Return of football after Christmas break
January 05, 2023
The action returns this weekend after the Christmas break, with the 4th Round of the Irish Junior Cup taking centre stage, along with league games in all divisions of the Fermanagh and Western Football League.
The game of the day is Castlederg United hosting holders Coalisland Athletic at Michell Park, Castlederg. In their first year of the competition the derg men have performed excellent to reach this stage of the competition and have already took the scalp of a big gun, when they beat Bessbrook United in a previous round. With a talented young squad, they are well capable of causing another upset against the east Tyrone kingpins. Elsewhere in the Junior Cup, NFC Kesh make the long track to the north coast to take on Portrush, Enniskillen Rangers travel to Belfast to take on a young but very talented Rosario YC II side. Strathroy Harps host Co Antrim side Crumlin United II and Mercer League Champions Tummery Athletic host Newry side Damolly FC. All four Division 1 sides should fancy their chances of making it through to the last 16 of the competition.
In the Fermanagh and Western Football League we are getting down to the business end of the season with all divisions finely balanced at both ends of the tables.
Enniskillen Town United lead the way in Division 1 after a great first half of the season, 7 points clear of 2nd place Enniskillen Rangers with reigning champions Tummery Athletic back in 3rd. At the bottom end of the table it looks like it will be a battle between 5 teams to decide who fills the 3 relegation spots. Enniskillen Athletic, Mountjoy United, Mountfield, Killen Rangers and Derrychara United will all be hoping for a better 2nd half of the season.
In Division 2 Irvinestown Wanderers look to be in a strong position to make a quick return to Division 1, enjoying a 7 point cushion over the chasing pack with only 6 games left. The remaining promotion spot could go to anyone off 5 teams, in this ultra competitive division. Castlederg United, Omagh Hospitals, Fintona Swifts, Orchard Farm and Augher Stars will all feel that they have the ability to clinch a promotion place. At the bottom it looks as it will be a battle between Maguiresbridge, Lisnarick and Enniskillen Galaxy for the 2 relegation spots, although Maguiresbridge will enjoy a little bit of breathing space with a 4 points advantage over Lisnarick.
Its no surprise to see Lisnaskea Rovers leading the way in Division 3 with a squad capable of challenging for Division 2 title never mind Division 3. Ardstraw look to be their main challengers for the title, having dropped down from the intermediate ranks they will be hoping there form continues into the 2nd half of the season and they clinch a promotion spot. New boys Newtownstewart United and Omagh Albion both have performed very well in their 1st season in the league and cant be ruled out of promotion yet. Dunbreen Rovers are also sitting in a strong position just a point of 2nd spot, with 8 games remaining and have the talent to push Lisnaskea Rovers/Ardstraw all the way. Drumquin United cant be ruled out wither yet, after making some good signing over the Christmas period but will nearly have to win all their remaining games to be in with a chance.
It's a 4 way battle at the top of Reserve Division 1 with only 1 point separating Enniskillen Rangers Reserves, Enniskillen Town United Reserves, Killen Rangers Reserves and Strathroy Harps Reserves. At the bottom end of the table, Magheraveely Reserves, Beragh Swifts Reserves, Mountjoy United Reserves, Dunbreen Rovers Reserves and NFC Kesh Reserves look to be all involved in a tight relegation battle for the remainder of the season.
In Reserve Division 2 it looks as it will be a 3 way fight for the two promotion spots, with Omagh Hospitals Reserves leading the way with Drumquin United Reserves in 2nd spot and Ardstraw Reserves with several games in hand in 3rd place currently. With the exception of Killen Rangers III and Orchard Farm Reserves the remaining teams in the division appear to be in a relegation battle.
Like their 1st team Irvinestown Wanderers Reserves look to be in a very strong position at the top of the table in Reserve Division 3 with all the remaining team in the division still have a chance to get the 2nd promotion spot.