Tasty derbies in Steel Cup

One stand-out local ding-dong takes place at Haslett Park, where Barn United of the Amateur League’s Division 1A welcome neighbouring 1C side Newington Rangers. There may always have been a couple of divisions between the sides, but they did meet back in 2010 in the Border Regiment Cup. In a game in which then Newington manager Sammy Smith was sent from the dugout, Barn were 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Keith Millar, Gary McKee and Chris Monteith. Rangers’ reply came courtesy of a David Steele penalty.

Elsewhere, what a battle there could be at the Diamond where the two clubs who play side by side go head-to-head. Rathfern Rangers of Division 1A go up against Rathcoole FC from the Premier Division in the Ballymena and Provincial League.

And it’s a tough Steel and Sons Cup debut for new intermediate side Castle Star who travel to Championship 1 Lisburn Distillery. Star have secured their intermediate status in the Ballymena Premier Division through sharing Taylor’s Avenue with Carrick Rangers.

Fixtures

Steel and Sons Cup

Round 1 – August 16

(ties involving local sides):

Larne Tech OB v Crewe United

Distillery v Castle Star

Barn Utd v Newington Rgrs

Newcastle v Carrick Rangers

Bangor Ams v Mossley FC

Rathfern Rgrs v Rathcoole FC

PSNI v Ballyclare Comrades

Steel and Sons Cup

Round 2 - August 30

Islandmagee v Comber Rec

Kilroot Rec v Sport & Leisure

Portaferry Rovers / Crumlin United v Larne Tech OB / Crewe United

Dromara Village v Larne

Barn United / Newington Rangers v Crumlin Star

PSNI / Ballyclare Comrades v Dundela / Rosario YC

Dunmurry Rec v Nortel

Lisburn Distillery / Castle Star v Kilmore Rec

Orangefield OB v Newcastle / Carrick Rangers

Bangor Amateurs / Mossley FC v Downpatrick / Dundonald

Ballywalter Rec v Rathfern Rangers / Rathcoole FC

Sirocco Works / Bryansburn Rangers v 18th Newtownabbey OB

Colin Valley v UUJ

Malachians v Ballynure OB