• Tough cup trip for Over 30s to Poughkeepsie
• Beyond stand in way as Rocks Women target June final
• Irish Derby in Division 1 as Celtic visit St Michaels
• Legends bid to keep winning run going

The Marth Cup champions will face their stiffest test yet in the defense of their crown when Paddy Mc Carry takes the Shamrocks Over 30s to Poughkeepsie on Sunday for a clash with top EDSL side, Germania.
The Over 30 Division champions are close to clinching a play-off semi-final but a win on Sunday would keep alive the dream of a second league and Cup double in a row.

Germania’s 5-0 win over Washingtonville in the quarters is a sign of their intent but the Rocks have been equally dominant during their march to the last four.

“Sunday’s game is without a shadow of a doubt our biggest game since last year’s State Cup final,” said Mc Carry.

“It’s a long trip up to Poughkeepsie and they are an excellent team. It won’t be an easy game but we are defending State champs and we want that trophy back. My boys will be ready come Sunday morning.

“We will travel up there with a really strong squad of 17 players. We will be missing Peter Hatzer which is a massive blow to us because he is the best left back in the Over 30s division. Big games call for big players and I have a squad full of them. We are really looking forward to Sunday.”

Another equally important showdown follows later Sunday when Beyond FC host the Shamrocks in the Women’s State Cup semi-final (East 6th St – 3pm).

Paddy Getaghty’s undefeated team can extend that impressive run in the best way possible

“A big game for us with a chance to make a State Cup final,” said Paddy Geraghty.

“We have a good squad to choose from and the ladies are looking forward to it. If we play well, we have enough quality players to get a good result.”

Meanwhile, Saturday brings the first team back to St Michaels for the first time in 2017 when Manhattan Celtic (visit the Queens venue for what should be an exciting Irish Derby (St Michaels – 8pm).

In spite of the fact that the Shamrocks have guaranteed themselves a top three finish in the Division 1 standings, coach Kevin Grogan has no interest in letting up and has targeted a win against relegation threatened Celtic.

“Winning is a habit and complacency is a disease,” he noted. “It’s important we keep trying to win and keep the momentum going. That’s why Saturday is such an important game for us.”

The Shamrocks Reserves can secure a play-off semi-final berth if they win Saturday’s 6pm opener after their 3-2 victory over Zum Schneider last night at Randall’s Island.

Darren Coleman was on the scoresheet twice in the first half after fellow top scorer Sean O’Neill opened the action with a first minute header.

John Riordan’s depleted side was hit by three second half injuries and Zum battled back with two late goals that made for a frantic finish.

“We made it tough for ourselves but we’ll take the win,” said Riordan.

“We know now that a win on Saturday will lock up fourth spot which has been our aim all season. We have a growing injury list so we will need to be utilizing our deep squad.

“Our thoughts are especially with Johnny Hayes who found out Friday that he broke his foot. It’s terrible luck for him because he had really taken his chance to shine when an opportunity came for him at center midfield. We wish him a quick recovery.”

In the other Sunday games, there will be a Legends / 1960 double header at St Michaels with Doxa’s Over 37s visiting for a 1pm kick off and struggling Metro 1 outfit Mola arriving for a 3pm appointment.

The Shamrocks Legends will look to add to their winning form and keep the pressure on leaders Manhattan Kickers and Gjoa as the regular season heads towards its culmination.

“This game against Doxa will be another challenge for us,” said player-coach Emmett Harvey.

“We know that if our lads play the way we have been playing, then it should be enjoyable and hopefully we get the right result.

“Although we are missing a few starters in John Riordain ,Brendan Donahue and Keith Buckley we have a strong squad to choose from and I know guys are ready to step up.”

And Shamrocks 1960’s game against Mola is a chance to get back to winning ways after last week’s draw at home to Lansdowne.

“We lost a couple more players to injury in Hughie and Ryan but we’ll have a strong starting eleven,” said Neil Mannion. “The gaffer might even get a run out!”