Éire Óg make the journey to Cotlandswick on Sunday believing that if they produce their best form they are in with a chance of beating St Dympnas in the opening semi-final of the Herts Football Championship (2pm throw-in). The men of Oxford, so often full of unfilled promise, have this year knuckled down to the task in hand. However, they are well aware that Dympnas are the form team having already won the John Wallace and Cahill & Hurley Cups. Notwithstanding Dympnas' successes, Oxonians are convinced their side has the ability to go all the way. But it is understandable if neutrals show hesitancy to agree as the team's motivation can sometimes be suspect. If Éire Óg win, goals are likely to be the key to that success. The Gaughan cousins, Thomas and Stephen and Liam Hastings are likely to complete the full forward line and are lethal finishers. A fascinating hour in store for followers watching the trio battle against Dympnas' likely full back line of corner backs, John and Norman Prendegast with Micheal O Kane in the middle. On the half forward line, Johnny McMann, Pierse McGlynn and Ralph Jones McMann can be relied upon to battle tenaciously to win every ball. Their battles with their Dympnas' opponents could have a vital bearing on the winning of the game. Though Éire Óg have not won the championship since 1991, the mood in the camp suggests there is a belief that the side is as good as any left in the Championship. In the opening rounds they lost by the narrowest of margins to the holders. They followed that defeat with an eight points win against St Vincents. The half back will be strong if it contains Angus Lowe, James McGlynn with George Casserley in the middle. Ryan Bartlett and Neil Conway, young in years, who have given tremendous service to Éire Óg can be relied upon to fight for every ball in front of fearless 'keeper, Ryan Davies. An Éire Óg ace is Damian Perks who if fully fit will start at midfield. Likely partner will be Christian Perks or Lee McAllister and the Dympnas' pair will need to be on top of their form to contain Perks. When the final whistle is blown we may well have witnessed the game of the season. Éire Óg selection: Ryan Davies, Ryan Bartlett, Neil Conway, Will Prendegast, Angus Love, George Casserley, James McGlynn. Damian Perks, Lee McAllister, Christian Perks, Ralph Jones, Johnny McMann, Piers McGlynn, Thomas Gaughan, Stephen Gaughan, Liam Hastings, Kieran Folan, Calum Conlon, Dale Flanagan, Joseph Burns, Del McCoveney, Andrew McGowan, Darren Cuddy, Patrick Folan, Andrew McMann, Colin Ryan, John Falun. Tweet

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