Local clubs set for Intermediate Cup action

THE 'Road to Windsor' came to an abrupt end for most of our local Amateur League clubs in Saturday's JJB Irish Cup – but this weekend there's the potential for another cup adventure in the first round of the WKD Core Intermediate Cup.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Oct 2010, 15:10 BST
Updated 28th Oct 2010, 15:10 BST

East Antrim clubs are not known for their Intermediate Cup runs, although Larne Tech Old Boys did make it all the way to the final in 2004. Tech take on Premier Division Dunmurry Rec, with Rab Brown available after a one-match ban, as well as fellow midfielder Christopher Morton.

The Tech certainly know how to win at Ashley Park; two-goal winners there in the Steel and Sons back in August.

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Being the underdogs could well suit the Old Boys, especially with the threat of the likes of Bertie Fulton and Damien McLaughlin strong on the counter-attack. The return from injury of Martin Steele, who never seems to have a bad game no matter where he's asked to play, is an obvious bonus for Gary Smyth's side.

Wellington Rec lock horns with Harland and Wolff Welders for the third time in less than a year. The Welders were 2-1 winners in the Irish Cup at Tillysburn last December, before edging through 3-2 at Brookvale Park last month in the Steel and Sons.

Once more a tight tussle is anticipated. As Rec boss Jim Hagan admitted: "We more than matched them the last couple of times, but it depends on what sort of team we get out."

Key players Andy Bell and leading marksman Gary Barkley are missing, while Scott Cowie was in pain at the end of Saturday's tie at Rosario and could be a doubt. Coming back into consideration for the trip to Tillysburn, though, are Ryan Kane, Niall McAllister and William Wharry.

Full Amateur League preview in this week's Larne Times