LETTERKENNY INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY will take on Dundalk Institute of Technology in the CUFL Division 1 final at The Peace Link Complext in Clones (kick-off 1pm).
Shane Byrne’s team square up to DkIT, who are managed by Dundalk player Stephen O’Donnell and who are the only team to defeat the Letterkenny students this year.
That was back in October in the group stage when David Hand’s brace and another by Conor McDonald gave DkIT a 3-0 win at Oriel Park.
“It’ll be a completely different side that you see this week,” LyIT manager Byrne told Donegal Sport Hub.
“The Oriel Park pitch really suited Dundalk, but I’d say we’ll be much better for this one.”
Byrne has minor injury concerns over Dean Larkin and Caolan McDaid, but expetcs both to be fit.
LyIT also have a semi-final of the CFAI Umbro Cup to look forward to with a clash with favourites IT Carlow A in that competition.
Last week, goals from Paul McVeigh and his brother Brian sealed a 2-1 win over Dublin Institute of Technology in the Umbro Cup quarter-finals.
In their League semi, LyIT defeated IT Carlow B 5-4 after extra-time. Paul McVeigh (2), Larkin, Peter Doherty and Anthony Appiah netted the goals in that game.
Byrne said: “They’re going into it in good form. They’re a great bunch of lads to work with. We have a real club atmosphere there. Everyone gets on so well. And the craic is good.
“We’re looking forward to the final. It would be fantastic for the boys – and for the college – if we could win it.”
Dundalk will provide a stern test, though.
They defeated Maynooth University B in their semi-final, goals from Conor McDonald and Ciaran Cluskey-Kelly with the goals in a 2-1 win.
Dundalk player Anton Reilly and former Dundalk player McDonald are among the main players for DkIT.
Byrne is in his first campaign in charge of LyIT having taken over from Niall McGonagle.
Also the manager of Inishowen League champions and FAI Junior Cup quarter-finalists Glengad United, Byrne is enjoying the challenge.
“It’s been a big change,” he said.
“You’re basically getting a lend of players and you’re watching and worrying about how they’re getting on every weekend.
“We have access to a lot of things in the college, like video analysis, that most clubs couldn’t afford. We have people in doing nutrition and diet work with the players too.
“Paddy Gallagher is making it as professional as possible so there are a lot of positives there for us.”
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