The Championship heads into another weekend with plenty of intrigue at both ends of the table.
There are unbeaten sides looking to maintain their momentum, clubs searching for consistency and Rathfriland Rangers still hunting for their first point of the campaign.
Newry City vs Warrenpoint Town (Friday)
A local derby at the Newry Showgrounds, and a meeting between two sides who haven’t faced each other in a league fixture since April 2019.
Newry head into the game with confidence after last week’s 2-1 victory over Rathfriland, and Stuart King will have his side fired up for a derby.
Warrenpoint, meanwhile, need a response after defeat to Ards. There is no better opportunity than a local derby to get back to winning ways.
Annagh United vs Moyola Park
Annagh have experienced a bit of everything so far – one win, one draw and one defeat – and will see this as a game where nothing less than three points will do.
Moyola finally picked up their first win last weekend against Ballinamallard and will be keen to build some momentum. They have impressed in spells already, but this will be a major test.
Ards vs Loughgall
Perhaps the most intriguing Championship fixture of the weekend.
Ards have made an excellent start, collecting seven points from their opening three games, and have strengthened further with the addition of Michael Brammeld.
Loughgall remain unbeaten, though, and possess a hugely experienced squad. They will believe they have enough to give Ards a serious test – and potentially take all three points.
Armagh City vs Glenavon
A daunting test for Armagh City, who have collected just one point from their opening three games.
A point against Glenavon would represent a positive result, particularly given the form of the visitors.
After losing their opener to Ards, Glenavon have responded emphatically with back-to-back 4-1 victories. Michael O’Connor’s side will be looking for another convincing performance.
Ballinamallard United vs Dundela
Ballinamallard have made a mixed start and will know that turning Ferney Park into a difficult place to visit will be crucial this season.
They face a Dundela side that has somehow drawn 2-2 in all three of their opening matches.
The Duns clearly know how to score, but they will be desperate to tighten up at the back and finally turn one of those draws into a victory.
Newington vs Rathfriland Rangers
Newington have been one of the Championship’s early surprises, sitting near the top after taking seven points from their opening three games.
They will fancy their chances of adding another victory at home.
Rathfriland, however, desperately need something. Three defeats from three leaves them as the only side yet to register a point, making this a crucial fixture for the newly promoted side.
Queen’s University vs Institute
Both sides have shown enough to suggest they can compete this season, although consistency has been harder to find.
Queen’s produced an impressive victory over the Welders before losing to Newington last weekend. They will believe they can cause another upset here.
Institute have plenty of quality themselves and will arrive looking to return to winning ways.
Strabane Athletic vs H&W Welders
Strabane’s 4-1 defeat to Glenavon last weekend will have been disappointing, but they can take confidence from their impressive 3-1 victory over Moyola in Matchweek Two.
The Welders have made a decent start and will want to continue building momentum after three points against Armagh City.
On paper, this is one of the hardest games of the weekend to call.
