Comrades to get Steel Cup campaign under way

BALLYCLARE Comrades begin their Steel & Sons Cup campaign this weekend with a home draw in the first round.
Stuart McClean in action for the Comrades in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Donegal Celtic. INNT 33-058-FPStuart McClean in action for the Comrades in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Donegal Celtic. INNT 33-058-FP
Stuart McClean in action for the Comrades in Saturday's 1-1 draw with Donegal Celtic. INNT 33-058-FP

Lower Maze from the Intermediate A Division of the Mid-Ulster League will provide the opposition at Dixon Park on Saturday, when Eddie Hill’s Championship 1 lads will start firm favourites.

“We might be favourites, but I can assure you that there will be no place for complacency as far as I am concerned,” Hill said.

“Last season we got to the semi-final when we were in Championship 2, so we will be wanting to go one better now that we are in Division 1.

“Maze finished near the bottom of the table last season, but I am sure that they will have strengthened their squad since then, but anyhow we will not be treating them lightly.

“We had to start the season minus five players who were under suspension and several others who were unavailable, but for this cup tie we will be back to full strength except for Gerard McAlea who will have to sit out one more game.

“However, we will be without Jonny McClurg who is in America, and won’t be back until Christmas.

“As far as Maze are concerned they will probably be regarding a visit to Dixon Park as their Cup final, so we will have to make sure that we don’t slip up on what is a potential banana skin.”

He added: “I hope we will be able to negotiate the first hurdle without too much trouble.”