Loughgall out to end the season with silverware in grand final

The final fixture of the campaign presents Loughgall with an opportunity to increase the tally of Bob Radcliffe Cup final wins to lucky 13.

The holders’ defence of the knockout prize was originally planned to take place on Boxing Day but match officials opted to postpone the traditional festive showpiece.

The rescheduled date is expected to attract a bumper crowd under the floodlights as winners of the past two finals line out in pursuit of glory.

“It is a great competition and I have experienced losing to Loughgall in the final with Coagh but then also beating Banbridge Town,” said Loughgall coach Steven Hawe. “Our season dropped off after losing to Glenavon in the Irish Cup quarter-finals but this Armagh City match offers a wonderful opportunity to end the campaign with a trophy.

“We are expecting a big crowd for the last match.”

Loughgall face Armagh having recorded just two wins from nine fixtures since defeat to Glenavon. However, Hawe remains confident the high stakes will produce an enhanced performance.

“Everything probably dipped after the Glenavon match and that can happen to any side, plus injuries, suspensions and unavailability took a toll,” said Hawe. “We maybe do not have the depth required for consistency across the league but can boast a string of individuals capable of turning any game.”

Kick-off at Lakeview Park will be 7.30.

Loughgall Youth under 13s had Chris Lindsay and Stuart Emerson on target in the defeat by Lisburn Youth to complete this season’s programme.

LOUGHGALL YOUTH: Jamie Berry, Ben Gibbons, Ethan Adamson, Jamie Marsh, Bobby McKinney, Andrew Bond, Adam Neill, James Ballantine, Peter Spence, Chris Lindsay, Sam Kerr, Stuart Emerson, Jacob Richardson.