Dundee United, Oxford United and Cockhill Celtic power into Foyle Cup semi-finals

Dundee United 2 ... Kilmacrennan 0

Scottish side Dundee United proved too strong for Kilmacrennan in this under-16 O’Neills Foyle Cup quarter-final at a very windy Leafair Park on Thursday evening.

Controlled possession and a willingness to keep running and working off the ball made first half wind advantage null and void for the Donegal team and the ‘The Tangerines’ were able to score twice.

The first of those came from a long kick out which evaded both Kilmacrennan centre backs and the inrushing Isaac Ayeni was on hand to fire home.

On the twenty-minute mark it was 2-0. Again, a ball through the centre broke free to midfielder Ryan Rutherford who watched his shot go the right side of the upright.

Kilmacrennan, playing into the wind in the second period, restricted their opponents to only a few opportunities and netminder Liam McEldowney dealt well with anything coming at him.

In fairness, the Scottish side looked in control and were happy to keep possession and see the game out.

A late chance for Kilmacrennan saw Sean Enright’s shot just go narrowly wide of the upright but its Dundee progressing to Friday’s semi-final.

U15: Oxford United See Off Fellow City Side Tristar to Progress to Quarter-Finals

Oxford United 5 ... Tristar 1

What started off as an end-to-end battle between two city teams and close rivals Tristar and Oxford United for a semi-final spot, saw the latter come away with an easy victory at the final whistle.

The opening goal came eleven minutes in when Kevin McFeeley picked up a diagonal long ball to the right. He cut inside his marker and unleashed a low shot that gave the goalkeeper no chance.

Four minutes later fellow frontman Ben McGeady won possession outside the box, turned his marker and scored from 12 yards out.

In the second half, Tristar attempted to create more chances using their wingers and were unlucky from a corner after a long-range shot brushed the crossbar.

It was Oxford talisman Ben McGeady again on the score sheet midway through the half when he collected the ball, beat two players and tapped home.

Further scores by Caleb Duffy and Alfie Deery put the game beyond Tristar who could only muster a late consolation goal in the dying seconds.

A very impressive Oxford progress to the semi-finals of this year’s tournament with a possible Derry v. Inishowen clash on Friday.

U14: Battle of the ‘Celtics’ sees Cockhill Progress after Penalties at Prehen Pitches

Cockhill Celtic 1 ... Top of the Hill Celtic 1 (Cockhill win 5-3 on penalties)

The Battle of the ‘Celtics’ at Prehen on Thursday afternoon as Top of the Hill Celtic and Inishowen neighbours Cockhill Celtic battled it out to progess in the Foyle Cup u-14 Shield.

Five minutes into this entertaining clash it was Cockhill striker Jamie Stevenson who put his side in front.

A free kick 30 yards out on the right saw the big forward rise high to head past a helpless Top of the Hill goalkeeper Liam Frazer.

Despite having the best chances of the first half, Top of the Hill Celtic couldn’t put the ball in the nets and half-time saw Cockhill still in front.

Fifteen minutes into the second half however, the Waterside men drew level. Cockhill lost possession in the middle of the park, the ball was played through to Cahir Wilson, who beat his marker before slamming low into the nets.

It was stalemate after this with penalties having to decide further progress and it was Top of the Hill who blinked first - the Inishowen team going through 5-3 on penalties.