Donald’s men will have to give it some Welly against Rathfriland

Kick-off for the 2015-16 Northern Amateur League season may still be a few weeks away but the draw for the Border Regiment Cup has already been made.
Welly Rec boss Stephen Donald.Welly Rec boss Stephen Donald.
Welly Rec boss Stephen Donald.

Stephen Donald, the last manager to lead a local side to a the final of the competition when Islandmagee lost to Crumlin Star in 2011, will take Wellington Rec to Rathfriland Rangers in round one.

It will be a tough opener for Donald’s Division 1B side, up against the men from Iveagh Park.

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Elsewhere, new Islandmagee boss Davy Rollo has an even more formidable task, after the Wilbourne Park men were paired with Premier Division champions Ards Rangers at Drome Park.

There could be a couple of close encounters where two 1A clubs entertain Premier Division opposition. Larne Tech Old Boys could fancy their chances at home to Shankill United, as will Barn United at Haslett Park against Malachians.

UUJ, who tumbled out of 1A last season, are up against it with Premier Division outfit Crumlin Star the visitors to the Factory Grounds.

The draw has also thrown up three all-1C clashes for local sides. 18th Newtownabbey Old Boys entertain Shorts at Cloyne Crescent, Mossley FC are at home to Downshire Young Men, and Newington Rangers face a trip to Holywood FC.

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There’s also familiar opposition for Rathfern Rangers who meet 1b stablemates Ballywalter Rec at The Diamond.

Border Regiment Cup R1 (East Antrim clubs): Rathfern Rgrs v Ballywalter Rec; Rathfriland Rgrs v Wellington Rec; Ards Rangers v Islandmagee; Mossley FC v Downshire YM; Larne Tech OB v Shankill United; 18th Newtownabbey OB v Shorts; Barn United v Malachians; UUJ v Crumlin Star; Holywood FC v Newington Rangers. The matches are scheduled to be played on Saturday, September 5.

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