Irish Junior ties takecentre stage

A number of first round games in the Irish Junior cup involving local clubs were postponed until this Saturday, however two games that did take place saw an impressive Lurgan United win at Foyle Wanderers.

It was a big day for sport in Eglinton on Saturday with Jason Smyth’s homecoming the cricket team gaining promotion to Senior One next season and not to be outdone the footballers recorded a good win over Bushmills United.

In the Premier Division, BBOB were again impressive in their comfortable victory over Waterside neighbours Lincoln Courts. Newbuildings United Reserves got the better of Tullyally Colts, while Caw lost at home to Ballykelly.

In the other game in the top flight Ardmore and City Colts shared six goals and the points.

There are a number of Irish Junior Cup ties to be played this Saturday, as well as a number of league fixtures.

Irish Junior Cup

Annagh United Reserves v Ballykelly United

The home side play in the First Division of the Mid-Ulster Reserves league which wouldn’t be the strongest of leagues, however they did win last week so they will be confident.

The Kings Lane side lost their opening game of the season but bounced back last week with a win over Caw, they may be good enough to win this one.

Prediction: Ballykelly United.

BBOB v Ballyvea

The Old Boys have recruited wisely over the close season and it already looks like paying off with two victories in their opening two fixtures where they have scored seven goals.

The visitors play in the competitive Newcastle and District Premier Division so they are sure to be a useful side on present form the Old Boys should win.

Prediction: BBOB.

Belfast United v Caw

The home side are a bit of an unknown quantity, they are newcomers to this competition but with home advantage they will start as favourites.

Caw have still a number of players on the injury list and they have lost their first two games so confidence is low.

Prediction: Belfast United.

St. Patricks YM Seconds v Lincoln Courts

The Amateur League Division Three side had a good away win last Saturday, they are reportedly well organised and they are able to field a number of sides on a Saturday.

The Courts won their opening game of the season but played poorly in their defeat by BBOB last week, they will have to show a big improvement if they are to progress.

Prediction: Lincoln Courts.

Tollymore United v Ardmore

Tollymore are regulars in this cup and they have a decent record, however they have lost a couple of players from last season and that won’t help.

Damien McGee has assembled an excellent side at Ardmore with a lot of local talent getting their chance. They have got off to a decent start with a win and a draw in their opening two games.

Prediction: Ardmore.

Tullyally Colts v Magherafelt Reds

The Colts usually do well in this competition and with a home draw they will be favourites, however their management team will not have been to happy with last weeks performance and will demand more this week.

The visitors are one of a number of teams from the Magherafelt area but they wouldn’t be the best so they may bow out.

Prediction: Tullyally Colts.

York Road Loughside v Irish Street

A side that play in the competitive Ballymena and District league have to be respected, they had an impressive 3-0 away win last week and that will make them favourites.

Irish Street manager Jason Mills has had a reasonably settled side the last few seasons and sure to bring big support they will give of their best.

Prediction: York Road Loughside.