NW FOOTBALL: Cup fever this weekend

In the Premier Division, leaders Lisahally drew 2-2 at Foyle Wanderers with goals from John Robertson and Mark Duffy, Stephen White and Jordan Thompson were on target for the Wanderers.

Draperstown Celtic moved into joint second after a 2-0 home win over Donemana, Dean Flanghan and Gavin Bradley were their scorers.

In the Supplementary Cup semi-final, Ardmore Reserves defeated Draperstown Celtic Reserves after a penalty shoot out.

Cup action dominates this Saturday’s programme with games in the Matt Morrison Junior Cup and also there are games in the City Cup.

Junior Cup

Ardmore v Lisahally

What a cracker this should be, the home side have dropped down the league table but they are still involved in both cup competitions and manager Damien McGee still fancies his teams chances of a clean sweep of trophies.

Lisahally dropped two points in last Saturday’s draw at Foyle Wanderers but they still played well, they have good players throughout their side with Mark Duffy playing superbly, this may need extra time.

Prediction: Ardmore.

Heights v Donemana

The Coleraine side have a decent record in this competition and are one of the favourites to go all the way, they are having a good season but it has been a while since they won silverware.

Donemana after a number of good performances have gone off the rails a bit in recent games which has brought defeats, however with the players at their disposal they will bounce back this might be their day.

Prediction: Donemana.

Institute U20 v Magherafelt Sky Blues Res

Sean Friars has this young side flying at the minute.

Only a a few weeks ago they had an impressive 3-1 win on the road to knock the much faniced Enniskillen Santos out of the Irish Junior Cup.

Last weekend Magherafelt had a convincing 4-1 derby win over Maghera Strollers, thanks to a hat-trick from Gareth Quinn.

Prediction: Institute U20.

City Cup

Newbuildings United Res v Ballykelly

It’s First Division verses Second in this one.

The young Newbuildings side had an excellent 4-3 win at second in the table Roe Rovers last week coming from two goals down a result that moves them into third spot.

Ballykelly are having one of their best seasons

for quite a while they sit proudly at the top of the table and had a big win over premier side BBOB in the City Cup last Saturday they might get another result here.

Prediction: Ballykelly.

Caw v Foyle Wanderers

The Nelson Drive men played a friendly last week and defeated Premier side Tullyally, they are a well organised outfit who are going all out for promotion and they are on course to do just that.

Wanderers played well in their game with Lisahally last Saturday and now with almost a full side available they are going to have a big say in where the trophies will be ending up this season, they should win this one.

Prediction: Foyle Wanderers.

Eglinton v Drummond

The Villagers were disappointed to only get a draw against Sion last week, they are a side that are mostly local which is good for team spirit, they will relish the chance to cause an upset.

Drummond are one of the better sides in the Premier Division and they are renowned cup specialists, they won’t underestimate their opponents but should win with goals to spare.

Prediction: Drummond.