This weekend will see Freebooters and old rivals Evergreen battle it out in the FAI Junior Cup fifth round with a straight knock out for the losing team. Seanie Doyle’s side and John Maclean’s team will go head to head in Evergreen’s grounds at the Kells Road at 12 noon on Sunday.
These two teams are known for their rivalry and stunning displays of soccer so it will make great viewing. Speaking to the Kilkenny Advertiser Evergreen’s Manager John Maclean was confident of a good show for this Sunday’s local derby.
“We have been training hard, even over the Christmas," he said. "Thankfully we are without injuries and I’m hoping Graham O’Flaherty will be back in action for us."
However Maclean is well aware of the rivalry between these two teams.
"It is always tight between us and ‘Booters," he said. "It’s never an easy game and it will be hard-fought this Sunday. Not only that, both teams haven’t had a proper game in two or three weeks with the weather and Christmas, so it will be a real test of stamina.”
Across the city, Freebooters manager Seanie Doyle is also expecting a close game.
“It is fierce tight between the two teams, but this makes it more exciting to watch and always a nailbiting encounter,” he said.
While the rest of us took it easy over the festivities Freebooters kept going.
"We trained very hard out in Scanlon Park on the astro turf and also indoors," said Doyle. "Basically wherever was safe to train we made use of it!”
Due to the knockout nature of this competition both teams are preparing big time.
"This is the big one, everyone wants to make it to the FAI Junior Cup final," said Doyle. "It’s just unfortunate we both drew each other - now only one of us can go through."
In saying that, if all doesn’t go well for ‘Booters this weekend they have more competitions to follow.
“We still have the Leinster Junior Cup," added Doyle. "We are preparing for both games and hopefully all will go well.”
The winner of this weekend's clash will go into a draw with 32 other teams and prepare for the next round of games.
