Martin’s men aim for O’Bryan Cup glory

Terry Martin’s side face Oakleaf Celtic in the O’Bryan Cup Final, at Wilton Park, this Saturday (KO 10.30pm) and they have a chance to cap off, what was a disappointing season particularly in the league, in fine style.

The Waterside out-fit had an impressive 4-1 success over Newton Heath in last weekend’s semi-final.

A hat-trick from Matthew Smith and a goal from Richard Lynch ensured they came out on top in extra-time, much to Martin’s delight.

“Getting to the final means a hell of a lot to this club and to me,” stated Martin. “I grew up looking to play for Drumahoe and to see boys who have plodded on all year and now reach a final, is great.

“We couldn’t get a result in the Premiership, but in this competition we have done well and I’m really pleased for my players and also really pleased for the likes of Wesley Murray, Davy Blair and Stephen Wilson who follow us every week.

“Winning is all that matters in semi-finals and it’s the same in finals, but at least you get the occasion, but we aren’t going out to make up the numbers.

“I don’t know much about Oakleaf, but to be honest I don’t think there was a better side left in the competition than Newtown Heath and we were able to sort them out, so we have nothing to fear. We’ll do our best and hopefully that’s good enough.”

One man who stood out in the semi-final win was midfielder Andrew Wilson, who Martin admits he gave the captain’s armband too prior to kick-off.

“My captain Ryan Devine pulled a hamstring during the week and he missed the semi-final and I looked at my players to see who could replace him, I decided to make Andrew Wilson skipper.

“He doesn’t open his mouth, but he deserved it and I thought the way he played on Saturday he led by example.

“He won every tackle, he was available for a pass, he broke forward from midfield, he got back in defence when he was needed, he was just unbelievable.”

Going into the final Drumahoe will be missing goal scorer Lynch, as he gets married on Friday, while Ryan Devine remains an extreme doubt with his hamstring problem, but no matter what side Martin selects he’s hoping their will be a big support at Wilton Park for his team.

“I remember winning the cup in 1993, there was probably one man and his dog at it, as the people in Drumahoe probably didn’t know we were in a final, but I’ll make sure they know this week leading up to the final. It will be a good day for the club and lets hope the people of the Drumahoe area come in and support.”