Donaghmore/Ashbourne tipped to topple Trim
On paper Donaghmore/Ashbourne’s clash with Trim in Dunsany at 4.30pm on Saturday is probably the most evenly matched SFC quarter-final pairing.
It would ultimately be a shock if either side lifted the Keegan Cup, though both have high ambitions and can produce big performances on any given day. With a place in the semi-final up for grabs, both sides will fancy their chances and neither will really see themselves as big underdogs.
In terms of style, the two teams differ considerably, especially around the middle third. Donaghmore/Ashbourne have some very good ball carriers through the middle and it is difficult to pick out a midfield duo that were more crucial to their team's progression from the group stages than Bryan Menton and Jamie Browne.
The pair have been outstanding in the campaign so far. Trim are more of a flair side and they tend to build their attacks from wide areas.
In attack, Trim have been heavily reliant on their talisman Aaron Lynch who has racked up 29 points so far which is 60% of their overall scoring tally.
Donaghmore/Ashbourne don’t have a marksman within their ranks quite as clinical as Lynch but Stephen Carton, Thomas McGovern and of course the stalwart Andy Tormey are all capable of getting on the end of moves. Creatively Zach Thornton has been a crucial player for the Moors and is also well capable of taking a score himself.
Defensively, Trim have conceded considerably more than their quarter-final opponents, but to be fair to the Moors, only Ratoath conceded less than them in the group stages.
When you take into account that they were in what proved to be the most competitive group, it is hard to argue that they have been quite a solid unit in defence.
Conor McGinley has impressed for Trim and he will most likely be tasked with containing the influence of one of Donaghmore/Ashbourne’s key forwards. When all is said and done, Timmy O’Regan’s are probably a more overall well-balanced outfit and are slightly fancied to come out on top. Verdict - Donaghmore/Ashbourne.