on for the run-in towards the end of the season. “Yeah a win on Saturday would put us back on top after dropping points last week so that’d be great. But as well as that the team only got going again last season after a year with nothing so it’d be massive to win and keep pushing for promotion which would be a great achievement,” concluded Boyce.
A massive game for both sides that could swing the title one way or another, kick-off is at 2 o’ clock with Glentornan Park, Dunlewey the venue.
