Lisnagarvey are out to win a fourth consecutive Kirk Cup title as they take on Cookstown at Shaw’s Bridge in this evening’s final.
The Hillsborough outfit have beaten Banbridge in each of the last three finals and now take on a Cookstown team looking to win the competition for the first time since the 2012/13 season.
Tonight’s clash will also be the sixth time these sides have met in the final (previously 1998/99, 2006/7, 2008/9, 2011/12 & 2012/13) with Cookstown coming out on with three wins (2006/7, 2008/9 & 2012/13) to Lisnagarvey’s two (1998/99 & 2011/12).
Both sides come into the tie in fine form and top of their respective leagues. Lisnagarvey are currently top of the EYHL having won 15 of their 16 games this campaign.
They are also the division’s top goalscorers, netting 76 goals and most recently thrashed Belfast side Annadale 7-2 on Sunday with goals from Olliver Kidd (3), John Cunningham, Daniel Nelson, Matthew Nelson and Andrew Edgar.
Meanwhile they progressed to this evening’s final with a 2-0 win over rivals Banbridge two weeks ago with goals from Daniel Nelson and youngster Tom Archbold.
Should the side win another Kirk Cup title, they will be the first side to win four in a row since Lisnagarvey themselves won five in a row between 1994/95 and 1998/99.
Opponents Cookstown also come into the fixture top of their league, leading the Men’s Premier League and on course for a second league title in a row.
The side could also be joining Lisnagarvey in the EYHL with the Mid-Ulster club in the midst of another impressive run in the EYHL 2.
Like their opponents, they also have a strong history in the competition, lifting the trophy five times this century and six times in total.
They come into tonight’s clash off the back of an impressive 5-1 away win to Kilkenny on Saturday with goals from Jack Haycock, Daniel Kerr (2) and two strikes from Greg Allen who netted his 250th 1st XI goal for the club.
Meanwhile, they reached the final with another 5-1 win, beating Annadale in the semi-finals just two weeks ago.
All spectators are welcome at this evening’s game with a gate fee of £5 for children and £8 for adults and the action set to get underway from 8pm.
PHOTO: Front Row Union