The squad that's bidding for Burney Cup glory

A LOOK at the Banbridge Academy squad competing in the Burney Cup final:

Andrew Mooney - Ulster U18 - Goalkeeper. An excellent ‘keeper who has made tremendous progress over the course of this season. His uncanny ability to identify the danger early and deal with it sets him apart from other ‘keepers. A great shot stopper who will no doubt be in top form for the final.

Michael Anderson - Ulster U16, Ireland U16 - Reserve goalkeeper. With Ulster and Ireland U16 caps under his belt, Michael ensures there is plenty of competition for the No.1 spot. A player with a great attitude to training, he commands his area with huge authority and has made rapid progress in the last two seasons.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Daniel MacAuley - Ulster U16 - Defender. Daniel has played in both midfield and defence this season and his recent performances at right-back have won him many plaudits. He is a committed player and an imposing presence; he will look to make the most of this occasion in his last year of school hockey.

Phillip Brown (Vice-Captain) Ulster U16, Ireland U16, Ulster U18, Ireland U18 - Defender. A key figure in the Academy side, Phillip has experienced Irish U18 hockey at European level. He is also in contention for an Ulster U21 place. His leadership at the back will be key to the Academy in the final and since this is his last year at school, he will be determined to sign-off on a high note.

Matthew Bell - Ulster U16, Ireland U16, Ulster U18 - Defender. Despite being one of the younger members of the squad, Matthew has huge responsibility placed on his shoulders playing in the centre of defence. A player with terrific close skills and an innate ability to read the game, his performances thus far have earned him an Ulster U18 place and he is in contention for Irish U18 selection.

Philip Doyle - Ulster U16, Ireland U16, Ulster U18 - Defender. His height and reach give him a distinct advantage over most players and that together with his extraordinary fitness levels make him a very daunting proposition for opposing players. A key defender in the Ulster U18 side in October, he is peaking at just the right time of the season and will have a big role to play in the final.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hugh McShane - Ulster U18 - Midfielder. Blessed with wonderful skill and balance, Hugh’s creativity on the right-hand side of midfield has enriched many an Academy performance. A player with a terrific attitude and work-rate, his performances have earned him recognition at Ulster and Ireland U18 level.

Ciaran Kelly - Ulster U16, Ireland U16, Ulster U18 - Midfielder. Ciaran’s ability to negate the threat posed by key opposition players has been vital to the Academy’s progress in this competition. Coupled with his creativity on the ball and his ability to score important goals, it is no wonder that the Academy will look to him to produce another big performance in the final.

Niall Kelly - Ulster U16, Ireland U16, Ulster U18 - Midfielder. A key member of the Academy midfield, Niall’s attacking qualities and his big-game experience will be an essential component of the Academy’s performance in the final. His work-rate and self-less running off the ball set him apart from most opposing players.

Joshua Moffett - Ulster U16, Ireland U16 - Forward. Blessed with both skill and pace in abundance, Josh has the ability to turn any game. He is one of the younger players in the squad but has matured greatly over the last few months. No doubt the opposition will attempt to keep him quiet in the final but he is an intelligent player and has learned how to use this to his advantage.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Stephen Dowds (Captain) - Ulster U16, Ireland U16, Ulster U18, Ireland U18 - Forward. An exceptional player with pace, power, strength and skill; Stephen has led by example this season. He has amassed a total of 46 goals for the Academy in 24 games and recently he has delivered matching-saving goals when under immense pressure. In this his final year he will be keen to sign-off by returning the Burney Cup to the school’s trophy cabinet.

Owen Magee - Ulster U16, Ireland U16, Ulster U18 - Forward. Still only Form 5, Owen has made superb progress this year and, whilst always a fantastic prospect, the level of consistency he has achieved in recent months has surpassed all expectations. He terrorised the Wallace defence in the quarter-final and his two reverse-stick goals displayed the kind of skills most players can only dream about.

Matthew Knox - Forward. Matthew’s contribution to the Academy’s performances this season has been significant. He is a hard-working forward who will close down defenders and force errors from opposing players. He has the ability to beat players and can make a positive input going forward as well.

Ben Cosgrove - Ulster U16 - Midfielder. The youngest member of the group, Ben’s athletic ability and appetite for the game has helped to earn him a place in the Cup Final squad. Whilst seen by most as a player for the future, those who know him best are confident that he can make his mark on the final.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Hector De Courcy-Wheeler - Defender. Hector has operated mainly as a squad player this season and has had to be patient with the lack of pitch-time. To his credit, his attitude and application in training has been exceptional and he has played extremely well when given the chance. He is an excellent man-marker and this term he has improved his game to the point that he is a serious contender for a place in the starting XI.

Michael Duggan - Ulster U16 - Defender. A player with a fantastic attitude and a real sense of responsibility, Michael is maturing into a really classy defender. Intelligence, commitment, skill and awareness are just some of the attributes he brings to the game and it surely won’t be long before he earns a regular place in the Academy back-line.

Robin Smyrl - Ulster U16, Ireland U16, Ulster U18 - Defender. Unfortunately Robin picked up a nasty ankle injury in the quarter-final and he will struggle to be fit for the final. He is a classy right-back who is capable of making incisive runs forward into the opposition 25 and if he doesn’t make the final it will be a major blow for the team. His pace, skill and intelligent play on the right-hand side of the pitch will be sorely missed.

Related topics: