Intriguing final expected as local sides aim for Ironside Cup glory

But, I do not believe it is as clear cut as many think for South Antrim won the blue riband trophy of the League, the Ironside Cup back in the 2009-10 season and they did it against the odds.

Braniel YM were strong favourites in that final but South in the end were deserved winners and surely this will give them a boost for their second appearance in a Boxing Day final.

But, Taughmonagh have had good runs in IFA and County Antrim junior competitions, which has meant their League progress has suffered as they fall behind on games played.

They will start as most people’s favourites but they are unlikely to take the opposition lightly and will be geared up to be at their best on the occasion.

South, on the other hand, have all to gain and nothing to lose, so they will give it a real go.

It should be an intriguing final.

How The Teams Will Line-Up

The manager’s give their thoughts on the men who will turn out in the Cup final.

Taughmonagh YM

William Cahoon. One of the old brigade, still one on the best keepers around,loves a moan

Barry Lavery. Club is lucky to have two top class keepers, he’s pushing Willy all the way

Stephen Hislop. Young defender is a class act, tells me he’s the best looking player in the team

Robert Brown. Goose has been there done it, and talked all the way through it, a rock at the back

Glenn Bingham. Must be over 50 now, great to have around the squad but the young ones are fed up listening about past glories

Gareth Hindes. Our jack of all trades master of none, can play anywhere in defence or midfield

Matthew McKinstry. Chew is an excellent leader at the back talks other boys through it, but by far the longest in the shower

Dylan Cahoon. Unlucky boy not to have played more for the first team this year, but still young, his time will come

Alan McCluskey. Sewers as he is known is a solid defender and never let’s the team down

Paul Donaldson. Captain, leader, legend, or so he keeps telling me, makes the whole team tick, missed a few games this season after a hair operation

Sammy Williamson. Another young lad who has been first class this year, keeps telling me he can’t wait to grow up

Lee Keag. Great with the ball at his feet, but don’t ask him to run as he can’t

James Bell. Never trust a man with a pony tail, but has never let the team down when called upon

Barry Bloomer. Has had more clubs than Tiger Woods and Rory mac put together but still a class apart at any level of football

Paul Hill. Always seems to score in big games, pace to burn but like a bobsleigh he has no brakes

Jay Nicholson. If Jay was any more laid back he would fall over, a powerful shot and great trickery

Curtis Moorehead. Managers pet, never off the phone to me, my wife is getting worried, a real match winner on his day

Robbie Hoy. Everything I was told I would get from Robbie. I have got the opposite, work rate attitude and goals has been outstanding.

South Antrim FC

Dominic Heron. GK, former Hillsborough Boys keeper, matured really well this season, great shot stopper as well as becoming smart between the posts.

Peter Boyland. RB, the “quiet giant” goes about doing what he has to do with no frills!