McLaughlin tips Buncrana Hearts to hold off Cockhill in Inishowen League title race

A huge crowd is expected at Castle Park on Sunday for the final game of the Inishowen League Premier Division season when league leaders Buncrana Hearts host Cockhill Celtic, 2pm.

The fixtures computer could hardly have set the scene better: Buncrana have a three-point advantage and need only to avoid defeat to reclaim the title they won in 2022-23, while reigning champions Cockhill must carve out a win to force a title play-off.

With the draw suiting Buncrana, it can't truly be described as a 'winner-takes-all' clash, but that's the vibe that former Greencastle manager Pat McLaughlin is getting from this meeting of Inishowen's two top teams.

McLaughlin, who managed Greencastle to the Inishowen Premier Division title back in 2019 and again in 2022, is eagerly anticipating this Sunday's match and says it's advantage Buncrana.

“Buncrana need just a point, and I think they'll get that at least,” McLaughlin told DonegalLive. “That said, Cockhill could certainly go to Castle Park and put in a five-star performance and get the win to force a play-off. They have lots of experience of big games, even more so than Buncrana, and they can draw on that. But for me, I think Buncrana are going to do it.”

Both teams have been very solid defensively and have conceded just five goals apiece in 15 league outings, but McLaughlin is expecting goals on Sunday.

“I think there'll be plenty of chances in this game – but who will take them,” McLaughlin pondered.
“Jack Doherty [Cockhill] and Caolan Doherty [Buncrana] are good players with the ball at their feet for finding those wee through balls.

“Bart Wesolowski and Garbhan Friel are good strikers, both players are physically strong and good in the air, although I think Garbhan Friel has had a bit of a quieter season than he had last year. The two teams, when you go through them, are dogged competitors.

“Much will depend on which Cockhill team turns up. The Duffy boys [Damien and Stephen] and Jack Doherty have done great this season. Buncrana are good at the centre of the park too, with Calvin Gallagher and Eoin Murphy. Caolan Doherty has good feet and a good footballing brain in the ten role. That's going to be a massive battle in the centre of park.

“Cockhill are very direct and like to move the ball forward quickly, but they can't afford to give away possession on Sunday, or to give away stupid free kicks. Buncrana will punish them if they do that. They're a big team and good off set pieces.”

Terence Moyne, arguably Inishowen's top match official, will take charge of the game, just as he did in Cockhill's 2-1 win over Buncrana in the reverse fixture last November, and will have the experienced duo of Eamonn Doherty and Gerard O'Kane as assistant referees. McLaughlin says Moyne won't take any nonsense from either team.

“Terence Moyne is refereeing and that's good,” he said. “He's a top class referee and will take no s**t and it's important he lays down his marker from the very start.”

While a draw will be enough for the Hearts to win back the title, Pat McLaughlin doesn't think Buncrana manager Gary Duffy will deviate from the approach that has seen his side win 14 of their 15 games this season and scoring almost 60 goals in the process.

“I think Gary Duffy will have Buncrana play to their normal game,” he said. “They won't set up to play for the draw. Sure, they'll have their tactics and certain players will be given specific roles. They'll want to keep it tight and not give away chances.
“And both sides will have to be careful not to give away stupid free kicks. If either of them do that outside their box, they could be punished.

“Lee McColgan scored a humdinger of a free-kick against Aileach in the cup semi-final last week. He's a real threat, dangerous from corners and free kicks.

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“I think Harry Doherty is probably a wee bit better than his opposite number, and I think Cockhill will pump high balls on top of Taylor Clarke to test him on Sunday. There's talent in both teams, and both sides will know what they have to do.”

Sunday's game at Castle Park has a 2pm kick-off, and with the league title up for grabs McLaughlin says the interest in the match goes far beyond the two clubs and their supporters.

“It's a local derby, the game that may decide the league and there'll be a huge crowd at it – as well as a good number of neutrals,” he said. “There's been a right bit of needle between Buncrana and Cockhill in different matches. But we're all hoping to see a good game with the best team coming out on top. If Cockhill win and the play-off goes to Maginn, the Inishowen League will get a nice gate for that,” he laughed. “I've good time for both Gary Duffy and Gavin Cullen and I wish the best for both them – may the best team win.”