The Championship returns on Tuesday night for the second matchday of the season, with the opening weekend already providing plenty of talking points.
Ards and Newington were among the big winners, while Glenavon and Annagh United will be looking for immediate responses after disappointing starts.
Annagh United vs Rathfriland Rangers
Annagh United could hardly have wanted a worse start to their promotion bid, suffering a heavy defeat to Newington. Ciaran McGurgan’s side will be eager to put that right and get their first points on the board.
Rathfriland face another difficult test after their late defeat to Loughgall, but any return from this trip would represent a positive result for the newly-promoted side.
Ards vs Dundela
Ards made one of the biggest statements of the opening weekend with a 3-1 win away to Glenavon.
John Bailie’s side will now look to build momentum at home, although Dundela will be determined to turn Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Moyola Park into a first victory of the season.
Institute vs Ballinamallard United
Institute could hardly have asked for a better start, securing a 1-0 win and clean sheet against Strabane.
Ballinamallard will be looking to respond after conceding a late goal to lose against Newry City. The Ducks will want to show they can bounce back quickly.
Loughgall vs Newington
Two of the weekend’s winners meet in what could be one of Tuesday’s most intriguing games.
Loughgall showed good character to come from behind against Rathfriland, while Newington produced arguably the performance of the weekend with a 4-1 demolition of Annagh.
Declan O’Hara’s side will now want to prove that result was no fluke and that they can genuinely compete near the top.
Moyola Park vs Strabane Athletic
Moyola Park impressed in their 2-2 draw with Dundela and will believe they have the quality to make an impact in the Championship.
Strabane suffered a narrow defeat to Institute but will take confidence from their record against Moyola last season, having beaten them twice.
Newry City vs Glenavon
A fascinating test for both sides.
Newry began life back in the Championship with victory and will now face one of the division’s favourites. A positive result would strengthen the belief that Stuart King’s side can do more than simply survive.
Glenavon, meanwhile, desperately need a response after their shock home defeat to Ards.
Queen’s University vs H&W Welders
Queen’s University rescued a point with a 94th-minute equaliser against Armagh City and will be satisfied to have avoided defeat.
The challenge is significantly tougher here, with H&W Welders arriving after a convincing 3-0 win over Warrenpoint Town. The visitors will be looking to make it two wins from two.
Warrenpoint Town vs Armagh City
Both sides will be searching for their first win.
Warrenpoint need to respond after their 3-0 defeat to the Welders, while Armagh will be frustrated that they could not beat Queen’s after missing a penalty and conceding a stoppage-time equaliser.
For Armagh, Tuesday provides another opportunity to get their season moving.
