Preview: A Cup Final Classic Awaits Us This Sunday

An instant classic awaits us on Sunday 22nd of May in Ferrycarrig Park…

North End United and Gorey Rangers do battle for the third time this season. Rangers have yet to taste victory against the Wexford town men this season and they will be hoping they can change that this Sunday.

North End will be aiming for another league and cup double, not to mention they also have a Leinster Final to compete in the following Sunday. In the previous two meetings between the two sides, there has been a draw in Wexford at the start of the season and a 2-1 victory for North End in Gorey just a few weeks ago.  

North End United – Road to the Final 

  • First Round – Bye 
  • Second Round – Glynn Barntown B 1-6 North End 
  • Third Round – North End 4-3 Forth Celtic 
  • Quarter Final – Wexford Bohs 1-1 North End (won 6-5 on penalties) 
  • Semi-Final – North End 2-0 Camolin Celtic @Ajax Athletic 

Gorey Rangers – Road to the Final 

  • First Round – Bye 
  • Second Round – Corach Ramblers 0-1 Gorey Rangers 
  • Third Round – Gorey Rangers 3-0 Shelburne  
  • Quarter Final – Shamrock Rovers 0-1 Gorey Rangers  
  • Semi-Final – Gorey Rangers 1-0 Courtown Hibs @Gorey Celtic 

Arguably the key area in most games but I believe in this game it will be crucial and that is the central midfield area. North End have been dropping Paul ‘Spot’ Murphy deeper this season as opposed to previous seasons. He played a crucial role in the victory in Gorey by dropping deep and spraying the ball around.

Alongside John Lester they performed well that night and they will be hoping to do the same. Rangers will be sweating on the fitness of their midfield stalwart Stephen Kinsella who was reduced to a cameo role against Courtown Hibs in the semi-final. They will need their long-time lynchpin in midfield to be at the top of his game if they want to lift the trophy in Ferrycarrig on Sunday.

Another player that appears to be struggling for fitness in the Rangers camp is top scorer, Gary Murphy, who was an unused sub against Courtown in the semi-final. Gary has led the way with over 20 goals for Rangers this season and he will be crucial in their attempts to bring the cup back to Gorey again. 

This is such a tough game to call as both contests during the season have been immensely tight affairs. I would not be surprised if this went all the way to a penalty shootout such as the quality of the teams involved. If the game lives up to its billing and hype we are in for a hell of a spectacle in Ferrycarrig Park on Sunday.  

Adam Connor

From Gorey, Adam is a columnist with Wexford Weekly with a passion for football.

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