Holders St Columb’s College and Integrated College Dungannon will contest the final of this season’s Danske Bank Schools’ Cup.
St Columb’s defeated Grosvenor Grammar and ICD edged past Ashfield Boys’ High in today’s semi-finals.
Mill Meadow in Castledawson was the venue for the clash between the cup holders from Derry-Londonderry and the boys from east Belfast.
St Columb’s, aiming to reach the final of the NISFA U18 competition for the fourth time in seven years, played some neat football throughout the last four game at the home of Moyola Park.
Jack McFeely opened the scoring for the holders, who led 1-0 at the break.
McFeely, a Northern Ireland U18 international who netted a double in last year's final, struck twice in the second half to complete his hat-trick.
A spectacular strike by Jake Seaton brought Grosvenor back into the game, however St Columb’s had the quality to see out the game and ran out deserved 3-1 winners.
St Columb's v Grosvenor GS
Integrated College Dungannon reached their first Danske Bank Schools’ Cup decider following an intense last four encounter against another east Belfast school, Ashfield Boys’ High, at The Bluebell Stadium in Lisburn.
Star man Kenny Ximenes opened the scoring for ICD against the run of play 20 minutes in. A quick counter attack down the right eventually saw the ball crossed to Ximenes and he finished with aplomb.
It didn’t take long for Ashfield to pull one back, however, thanks to a precision header from John Paul Lagan.
Lagan thought he had made it two with another powerful header shortly after but a fantastic stop from ICD goalkeeper Nathan Hunter kept his effort out.
The Tyrone side started the second half at the home of Ballymacash Rangers on the front foot with Ximenes and Liam Corr causing the Ashfield defence plenty of problems.
Ashfield’s attacking threat was spearheaded by Corey Smith whose pace was a constant threat down the right hand side.
ICD took the lead once again on 70 minutes after Liam Corr was brought down by Odhran Barr inside the area. Corr dusted himself down and sent Ashfield keeper Kai Beck the wrong way from the spot to make it 2-1.
Ashfield pressed for an equaliser in the closing stages but a resolute ICD defence managed to keep them at bay.
St Columb’s and ICD will now meet in the Danske Bank Schools’ Cup final at the National Football Stadium at Windsor Park on Tuesday 14 March.
Integrated College Dungannon v Ashfield HS
