Killen host Donemana in north Tyrone clash

A TOTAL of 18 teams from the Fermanagh and Western League will bid for a place in the third round of the fonaCAB Irish Junior Cup this weekend.

Among them twice winners Strathroy Harps who host Newry Celtic in what promises to be an intriguing tussle at Strathroy Road.

Celtic are third in the Carbane League Premier Division and are unbeaten after their opening six games following three draws and three wins. Last time out they defeated Dunnaman FC 5-1 with Caolan Gray helping himself to a sparkling hat-trick.

Harps have also enjoyed a positive start to the new season under Benny Boyle although the manager will be hoping that the 4-0 defeat at Killen Rangers last weekend is nothing more than a bump on the road. Strathroy are currently sitting third in Division One of the Fermanagh and Western having won five, drawn two and lost two of their opening nine games.

Among the other ties to catch the eye is the meeting of Killen Rangers and Donemana at the Village Ground.

Following a sticky start to the season, Allister Sproule and Jason Stronge’s team appear to be on the up and last weekend a hat-trick by Scott Sproule, who along with Darren Long scored wonder strikes apiece from near the halfway line, moved them up to fifth after a deserved victory over Strathroy Harps.

Donemana play in the North West Premier division and so far have enjoyed mixed fortunes. They have won two of their last four games against Lisahally and BBOB Londonderry, who they defeated 5-3 last weekend.

Striker Levi Dougherty scored four times in that away game and he is someone Killen will have to keep close tabs on. The in-form striker has netted 10 times in those last four games.

Likewise the visitors will have to nullify the threat of Jordan Orr who has been avergaing a goal a game since the start of the sesaon.

All ties kick-off at 1.30pm.