Barn cup match is 'just another game', says Smith

THIS week's local 'match of the day' takes place at Haslett Park, in the Border Regiment Cup derby between Barn United of 1A and 1C neighbours Newington Rangers.

Newington manager Sammy Smith has certainly surprised a few sceptics, especially after Rangers lost most of last season's squad during the summer – but Sammy's side are still unbeaten against Amateur League opposition, with their only defeat coming at the hands of Championship 1 side Glebe Rangers back on match day one.

"I'm looking forward to it, though it's just another game," said Sammy. "I'd rather get a few league matches played; we've only played three in the league, fewer than anyone else in the division, but in saying that, it's good to be involved in the cups. At least it means your season is going to last longer.

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"When you go to Barn, you know what you're going to get up there. They had a super win on Saturday, and we'll have to keep an eye on their front two of Kane and Sharples."

Read this weekend's Amateur League preview in the Larne Times UUJ enjoyed a resounding 4-1 victory at Dundonald on Saturday, producing their best football of the season, although, as manager Fra Miskelly admitted: “Mark Dundas is unlikely to be involved and he will be badly missed, giving us so many options down that left side.”

Also in 1A, Larne Tech will be hoping to get back to winning ways, with a trip to Ballywooley Park to meet newly-promoted Bryansburn Rangers. Nortel, remember, only drew there earlier in the season.

Meanwhile, Rathfern Rangers entertain bottom-of-the-table Saintfield United at the Diamond.

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Match of the week in 1C is on Friday night when second-placed Kilroot Rec travel to Solitude to meet current leaders Crumlin Star. Rec, however, will be without Paul Gibb, Darren Moran and Jamie Sterling, all suspended, while Paul Braden and skipper David Gibb are unavailable.