Old rivals Cavan and Down clash for a place in the final of this season's Dr. McKenna Cup when the sides meet in Pairc Esler, Newry on Tuesday, 22nd of January at 8pm. Despite being a mid-week game the match is sure to attract a big attendance to the newly-refurbished Newry venue. The teams will be going all-out for a place in the final against either Derry or Fermanagh who meet in the second semi-final the following night (Wednesday), 23rd of January at Healy Park in Omagh also at 8pm. Down go into Tuesday nights game on the back of two very impressive wins over Donegal and UUJ - both games played at the Newry venue - and no doubt, they will be hoping for a hat-trick of victories against a Cavan side who reserved their best form in the competition at home with wins over Monaghan and Queen's in Kingspan/Breffni Park. They went under to Antrim in a close second round game at Casement Park - a match they almost got something from in the dying minutes. Down after a sun holiday break opened their McKenna Cup campaign away to Tyrone in Healy Park, Omagh and despite matching the home side in most facets of play went down in the end due to a cutting edge in their play in front of goal. To their credit they 'turned it around' in tremendous fashion in their last two games at Newry outscoring Donegal and scoring five goals into the bargain, while in the clash with a strong UUJ side they put up an impressive 1-15 total, while conceding 0-14. Cavan will be the fresher side going into the game on Tuesday evening, as Down have played three games in a short space of time - and physically that may come against them on this occasion. However, they have the advantage of playing at home - and it does mean a lot. They seem to be getting a settled side into the bargain. Manager Ross Carr is delighted with the way his side have played in the competition. "We started the competition below-par away to Tyrone. However, to the credit of the players they 'turned it around' and now they are playing with a lot of confidence. However, the game with Cavan is another big test for what is basically a young and untried side. We are expecting another close battle, and hopefully, we can do ourselves justice on the evening.'' The Cavan side showed plenty of character and determination when defeating Queen's in deplorable weather conditions last time out in Kingspan/Breffni Park. On that occasion a number of the new players showed up well. It is expected that a few of the more experienced players may be available for to-morrow night in Newry - a game that has all the makings of an interesting clash between two sides who like to play open football. Down with home advantage will start slight favourites. However, Cavan sides down the years have always reserved their best form for clashes with the Mourne county. Hopefully, this will be the case on Tuesday night. Tweet

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