Clough, Homers replay O’Kane Cup final this Saturday

The O'Kane Cup final between Harryville Homers and Clough Rangers was abandoned due to a serious injury to Homers' David McWhirter.

The original meeting, two days after Christmas, was abandoned in extra time with the game scoreless after Homers player David McWhirter sustained a broken leg.

Homers go in to the final in frightening form. Since the turn of the year Robert Duddy’s side have not conceded a goal in a domestic game as they close in on a third successive title.

Goalkeepers Ryan Martin and Alex McCosh have both played a major part in that statistic and both will be hoping to get the nod for the final.

The emergence of Jason Ritchie at centre half has eased the pain of the loss of defensive stalwart David Gibson. Ryan Stewart has returned from work commitments and his return is a major boost for Homers.

In midfield Gary Baird has returned to the form of two seasons ago and he gives his side a platform to go and attack.

Darren Campbell who picked up a nasty shoulder injury in the league game against Clough will be missed by Homers but Ricky Nicholl and David Nicholl have both proved to be able replacements. Alan Rainey has again proved a major player for Homers and his pace out wide will be a constant threat for them.

Up top Gary Bonnes, Paul McNeill and Jasin Magill are all in a rich vein of form and will be hoping to fire Homers to a fifth consecutive O’Kane Cup.

Since the December final in December Clough like Homers have suffered major losses, with Colin McCaughern and Dean Magill leaving for rivals Carniny Rangers. McCaughern has been replaced in goals by Ally McIlroy who will have to be on top form if Clough can win this final.

Clough’s defence has been their strength all year with Jonathan Rice the stand out performer and he is ably aided at the back by Steven and David Gage and Jonathan McCloy.

In the engine room Adrian McDonald and Kyle McRoberts will be hoping their energy and work rate can upset Homers. Richard Dunlop and Jordan Leighton will hope to score the goals to fire Clough to the win.

There is no entrance fee but both teams and the BSML have agreed to Homers taking up a voluntary collection for the injured David McWhirter.