The ECAP Manx FA Cup gets underway this weekend with some potential giant killings on offer.
All cup games on Saturday kick off at 1:30pm, with defending champions Rushen travelling to St John’s to begin their defence.
Onchan will be looking to put their league form to the back of their mind as they welcome Railway Cup winners Ayre to Nivison Stadium, the O’s dug out an excellent draw in Andreas a few weeks ago, so this could well be a enticing tie.
Perhaps the most intriguing battle however is at Blackberry Lane where promotion hopefuls Old Boys will face Corinthians. The Whites have put together a good season so far with a young, energetic side playing expansive football. Old Boys have also put together a new side this season and will be hoping Jacob Stones and George Kearns can fire them to a win.
The other big chances for a Division Two side to progress over a top flight team appear to be an improved Douglas Royal welcoming Foxdale, the Miners have had a brilliant start to life back in the top flight and were seconds away from a Railway Cup spot before Christmas, but what is an FA Cup weekend without a bit of drama?
In addition, down South Castletown will welcome St Georges in what could very easily be a Division Two game next season. Town are in third in Div2, with Geordies, seven time champions, second bottom of the Premier League, making this a good chance for a famous result in the old capital.
Other ties in the first round see Ramsey welcoming Michael for a possible banana skin of a tie, Governors battle Malew and Union Mills versus Marown.
Braddan, Colby, D&D, Laxey, Peel, Pulrose, RYCOB and St Mary’s all have byes to the next round.
Leagues
Away from the FA Cup, there is are two first team league game this weekend as RYCOB look to disrupt the Braddan promotion charge as they face off in Ramsey this week.
In the Premier League Laxey face Peel as the Miners look to close the gap to the top two to within three points. Peel will also be seeing this as a chance to put breathing space between them and Ayre, though their northern rivals will have a game in hand.
Braddan will have a chance to further extend their lead over Old Boys, but will have played two games more by Saturday tea time.
Youthie’s decent season so far has them in fourth, seven points behind second placed Old Boys and eight behind Braddan. Even a win would leave a lot to do to find a way into the promotion fight, but it would certainly liven up what looks like a two horse race right now.
8 Comments