The University of Ulster’s Magee and Jordanstown campuses have both lost out on a chance to win the Collingwood Cup, being beaten in the semi-finals of the competition.
Tournament hosts Magee, suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of NUI Galway, while Jordanstown were beaten 1-0 by favourites University College Dublin.
Peter McMahon grabbed that game's only goal in the fifth minute. Matthew Quinn in goals for Jordanstown saved a penalty in the first half and despite some good attacking play, the Ulster side couldn’t find a breakthrough.
Jordanstown won the Collingwood Cup in 2008, but it was not their turn this time round. They beat DCU and QUB on their way to the last four, but just didn’t have enough to see off a strong UCD seeking to retain the silverware.
UCD face NUI Galway in the Collingwood Cup final at the Brandywell Stadium in Derry on Thursday. Kick off is 2:30pm.
Magee lost out to an impressive NUI Galway side who dominated for long periods. David Shovlin and Michael Creane both scored twice for the visitors. Derry City player Adam Clarke came off the bench to score a consolation for Magee in the dying seconds of the game.
The team’s manager, Martin McCann, said: “I’m very proud of everything that the boys have achieved. They have done well throughout the competition and it is no disgrace to be beaten in the semi-final of a competition like the Collingwood Cup. The experience is something that will stand them in good stead in the future and Magee Football Club can only go from strength to strength after this.
“We were beaten by a better team, there’s no question of that. They were just that bit sharper and physically better but I couldn’t have asked anymore from my players.
“With the Magee campus being hosts I’m just happy that everyone is having a good time and enjoying themselves and enjoying the football. It has been a great tournament and have a good final to look forward to as well.”
Collingwood Cup semi-final results:
University of Ulster Magee 1-4 NUI Galway
University of Ulster Jordanstown 0-1 UCD
Collingwood Cup fixtures: Thursday 4 March
FINAL - NUI Galway v UCD at Brandywell Stadium