GTI’s soccer team is set for its first final after a sparkling campaign in the Combined Colleges division one league. They will take on Dundalk IT next Wednesday (February 16 ) in Leixlip, Co Kildare (2pm ).
Having only entered the competition for the first time this year, the GTI team, managed by Johnny Glynn, finished top of their group, losing only a single game, before overcoming Carlow IT and two-time finalists Sallynoggin in the quarter and semi-finals respectively.
However, they are now facing the cup favourites, who are unbeaten and cruised through the latter stages comfortably. They scored a whopping 21 goals in the group stages before putting six past National College of Ireland in the quarter-final and defeating group runners up IT Blanchardstown in the semi-final 2-0.
GTI started their group C campaign with a 3-1 away win against neighbours and group rivals GMIT Castlebar in early October. This early win was followed by their first and only defeat of the campaign, going down to a strong IT Sligo B outfit 2-1 in a hard-fought contest away from home. GTI got their season back on track with a well-deserved 2-1 victory, once again away, to Athlone IT to register six points from their first three games. Level on points with South West College of Enniskillen at the top of the group, this meeting was GTI’s first home game of the season. A 3 - 0 victory put them in pole position and they wrapped up the group when overcoming NUI Maynooth 3-0 in their last game.
Players such as Conor Winn, Frank Burke, Paul Dooley, David Cullen and GTI’s player of the season, winger Donal Kelly, have all starred for the college during this campaign. Goalkeeper Winn has been consistent and reliable, and last weekend made a fine save in the penalty shoot-out to deny opponents Sallynoggin College in the semi-final in Tullamore. Midfielder Cullen has impressed with his crisp passing and tackling, while centre back Burke has been a solid, and Kelly has shown his true class as the competition has worn on.
Although Glynn was unsure of the standard at the start, he says after three or four games, he knew his side had a chance. However he knows Dundalk will be tough opponents. “They’re organised, hardworking and have two very dangerous strikers up front.”
Wednesday’s final promises to be a competitive and a tight affair. Both sides are organised and committed, and a victory would be the icing on the cake for GTI’s phenomenal first campaign in this competition.
