Linden set to
miss Ulster Final
TAKEN FROM BBC SPORTS
WEBSITE
Mayobridge player-manager
Mickey Linden in a major injury doubt
for next Sunday's AIB Ulster Club
Football Final against Crossmaglen.
Linden pulled his
hamstring late in the first half of
Sunday's semi-final against Carrickmore
which Mayobridge deservedly won 2-7
to 0-11.
"I know from
experience hamstrings are usually
a two-week job," said Linden.
"Hopefully our
physio can work a miracle so that
I can tog out but I'd say it's unlikely."
Benny Coulter producing
another superb display in the win
over Carrickmore and the Down and
Ireland forward is relishing next
weekend's decider.
The Down champions
will play Cross at Casement Park with
a 1400 GMT throw-in.
"It will be
a fierce battle," said Coulter.
"We have looked
up to them for the last five or six
years and are delighted to be playing
them."
Mayobridge were ahead
from start to finish against Carrickmore
although the Tyrone champions did
come storming back in the second half.
I think we won it
in the first half
Benny Coulter
The evergreen full-forward Mickey
Linden landed the first point for
the Down side after just 36 seconds
with John Quinn quickly adding a second.
Robbie Coulter converted
a couple of frees and then snapped
up the goal which game Mayobridge
a 1-05 to 0-03 advantage.
Mark Donnelly, Kevin
McNally and Brian Gormley were among
the points for Carrickmore but a Benny
Coulter goal in the second half appeared
to seal their fate.
Carrickmore fought
back in the later stages, despite
having Gormley carried off injured.
When Peter Loughran
knocked over a point the gap was down
to three but 'Bridge kept their noses
in front to book their place against
Cross.
"I think we
won it in the first half," added
Down county star Coulter, rated as
one of the best forwards in Ireland.
"The goals were
crucial. I think we went seven points
up when I got the second goal.
"They came back
well and the referee blew the whistle
at the right time for us."
