Derg make final push for cup glory

MUCH has changed since Dergview booked their place in the North West Senior Cup Final for the second year.

Back before the Covid pandemic led to the cancellation of most local sport, Dergview, under previous manager Ivan Sproule, booked their place in the showpiece final with impressive victories over Maiden City and Premier League opponents, Coleraine.

Since then Tommy Canning has taken over the reins from Sproule and there has also been a number of changes in terms of personnel.

This afternoon’s (Saturday) opponents Limavady United, who defeated Newbuildings, Ballinamallard United and Institute in reaching the decider, have strengthened considerably and on the back of a free-scoring pre-season many fancy the Roesiders to win promotion from the PIL to the Championship.

The Roesiders have won the trophy in the past but if Dergview are triumphant they will capture their first piece of senior silverware.

The season before last the Castlederg outfit was beaten on penalties by Ballinamallard and Canning would dearly love his players to create a wee bit of club history.

“That’s it, it is a massive occasion, a massive opportunity,” said the former Tyrone Milk Cup boss.

“It’s an opportunity for the club to win its first senior trophy.

“I’m expecting a tough battle and it’s all about which team delivers on the day. There are a lot of things to take into consideration and the challenge for my players is making sure they are in the squad come Saturday.

“Some people will see us as favourites given we are the Championship One side but that would be a false reading in my book.

“Limavady look well equipped to challenge for promotion this year while in recent seasons Dergview have been near the bottom of the Championship One.

“In pre-season they appear to have been scoring for fun. They have beaten Ards and Ballinamallard and they are going to have home advantage.

“We have massive respect for them and we’ll have to be well prepared if we are to bring the trophy home.”