Letterkenny Rovers U-15s are Galway bound

Letterkenny Rovers U-15s travel to Knocknacarra FC in Galway this Saturday as they look to secure a place in the last 16 of the SFAI National Cup. 

Marcus Oliver’s young charges recently picked up their second trophy of  the season when they defeated Carndonagh 2-1 in the Ulster decider at Ballyare. 

Rovers had trailed their Inish counterparts early on there but goals from Padraig Murphy and Guillermo Tavares eventually turned the tide in their side’s favour. 

Oliver, his management team, players and parents will set off early at the weekend. The boss admits sourcing information on their Galway opposition has been difficult. But at this level and at this stage, that process no doubt is working both ways. 

“The Carn result was massive for us,” said Oliver. “We went behind but we battled back square by half-time. And five minutes out from the end, we managed to nab the winner. It was a brilliant team effort. 

“They were a really good side. But even when we went behind, we didn’t feel the real need to change it up as we’d been competing well. Looking ahead to this one now, we know it’s going to be another step up. 

“There is the travel logistics to it as well. But to be fair to our lads, they are excited about all of that. It’s a little bit of the unknown. I’m sure Knocknacarra are in a similar boat. We’ve tried to encourage the boys to go out and play. 

“And I’ve been very impressed and even proud of how they’ve gone about that. We have lost Adam Rogers to Finn Harps. He’ll be a miss because he was fantastic at centre back. But we’ve options and lads that will step up.

“We hit the road at 8.30 in the morning. We’ll stop off for a bite to eat ahead of what is a 3pm kickoff. Everyone is excited now as it approaches” . 

Letterkenny Rovers squad: Daniel McClafferty, Shaun Rodgers, Oisin McCarron, Sam O’ Donnell, Noah Casburn, Alex McDevitt, Blake Meredith, Cory Oliver, Padraig Murphy, Evan Hickey, Filip Duraj, Darragh Magee, Shea McFadden,  Antoni Pirch, Jason Morrow,  Temple Akpo, Guilherme Tavares, Callum McLaughlin.