Thirds aiming forcup glory on Friday

Glenavon Thirds bid for cup glory on Friday night as they take on Linfield Rangers in the final of the Harry Cup Youth Cup at Mourneview Park.
Glenavon Thirds training at Lurgan Junior High. INLM1215-401Glenavon Thirds training at Lurgan Junior High. INLM1215-401
Glenavon Thirds training at Lurgan Junior High. INLM1215-401

Gary Hamilton says it is a great for the boys to be in a final.

“All our efforts in putting out a strong team in the Youth Cup has worked so far and taken the team into the final,” said Hamilton.

“It is a great occasion for them and while winning the cup would be fantastic, it is not critical.

“This will be a great experience for a young player and win or lose you can learn from the occasion. You want to go on and be involved in even bigger games and finals.

“We have a very young team compared to others and Linfield will be hard to beat, but it should be an exciting final and hopefully be played in front of a good crowd.”

Glenavon coach Pete Batey is equally impressed with the squad.

“I have been very impressed with the team this season. The average age is 16 or 17 so playing in an under 19 tournament and reaching the final is fantastic,” said Pete.

“Linfield will start as favourites and rightly so, but we have worked hard and done the basics well.

“We have goals in the team so we have a chance.

“We have not focused too much on the league, we look more at performances and getting players ready to make the move up the ladder. If it is right at the top then that filters down. Gary and his management team have been fasntasic giving the kids a chance and if there is a progression route then that attracts other players to the club.”

The game kicks-off at 7.30pm. Admission is adults £5 – concession £2.

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