A lasting sojourn in the FAI Intermediate Cup is all that is absent from Cockhill’s impressive CV of recent seasons.
The five-in-a-row USL League and League Cup double winners have not managed to make a big impression in this competition.
“The Intermediate is the only box that these boys have to tick,” says Cockhill boss Cullen.
“They have done everything else in Leagues and Cups. It’s the only thing we’re missing. Hopefully we can go down and get a positive result this weekend.”
Cockhill have recently lost ace striker Garbhan Friel who has emigrated to Dubai.
Cullen says: “Garbhan is a massive loss. He was having his best season and really added. We’ll miss his influence and his work rate.”
Gerry Gill has returned to the Charlie O’Donnell Sports Grounds, however.
Gill had played with his native Greencastle FC for the first part of the season, but is back in Cockhill’s squad again.
Cullen says of his addition: “Gerry is a great signing for us. We know the quality that he brings and the work rate that he has. His deliveries and his goals will be a help to us, for sure. We didn’t want to lose Gerry at the time and we were surprised we did.”
Cockhill lost to Fanad pre-Christmas for what was only their second Four Lanterns USL defeat in five years, but a 5-0 win on Sunday at Bonagee sends them to the capital in good stead.
Cullen says: “We’ll be up against a good side. They have prioritised the Cups this year and their League position is a bit false.
“They’ve beaten Bluebell, Crumlin, St Mochta’s and Sherriff in various competitions this season so they have a pedigree.”
