Tasty derbies in Steel Cup
One stand-out local ding-dong takes place at Haslett Park, where Barn United of the Amateur League’s Division 1A welcome neighbouring 1C side Newington Rangers. There may always have been a couple of divisions between the sides, but they did meet back in 2010 in the Border Regiment Cup. In a game in which then Newington manager Sammy Smith was sent from the dugout, Barn were 3-1 winners thanks to goals from Keith Millar, Gary McKee and Chris Monteith. Rangers’ reply came courtesy of a David Steele penalty.
Elsewhere, what a battle there could be at the Diamond where the two clubs who play side by side go head-to-head. Rathfern Rangers of Division 1A go up against Rathcoole FC from the Premier Division in the Ballymena and Provincial League.
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Hide AdAnd it’s a tough Steel and Sons Cup debut for new intermediate side Castle Star who travel to Championship 1 Lisburn Distillery. Star have secured their intermediate status in the Ballymena Premier Division through sharing Taylor’s Avenue with Carrick Rangers.
Fixtures
Steel and Sons Cup
Round 1 – August 16
(ties involving local sides):
Larne Tech OB v Crewe United
Distillery v Castle Star
Barn Utd v Newington Rgrs
Newcastle v Carrick Rangers
Bangor Ams v Mossley FC
Rathfern Rgrs v Rathcoole FC
PSNI v Ballyclare Comrades
Steel and Sons Cup
Round 2 - August 30
Islandmagee v Comber Rec
Kilroot Rec v Sport & Leisure
Portaferry Rovers / Crumlin United v Larne Tech OB / Crewe United
Dromara Village v Larne
Barn United / Newington Rangers v Crumlin Star
PSNI / Ballyclare Comrades v Dundela / Rosario YC
Dunmurry Rec v Nortel
Lisburn Distillery / Castle Star v Kilmore Rec
Orangefield OB v Newcastle / Carrick Rangers
Bangor Amateurs / Mossley FC v Downpatrick / Dundonald
Ballywalter Rec v Rathfern Rangers / Rathcoole FC
Sirocco Works / Bryansburn Rangers v 18th Newtownabbey OB
Colin Valley v UUJ
Malachians v Ballynure OB