Cup derby for United

Paired with Newington Rangers in the Steel and Sons Cup, Barn United have been handed another knockout derby as they travel to Larne Tech Old Boys in the first round of the Amateur League’s Border Regiment Cup.

The two clubs, both in Division 1a, are no strangers to each other and Barn’s last visit to Dennis Harvey Park ended in a 3-3 draw. Another close encounter is expected. And there is the added incentive of possibly another derby in round two – if Islandmagee can negotiate Premier Division champions Drumaness Mills at Meadowvale.

If Stephen Donald’s men are up against it, Nortel have the most favourable draw with home advantage against neighbours Kilroot Rec, - a team who haven’t won a single match in any competition for over two years.

But there will be no room for complacency: Nortel tumbled at the first hurdle in the Border last term, losing to 1b outfit, Bloomfield.

Rathfern Rangers, meanwhile, have home comfort against 1b stablemates 1st Bangor Old Boys, who lost 3-0 in their last visit to the Diamond in January. Bill Campbell’s men will travel to the winners of the Wellington Rec-Donard Hospital tie.

Newington Rangers, away to Barn in the Steel and Sons, are on their travels again with a daunting trip to Premier side Albert Foundry at Paisley Park; the winners visiting Dunmurry Rec in round two.

Garry Campbell’s Mossley are away to 1b side Sirocco Works, though this may depend on whether Sirocco’s landlords, Lisburn Distillery, have a home fixture. The winners of this one, host either Orangefield Old Boys or Downpatrick in round two.

UUJ and 18th Newtownabbey Old Boys received byes - the Jordanstown side entering the competition with a tough second-round draw away to the winners of Ards Rangers versus Lisburn Rangers tussle, while 18th travel to either Ballynahinch United or Killyleagh Youth Club.

The first-round ties are set to be played on September 6, while the second-round fixtures are scheduled for two weeks later.

Border Regiemet Cup Round One

(Ties involving local sides)

Wellington Rec v Donard Hospital; Nortel v Kilroot Red; Rathfern Rangers v 1st Bangor Old Boys; Drumaness Mills v Islandmagee; Albert Foundry v Newington Rangers; Sirocco Works v Mossley FC; Larne Tech Old Boys v Barn United