Newbridge aiming for three in a row with Magherafelt standing in their way of creating own piece of history

Two years ago Newbridge shocked a Glen team going for four in a row.

Now they are aiming to complete three in a row themselves in what is the repeat of last year’s final - won by 1-17 to 1-15 - after a superb game of football.

Magherafelt will look back on an early period of dominance in that game when they failed to capitalise and did not give Shane Heavron enough support in attack.

This will be Magherafelt’s fifth final in eight years but they have just one title to show for it.

They have the strongest looking panel of any team in the county and their time will come- but not on Sunday if Newbridge can help it!

Success at senior level is generally built on success at the under age levels but Newbridge are the exception.

Their under age football is generally played at second and third level but they keep producing enough good players to keep the seniors strong.

Families also play a big part: just look at how their present first 15 is made up.

Brothers and cousins for the most part are seen in every line.

Four Dohertys, four McGrogans, two McAteers and two Youngs leaves just three spaces for the others!

Missing from last year’s winning team will be full back Mark McGrogan and possibly Patrick McMullan who has yet to play a full championship game. He is a versatile player equally at home in defence or attack.

Maghearafelt have come through a difficult route to the final.

They have beaten Slaughtneil twice as well as Lavey.

Newbridge got a few stiff tests along the way before hammering Glen in the semi final.

It would be fair to say that Magherafelt have been the more impressive team along the way but the manner in which the ‘Bridge wiped out Glen in the second half against the breeze was nothing short of brilliant.

The Rossas’ march to the final has been built on direct football. They have a rock solid defence featuring goalie Odhran Lynch, full back James Murray, wing men Conor McCluskey and Rory Small.

Their midfield duo of Eoin McEvoy and Dan Higgins have been on top in most games. Conall Higgins is the star man in attack with Paddy McLarnon and Cormac Murphy also prominent.

The players know each other inside out through playing on school and county teams together and that will add to the intrigue of what should be a classic final.

While Conor Doherty has been impressive at midfield for the champions he has had a few different partners in the ball winning area and this is an area where McEvoy and Higgins might give the challengers the edge.

On the plus side for Newbridge Oisin Doherty has been exceptional with his free taking apart from his all round play.

Conor McAteer is a constant danger to any defence with his speed and eye for goals. It will be quite contest between him and Conor McCluskey!

There is a keen town v country rivalry between the teams so the Rossas will be anxious to get one over after last year’s agonising defeat.

The teams are so well matched that it is extremely difficult to pick a winner so a draw would not be a major surprise!