Ballymartle have edge

Tonight: IHC replay: Ballymartle v Milford: Ballyhooley, 7pm.

IF THIS replay is half as good as the drawn game, patrons are in for another cracker. Ballymartle looked winners early on but Milford showed their usual battling qualities to fashion a thrilling draw courtesy of Ronan’s Geary’s late point.

Another close contest is expected. Ballymartle will again be the fancied side, with Rory O’Dwyer, Dan O’Dwyer, Keith Coleman and Noel Sheehan spearheading their challenge.

Milford will be hoping John O’Brien can reproduce the same form as in the drawn match. He was a revelation at midfield but must get more help from Eoin Dillon, Michael O’Connell and Niall Geary if they are to cause an upset.

Verdict: A Ballymartle win.

Premier IFC semi-final: St Vincent’s v Clyda Rovers: Fermoy, 7.30pm

The Saints are on a roll following the victory of their junior team over St Finbarr’s in the city semi-final on Wednesday night. With their “B” team also in the final, these are indeed heady days for the Knocknaheeny club.

Victories over Newmarket and Ballinora have put Vincent’s in this semi-final and the mood in their camp is good. Their team includes county senior goalkeeper Paddy O’Shea, two members of this year’s county junior team Frank Murphy and Stephen Rea, Anthony Fenton, who was a county minor last year and Jonathan Buckley, who won an All-Ireland junior medal with the county in 2005.

However, they are up against a team who earlier this year dropped down from senior ranks but with ambitions of getting back up as quickly as possible. They displayed great form in seeing off Youghal last time out, but will have to improve on their finishing.

Former county senior Padraig Kissane is their key player. Every ball in channelled through him. Clyda are not a one man team, however, and in John O’Hanlon, Derek O’Brien, Niall O’Mullane and goalkeeper Dermot Fitzgerald they have players capable of playing in a higher grade.

Verdict: A St. Vincent’s win.