Homers in Junior Cup semi-final action on Monday

The Ballymena Saturday Morning League champions take on Fermanagh side Lisnarick in the semi-final at Dungannon Swifts’ Stangmore Park ground (7.45pm). Victory would book a return to the final for the Harryville side, who were beaten by Strathroy Harps in last year’s May Day decider. Homers are having a magnificent season as they have beaten every team they have played this season in competitive matches. Domestically, they have won the firmus energy Top Four Cup, County Antrim Post O’Kane Cup and are undefeated in the League which up to now is a tremendous achievement. Their path to the Coca Cola Junior Cup Semi Final is as follows: Round 1 - Harryville Homers 2, Ballybogey 1 (AET) Round 2 - Dollingstown Res 0, Harryville Homers 4 Round 3 - Maghera Strollers 2, Harryville Homers 6 Round 4 - Harryville Homers 9, Coagh United Res 0 Round 5 - Harryville Homers 5, Erne Rovers 0 Round 6 - Harryville Homers 5, Silverwood United 2 (AET). Manager Robert Duddy has built a strong panel this season and there are two capable players for every position. The pick of these players start, with goalkeeper Ryan Martin who was Homers’ hero in last season’s Junior Cup Semi Final when he saved a penalty to help put them through. The two main centre backs are Ian Russell and David Gibson who let very little get through. Homers use their full backs to attack as well as defend and in Ricky Nicholl and Ryan Stewart they have players to support the midfield. Ricky’s brother David Nicholl has strengthened the Homers midfield this season and along with Darren Campbell who chips in with goals from midfield they create the chances for the potent strike force. Thirty Junior Cup goals have been scored by Homers this season with main goal scorers Paul McNeill Alan Rainey and Gary Bonnes and when they are not playing, Jason Logan and Jasin Magill have contributed with goals also.