Champions lose opening fixture

Last season’s Premier champions Newtowne lost their opening game to old rivals Lincoln Courts. BBOB who will be there or thereabouts this season began with an impressive home win over Maghera Strollers.

The game between Greysteel and Drummond had to be abandoned.

Foyle Wanderers had a comfortable win over visitors Sion while Burndennett thrashed Roe Rovers. In the First Division Eglinton defeated Dungiven Reserves in a high scoring game, and Newbuildings Reserves had an opening day win over Claudy United while Claudy Rovers and Donemana ended all square.

In the Second Division Ballykelly thrashed near neighbours Roe Rovers Reserves, Newtowne Reserves got the better of Glendermott, Lincoln Courts Reserves won the Waterside derby against Irish Street while Caw were impressive in their win at Greysteel Reserves.

This Saturday sees six local sides involved in the first round of the Irish Junior Cup while there is one game in the Premier Division with a full programme in the other two divisions.

Irish Junior Cup

Donaghadee v Newtowne

The Limavady men were shocked by their opening day defeat and they will want to put that behind them here, they have an excellent record in this competition and will be one of the favourites to go all the way.

The home side are a bit of an unknown quantity but with home advantage they can’t be taken lightly however the Roesiders should be to strong.

Prediction Newtowne.

Hanover v Claudy United

The home side play in the Mid Ulster intermediate B league , they drew last Saturday and have won two of their four league games so they have to be favourites.

Claudy got off to a bad start going down at Newbuildings Reserves, they have most of last seasons side available but may bow out.

Prediction Hanover.

Maghera Strollers v Kilrea United

This is something of a local derby so both sides will know a lot about each other, Strollers were very poor last week and they need to show a big improvement if they are to make an impact this season, their record is good in this cup

The visitors are reportedly a big physical side who play in the Coleraine league, the home side to get a much needed win.

Prediction Maghera Strollers.

Roe Rovers v The Dons

The Roesiders struggled a bit last season and their opening day performance wasn’t to encouraging, their main aim is to stay in the top flight but they would like a run in this competition.

The visitors play in the Mid Ulster league division four not the highest standard however they scored twelve last week so they have to be respected and may be good enough to progress.

Prediction The Dons.

Sion v AFC Craigavon Reserves

The Tyrone men lost their opening game and they may struggle in this division, they have lost a number of players and are starting to rebuild and that will take time.

The visitors are yet another Mid Ulster league side but they play in the First Division , they have lost three of their opening five games but they may still be to good for the home side.

Prediction AFC Craigavon Reserves.

Aghadowey v Foyle Wanderers

The home side are reportedly a very good side at home, however they are not one of the top sides in their league but will still prove difficult to beat.

Wanderers got their season off to a winning start, they have some talented players in their side and will be a match for anyone in the Premier Division, and they may be good enough to win this one.

Prediction Foyle Wanderers.

Premier Division

Burndennett v Lincoln Courts

Both these side were impressive in their opening day victories, the home side scoring five, manager John McDaid will have his troops up for this one, they are a well organised outfit.

The Courts after losing out last season to Newtowne are determined to go one better, they like to get the ball down and play football, they may prove to strong for the Tyrone men.

Prediction Lincoln Courts.