Harps aim to take Ballymun scalp

New Balance FAI Junior Cup 6th Round Preview

 

By Padraig Ryan

 

BT HARPS v BALLYMUN UNITED

Roscrea Road, Templemore

Sunday 13th January

Kick-off @ 2.00pm

Referee: Andy Hall

 

The FAI Junior Cup 6th round (last 32) ties take place this weekend, with NT&DL's sole remaining side BT Harps looking to extend their marvellous run in this season’s competition when they play host to Ballymun United on Sunday.

Harps have taken this season’s competition by storm, proceeding to the last 32 with victories over well-known junior sides such St John Bosco of Cork and Cahir Park of the TSDL.

However, they will have it all to do against a strong Dublin side who currently sit fourth in the hugely competitive Leinster Senior League.

Harps title challenge in the NT&DL came up short last weekend with Killavilla United claiming glory on Saturday evening but Johnny Doran’s men shook off the Christmas rust with a hard fought 3-2 win at home to a strong Nenagh Celtic side. Stefan Leahy scored twice in that game and he has been on a rich run of form in recent weeks repeatedly finding the net during a series of tough games for his side.

It’s at the other end that Harps will have to be on their toes with a much vaunted Ballymun attack looking to add to their incredible goal-scoring exploits this season. The Dublin side have managed to score 23 goals in only six games in their league and, while that sounds ominous, Harps will take heart from their own stellar defensive record this league campaign where they have conceded only 14 goals, less than any other team across the top two divisions in the NT&DL.

To read more, pick up a copy of this weeks Nenagh Guardian locally or subscribe to our e-paper to access it online each Wednesday.