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Milk Cup 2009

County Armagh Juniors celebrate winning the Slemish Trophy at this years 2009 Northern Ireland Milk Cup. Noel Lawless and Ciaron O’Hanlon sent Armagh on their way in the 2-0 victory. Slemish final Result : Co Londonderry 0 Co Armagh 2

Sponsors

O'Neills Sportswear have agreed a two year sponsorship to provide football Kits under their ONE brand for the Junior and Premiership County Armagh Teams.

Premier Team

Co Armagh premier drew 0 - 0 with Club Cantolao and Shamrock Rovers before winning 1-0 to Trudovye Rez and where unlucky to exit the Slemish semi final with a 1-0 defeat to Co.Londonderry in this years 2009 Milk cup.

The New ONE Kit Sponsors for Co. Armagh Milk Cup Teams '09

Milk Cup Venues Confirmed 30:06:09

Venues for opening games

THE venues for the opening games for both County Armagh 's Junior and Premier Milk Cup teams have been confirmed.

The Junior side start their campaign on Monday, July 27 at noon at the Riada complex in Ballymoney when they face Hull City .

The following day, July 28, the team are in action again when they face AB Copenhagen at Roe Mill, Limavady, also a noon kick off.

The Premiers start their campaign on July 27 when they face Club Cantolao at Coleraine Universty, kick off 5pm.

And the following day, July 28, the team play Shamrock Rovers at Parker Avenue , Portrush, also a 5pm kick off.

PREMIER HAVE A CHANCE TO IMPRESS 21:07:09

AFTER receiving possibly the hardest possible draw in last year's Milk Cup competition, County Armagh 's Premier team will be hoping to make an impression when the tournament kicks off on Monday.

Last year Armagh were drawn against Brazilian outfit Fluminense and Manchester United for the opening two games of the competition.

While they gave a good account of themselves against the Brazilians - only going down 2-0 to a goal six minutes from time - Armagh were defeated 4-0 by the eventual winners of the Milk Cup from Old Trafford.

Armagh did reach the final of the Dunluce Trophy last year but were defeated 2-1 by neighbours County Tyrone . This year Armagh face Peruvian outfit Club Cantolao in their opening fixture while their second match of the tournament will be against Shamrock Rovers from the Republic of Ireland . And manager Brian Houston is hoping that his players can make the most of their opportunity and shine in the prestigious competition.

“We've had a mixed build-up to the Milk Cup, but in the last few weeks a lot of things have started to come together,” said the Armagh manager.

“And in the last few warm-up games in particular, we have been creating plenty of chances so that is very encouraging.

“We have no idea what Club Cantolao will be like, they are a complete unknown to us.

“But what we do know from facing South American teams in the past is that they have players will plenty of flare and will like to run at us.

“We have a rough idea of what Shamrock Rovers will bring to the table.

“During our warm-up campaign we played three matches against Monaghan Town and I would suspect that both sides will be well matched across the pitch.

“It's a challenge for all of us, but one that we are all looking forward to.”

Only two players from the 2008 squad - Scott McCullough and Aidan Forker - are in this year's squad while several members of the Junior squad from last year have progressed to Premier level.

MORE OF THE SAME WANTED FROM JUNIORS 21:07:09

AFTER qualifying for the quarter-finals of the Milk Cup last year, County Armagh's Junior squad will be looking to at least equal that achievement in next week's competition.

Armagh recorded a comfortable 2-0 win in their opening day fixture against Clyde last year and followed this up with a more than impressive draw against Chelsea in their second game.

Indeed the Stamford Bridge outfit needed a late, late equaliser to snatch a point against an Armagh side who had bossed the game throughout.

And this year manager Gerry McKee is hoping for more of the same from his squad.

Next week Armagh open their campaign against AB Copenhagen before facing Hull City in their second match.

“Last year's performance came as a real surprise to a lot of people, not least ourselves,” said McKee.

“Our preparation last year was hampered by the weather throughout but when it came to the crunch, the players really produced the goods when it mattered.

“This year, however, we couldn't have asked for a better run into the Milk Cup.

“And in the last few weeks, in particular, the players have been gelling well as a squad and have put in some impressive performances.

“We would be expecting a tough match against Copenhagen in our opening match but, to be honest, they would be somewhat of an unknown to us.

“But we know what to expect from Hull City . We have played enough English teams over the years to know what way they will approach the game.

“The players have worked on their fitness, especially during our residential weekend in Dundalk so they are really going into the Milk Cup in the best possible condition.”

Only two players - John Grant and Luke McCullough - remain from last year's squad.

County Armagh Premier Milk Cup squads Announced

COUNTY ARMAGH MILK CUP PREMIER SQUAD 2009

COUNTY ARMAGH MILK CUP JUNIOR SQUAD 2009