DDYFA set for exciting day of cup final action

SUNDAY sees the start of the DDYFA cup finals as Dundee West U/14 take on Kirrie Thistle in the Dundee West Anniversary Cup and Ferry Athletic U/19 reignite their rivalry with Forfar West End in the G Kerr Cup.

Kirrie came out on top when the sides met in the DS Rennie League in September with a 3-2 win at Charlotte Street but Dundee West have only lost twice since then.

West manager Ross Forbes expects another tight game when the sides meet on Sunday.

“The Kirriemuir game was a keenly-fought affair which they won 3-2,” he said.

“Although we lost the game, I told the boys after the final whistle they should take heart from the way they performed. I thought we were unfortunate to come away with a defeat.”

Kirrie boss Chris Kettles is also anticipating a close final.

He said: “I was very impressed by them and remember thinking at the time they’ll challenge for the league this year.

“I fully expect a very tough game but with good players in both teams it makes for a great game.”

Dundee West came from behind to beat Forfar Boys on penalties in the quarter-final before a 6-1 win over Montrose sealed their place in the final. Kirrie saw off Ferry Athletic and Celtic Boys.

The second final of the day sees a repeat of last season’s Peter MacAvoy Cup showpiece as Ferry Athletic U/19 take on Forfar West End.

Forfar lifted the cup last season after a dramatic late equaliser from Kieran Crighton forced a penalty shoot-out they went on to win.

Ferry’s road to the final started with a 6-2 win over Kirrie Thistle, which was followed by a 5-3 win over Fairmuir in the semi, while Forfar beat Dundee West and Coupar Angus.

When the sides met in February, Ferry took the points with a 5-2 win. That was their second win of the season against Forfar but Ferry manager Stuart McCara expects a tough test.

“It’ll be an exciting final and it gives us a wee bit of confidence but anything can happen on the day and we fully expect a hard game,” he commented.

Fairmuir U/15 (tangerine) hammered Broughty Panthers 8-0 at Graham Street last time out. Sunday they take on Riverside.

Age 11 Newtyle (black and white) played DUSC in their last match. Sunday sees them take on Carnoustie.

Age 12 DUSC (tangerine) played Dundee West a fortnight ago and face them again on Sunday.

Fairmuir Violet U/19 (tangerine) beat Luncarty 5-1 a fortnight ago. They play Monifieth this weekend in the President League.

Forfar U/13 (black and blue) beat DUSC 2-1 two weeks ago. They host Brechin in the J Clenaghan League this weekend.