Finn Harps U13s complete their inaugural League of Ireland season on Saturday with a National League final in Ballyare.
Harps face Dublin side Shelbourne (kick-off 3pm), who advanced after beating Longford Town in the semi-final.
Harps U13s have had an impressive season with Saturday’s final being their 25th competitive national league game this campaign.
Harps head coach, Kevin McHugh, paid testament to the dedication levels and their progression throughout the season.
“It’s not every week we have a Finn Harps squad in a national final,” he said.
“It’s just rewards for the dedication of players and parents this past 12 months, regardless of how final goes on Saturday, as coaches we are more than delighted with the progression of this group, there is a real bond and you can see they enjoy it, which is testament to our setup with Conrad, Andrew and Nichola.”
The U13s have amassed 71 League of Ireland goals this season with the side only failing to score on one occasion. Former Drumkeen United striker Sean Patton has weighed in with 20 league goals and leads the scoring charts for the Harps U13s.
McHugh is under no illusions of the strength of Saturday’s opponents Shelbourne who topped a competitive south section of the national league shield.
He said: ”Shels are a top side and no doubt favourites, but these boys have proven they can compete with the best when they reach the levels we expect.
“Unfortunately we have 3 players out with injuries and are waiting on one more.”
The final will be played at the recently-relaid Diamond Park in Ballyare (kick off 3pm) and McHugh commented on the Donegal soccer public and their great support. “It would be great to see a decent crowd turn up, as it is a national final after all on our door step”
Finn Harps Under-13 Squad (previous club in brackets):
Killian Hagan (Milford United)
Shane Adair (Foyle Harps)
Mark Doherty (Clonmany Shamrocks)
Ciaran Cassidy (Kilmacrennan Celtic)
Darragh Coyle (Aileach FC)
Ciaran O’Kane (Carndonagh FC)
Shane Ellison (Bonagee United)
Liam Carlin (Ballybofey United)
Martin Coyle (Gweedore Celtic)
Darragh O’Doherty (Mulroy Academy)
James McAteer (Milford United)
Adam McDaid (Illistrin FC)
Conor Kelly (Letterkenny Rovers)
Luca Barrett (Bonagee United)
Tiernan McGinty (Glenea United)
Diezel Long (Clonmany Shamrocks)
Aaron McLaughlin (Mulroy Academy)
Joel Gibson (Raphoe Town)
Shaunie Bradley (Foyle Harps)
Sean Patton (Drumkeen United)
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