ULSTER SFC: Game management could swing it for Glen in local derby

Ulster SFC semi final Glen v Cargin (Antrim)
Healy Park, Omagh
Sun Nov 27 @ 1.30pm
Ref: Noel Mooney (Cavan)

Malachy O’Rourke and the Glen players wore expressions of total dejection as they shuffled into the tunnel of the Athletic Grounds. The look of defeat spoke a thousand words. 

The fact it was a semi-final they’ll never say it, but in one swing of Jerome Johnson’s devasting magic wand, their Ulster dreams and chances of getting to Croke Park lay in tatters. 

When Conor Glass kicked them into an early extra-time lead against a Kilcoo team that have made a refusal to roll over their calling card, Glen looked like eventually breaking them down. 

Then it happened. A short kick-out went wrong and Johnston was faced with a decision. A fisted point or go for the jugular? He chose the latter and his crashing shot ended Glen’s Ulster title hopes in a flash. It was only one goal, but against a team like Kilcoo it was like a 20-point lead. 

A year on and with green and gold tassels once again hanging from the lugs of John McLaughlin, Glen are back in the Ulster hunt. 

At minor and U21 level they danced a never-ending jig of joy in Ulster. Now it’s about going one better at senior level and Cargin stand in their way this weekend. 

Full back Ryan Dougan's attempted block on Ruairí Canavan went viral after the quarter final. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile.

With Conor Glass sitting deep – playing midfielder and sweeper at the same time - Ciaran McFaul was their battering ram going the other way. 

He’s not on board, but Glen haven't missed his influence too much. Cathal Mulholland’s return – after battling his way back from a litany of injuries – has given them an extra boost with Michael Warnock now their defensive general. 

Speaking after their win over Errigal Ciaran, Conleth McGuckian highlighted the value of Glen being forced to dig deep for the first time since Kilcoo last season. Their goals kept them in the game against Errigal and a devastating third quarter saw them on the way to the last four with the machine that is Ethan Doherty ticking along nicely.

The bookies will have Glen as overwhelming favourites this weekend. Their control of Derry and baring a stellar underbelly against Errigal combine to justify that tag. 

But the Ulster Club is different. Every day is an arm wrestle of county champions, with a game often decided in the final furlong, with Cargin being the perfect example. 

Cargin's Pat Shivers may prove a handful for the Glen rearguard. Pic: John McIlwaine/The Saffron Gael

Naomh Conaill have been one of the most difficult teams to beat for the best part of the last decade and Cargin’s refusal to throw in the towel left them in the game until late scores forced extra time and penalties. 

Ronan Devlin's side also needed extra time to see off Creggan and Aghagallon after clawing back an eight-point deficit against the latter in a belter of a final.

Kevin O’Boyle, James Laverty and Justin Crozier have bucket loads of experience in their defence. Their problem will be who to assign to Ethan Doherty. Getting a handle on him is vital, but it’s easier said than done given the performances that saw him shortlisted for young player of the year. 

In attack, Mick and Tomás McCann are proven footballers with Pat Shivers with 0-22 across six championship outings. Shivers will likely be picked up by Ryan Dougan who will be chomping for positive headlines after going viral when be bought Ruairi Canavan’s now world-famous dummy. 

Glen manager Malachy O'Rourke. Pic: Ben McShane/Sportsfile.

Conor Carville and Cathal Mulholland are like spring lambs after coming back from injury to play as much football on the front foot as they have on the defensive. 

This is where Cargin need to stamp their authority. Sitting off Glen only limits so much damage. They were able to keep the ball for a full three minutes before hitting their opening score against Slaughtneil in the final.

It was the same in the five minutes at the start of the second half, taking the sting out of their neighbours. Their game management is right out of the top drawer.

Kilcoo and Enniskillen Gaels sit on the other side of the draw, with the Ulster champions paired with Connacht this year when the All-Ireland series comes around.

Cargin have been the constant in Antrim with six titles from the last eight and their win over Naomh Conaill will have given the club a huge boost of confidence, but it’s hard to see Glen slipping up after Errigal having them on the edge of a cliff.