Celtic one win from FAI Youths Cup final

FAI YOUTHS CUP SEMI-FINAL Killarney Celtic v Mervue United (Galway) Saturday, August 8 Celtic Park, Killarney at 2pm

KILLARNEY Celtic have a huge game next Saturday when they play Galway side Mervue United in the semi-final of the FAI Youths Cup.

Celtic got to the final of this national competition back in 2011 but lost to Cork City in the final. They were crowned Munster Youth Champions that year with a great 5-1 win over Waterford Bohs.

They had a tough test in the opening game defeating Killorglin 5-4.

The second round was an all Killarney affair when they met their arch rivals Athletic and they won 4-3 after extra-time.

The travelled to Galway for the third round and had a comfortable 6-1 win over Bearna Na Forbacha, before a home draw in the last 16 saw they defeat Waterford side Villa FC 3-1.

Celtic hosted Cork side Park United in the quarter final and won 2-0.

Now they face a formidable Galway side and they will have to perform to their very best if they are to win the game.

Celtic have scored a lot of goals on their way to this stage of the national competition netting 25 goals in 6 games. If they can tighten up their defence they will be in with a good chance of winning the game.

Meanwhile, Mervue also have scored a good few goals on their way to the semi-final defeating Desmond League side Broadford United 5-1 in the last 32 game. They then went on to defeat Galway side Colga FC 4-0 in the last 16.

They had a tough test in the quarter-final against strong Kilkenny side Freebooters FC and they squeezed out a narrow 1-0 victory.

Killarney Celtic face a team that has a huge pool of players at their disposal an dit will require a huge effort to win this one. However, Celtic Park has proved to be a fortress that few teams come away with a win and Celtic will be hoping to squeeze out a win.

While Mervue will be favourites Celtic will be hoping they can make home advantage count and engineer a win against the odds.

Tralee Dynamos are the only Kerry team that has won this national competition and that was back in 1998.

SEMI-FINALS

(1) St Marys FC (Cork) or Bridge United (Clare) v Crumlin United (DDSL) v Douglas Hall (Cork) (2) Killarney Celtic (Kerry) v Mervue United (Galway)