Johnny Havlin and Ryan Gildea will clash again in the Intermediate Cup. Photo: Donna McBride
BY CHRIS MCNULTY
DRUMKEEN United and Cockhill Celtic are set for their third big game shootout in recent weeks after the Ulster Senior League’s top two sides were paired together in the second round of the FAI Umbro Intermediate Cup.
The draw was conducted by the FAI this afternoon with Drumkeen having home advantage at St Patrick’s Park for the latest chapter in what has been an epic battle between the club’s this season.
The teams were involved in a Titanic struggle for the League title, with Cockhill only confirming themselves as champions following a 3-2 win over their title rivals.
Donal O’Brien’s Cockhill took victory at home with Garbhan Friel, Malachy McDermott and Mark Moran on the mark to spark jubilant scenes amid the Inishowen side.
A week earlier, Friel netted the only goal of the game as Cockhill picked up the first piece of silverware in the double by defeating Drumkeen in the Donegal News Ulster Senior League Cup final at Dry Arch Park.
Mickey Rodgers’ Drumkeen will be aiming to gain a measure of revenge later this month. The prize for the winners is a place in the third round, the open draw with sides from the Munster and Leinster senior leagues.
A demonstration of the strength of these two teams came on Sunday in Sligo when the Ulster Senior League inter-pro XI that took to the field in the game against Munster was made up entirely of Cockhill and Drumkeen players. The USL won the tournement with Friel on the mark in a 1-0 win.
Elsewhere in the Intermediate Cup, Bonagee United host Letterkenny Rovers while Swilly Rovers have been drawn at home to Kildrum Tigers.
The second round games are pencilled in for the week ending October 27th.
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