Junior Cup road begins

Ardmore one of the favourites for this seasons title won a thriller at Ballykelly by the odd goal of seven. Newly promoted Tullyally got their first point of the new campaign after drawing with City Colts, in the other game in the Premier Division Drummond and Eglinton shared the spoils.

This Saturday the first round of the Irish Junior Cup takes centre stage with a number of local clubs involved.

Donemana v Banbridge Town Res

The home side lost their opening league game last week where they conceded six goals however they were badly under strength and with the cricket season now over they should have all their players available this week.

The visitors lost by seven goals to nil last week so they have their own problems and with a big home support Donemana can win.

Prediction: Donemana.

Drummond United v Aquinas

Player manager Chris Moore was happy enough with his sides opening day draw with Eglinton, however he knows that there is room for improvement and should have a full panel to select from.

The visitors are a bit of an unknown quantity but they haven’t a great record in this competition.

Prediction: Drummond United.

Eglinton v Bushmills United

The Villagers may still not be at full strength because of cricket commitments but they are a formidable team at home, they are well organised and have mostly an all local side which can be a big help.

Bushmills play in a competitive league and are reported to be a strong physical side with a few experienced players in their line up.

Prediction: Eglinton.

Foyle Wanderers v Lurgan United

The Wanderers suffered a heavy defeat in their opening fixture and their defence will certainly have to show a big improvement from that game where they conceded six, they like a number of sides were not at full strength.

Lurgan United play in Division Three of the Mid Ulster League and last Saturday they drew away from home against one of the better sides in their division.

Prediction: Lurgan United.

Roe Rovers Res v Dollingstown Rovers

The Limavady men whose first team now play in the Intermediate league lost their opening game away at Burnfoot so they will have to play much better if they are going to progress in this competition.

Dollingstown have a decent record in this cup, they play in the Mid Ulster Reserve League First Division and drew away from home last week.

Prediction: Dollingstown Res.

Limavady Rugby Club v Dromora Village Res

The Roesiders have done well since entering North West football, they are an all local side who play with great commitment and they have a number of useful players.

The visitors first team had an excellent win in the Steel and Sons Cup last Saturday and their second string have a couple of players with first team experience in their line up, they may come out on top.

Prediction: Dromora Village Res.

Kilrea United v Churchill United

Kilrea play in the very competitive Coleraine League where they are one of the better teams, they have had a settled side over the last number of seasons where they have had a bit of success.

Churchill have got some good young players in their line up, they are also one of the better organised sides in the North West however this will be a difficult one for them.

Prediction: Kilrea United.