By Daniel Noble
KILLYLEAGH YC manager Stephen Lindsay believes his side can go all the way in the Steel and Sons Cup after they upset the odds to beat Derriaghy CC in the round of 16.
Premier Division Derriaghy drew first blood in Saturday’s tie at the Showgrounds, opening the scoring through Nicky Napier in the 28th minute.
When many teams would have let their heads drop, Division 1B side Killyleagh dusted themselves down and hit back just four minutes later, when prodigal son Jack Sharvin, who has returned to the club after four years with Drumaness Mills, levelled the scoring.
The talismanic striker has grabbed a few headlines over the years, and he only needed another nine minutes to launch the YC into a shock lead.
In need of some of the inspiration that guided them to a league and Border Cup double last season, Derriaghy introduced substitute William Faulkner, in a move that soon paid dividends.
Fresh from the bench, Faulkner seemed struck gold, squaring the game with half an hour to play.
It was thought that the visitors would have had designs on a quarter-final spot from there, particularly with momentum in tow, but there was nothing to separate the sides at the end of both 90 minutes and extra-time.
The opportunity to stage a cup coup by way of penalties ignited fresh belief amongst the home players, and they grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Sharvin, Caolan Lennon, Sam Dinu and captain Sam Carson netted the first four spot kicks for Killyleagh, and with Lewis Higginson failing to convert for Derriaghy, Sam Kirk stepped up to fire the Whites into the last eight.
It was a momentous day for the Showgrounds club, who have a pedigree in the Steel and Sons, but it did not take Lindsay by surprise.
“It was a brilliant performance from the players. We knew it was going to be a tough tie, but we’re unbeaten this season and we’ve got a young, vibrant squad,” he said.
“It comes down to our history because we’ve been to Steel and Sons Cup finals and won it before. It’s probably the club’s biggest competition each season, and this year is no different.
“Jack Sharvin made a real difference. We spoke to him on Saturday morning and said ‘these are the games we brought you back to the club for’ and, as big players do, he stood out with his quality. He has the ability to win us the game against anyone.”
Killyleagh will carry their underdog tag into the quarter-finals, having been drawn away to a St James’ Swifts side that plays its football in the new National Conference League.
However, despite being the lowestranked team left in the competition, Lindsay is predicting his team to defy expectation once again.
“Just like the game against Derriaghy, we’ll approach the St James’ Swifts tie with an ambition to win. We’re undoubtedly second favourites again, but we’re going there expecting to win.
“We were hoping for a big draw, especially after beating Derriaghy and Willowbank in cup competitions recently, and we will go there confident of causing another shock. We’ll put on a good show, and I fully expect us to win.”
A last-eight victory would set up a clash with either defending champions Ballymacash Rangers or another NAFL Premier side, Immaculata, but the YC boss believes his side could be on course to win the Steel Cup for just the second time in their history.
“I’m confident we could go all the way this year, that’s certainly the ambition within the squad. There’s a lot of good teams left in it, but we’re one of them, and if you want to win big trophies, you have to beat the best,” Lindsay stated.
Killyleagh YC will stake their claim for a place in the final four when they travel to face St James’ Swifts at Donegal Celtic Park on Saturday, October 17.
