Champions look for first league victory of the season

The North West soccer season got up and running on Saturday with the opening round of league games.
Mark McKittrick pictured on the ball for Irish Street during Saturday's match against Caw. INLS3414-149KMMark McKittrick pictured on the ball for Irish Street during Saturday's match against Caw. INLS3414-149KM
Mark McKittrick pictured on the ball for Irish Street during Saturday's match against Caw. INLS3414-149KM

Last season’s champions BBOB had to settle for a point after their scoreless draw at Tullyally.

Ardmore got their campaign off to a flyer with an emphatic 3-0 win over Lincoln Courts with goals from Dee McGee, Gareth McFadden and Emmet Brown in an excellent team performance.

In the Waterside derby Caw, who have strengthened this season, got the better of Irish Street by the odd goal of five.

Caw’s scorers were Armstrong Harris and McColgan, while Farrant and Mitchell replied for Irish Street.

Foyle Wanderers, although not at full strength, had a 3-2 home win against Drummond with goals from Buchanan, Curry and an own goal. Ferris and Scott replied for the visitors. The other scheduled game between Newbuildings United Reserves and Claudy Rovers was postponed.

This Saturday there are five games in the premiership division with a full programme in both the first and second divisions.

BBOB v Newbuildings United Reserves

Don Olphert, the Old Boys manager, would have been a little disappointed to only get a share of the spoils last Saturday.

They missed a number of chances in that one with the prolific Joe McCready not on the score sheet for a change.

Newbuildings didn’t have a game last week but their new management team of Glenn Wallace and Jason Mills have a few talented youngsters like Alan Johnson, Zach Hamilton and Connor Neely in their ranks as they look to get off to a positive start.

Prediction: BBOB

Caw v Claudy Rovers

The Nelson Drive men got their season off to a winning start. Manager Paul McColgan has a good mixture of youth and experience this time round with old heads Davy Ross, Jason Hayes and Darren Craig helping the youngsters.

Claudy will be challenging for everything this season. They have quality players in the form of James Boyd, Darren Harkin and keeper John Jo McGilloway all recruited by shrewd manager Ryan McDaid.

Prediction: Claudy Rovers

Drummond v Tullyally

The Roesiders, under new managers Geoff Ferris and Davy Nelson, have a number of former players returning like the Crown brothers Roger, Bob and Richard. They also have a prolific goal scorer in Andy Ferris returning.

Tullyally got a good point last week against the reigning champions. They have goalscorers in Andy Cooke and Richard Kayne and manager Stephen Orderley has brought in a couple of decent players.

Prediction: Score draw.

Lincoln Courts v Irish Street

Both these two lost their opening games. The Courts have a number of new faces in their ranks with the likes of Michael Ross and Craig Holmes with Darren Street and Gary Thomas returning.

Irish Street’s new management team of Mark McKittrick and Glen Caldwell would have taken some positives out of their opening day defeat. They will be hoping that the return of long-term injured players will give them a lift.

Prediction: Lincoln Courts

Ardmore v Foyle Wanderers

Ardmore’s manager Dee McGee will have been delighted with his side’s performance last Saturday, especially their midfield duo of his son Dee Junior and Eddie McIntyre and they already look to be the side to beat.

Wanderers will still not be at full strength due to cricket commitments, however they looked a decent side in last week’s win. Manager Andy McClintock has a good mix of experience and youth which will make them a force to be reckoned with.

Prediction: Ardmore

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