The Championship table is beginning to take shape, but there remains plenty of uncertainty throughout the division. Newington continue to set the pace, while several sides are searching for consistency after contrasting starts to the campaign.
With another full programme ahead, there are some particularly interesting fixtures at both ends of the table – including a tough test for the league leaders and several sides desperate to turn their form around.
Annagh United vs Ards (Friday)
Annagh United have responded well to their opening-day defeat and are now unbeaten in their last four league matches. That run has moved them into the promotion conversation, and they will be looking to continue their momentum when Ards visit.
Ards, meanwhile, have lost their last two league games after making a positive start to the campaign. A thrilling 5-3 County Antrim Shield victory over Ballyclare Comrades on Tuesday will provide some encouragement, but John Bailie’s side need to translate that into league form.
Annagh will fancy their chances at home, but Ards have enough quality to make this an intriguing contest.
Newry City vs Armagh City (Friday)
Newry City have been anything but predictable so far this season. Their last six matches have produced a win, defeat, win, defeat, win and defeat – an alternating sequence which highlights the inconsistency of their campaign.
If Newry are serious about challenging for the Championship title, they will need to put a run of results together sooner rather than later. Armagh City, meanwhile, will be looking to pick up points wherever they can, particularly away from home.
They pushed Moyola Park all the way last weekend and only suffered defeat to a last-minute goal, demonstrating that they have the ability to compete with sides across the division.
Dundela vs Glenavon
Dundela remain without a league win and face another difficult test against a Glenavon side that has been enjoying a strong run of form.
The Duns will take confidence from Tuesday’s 5-3 County Antrim Shield victory over Queen’s University, although conceding three goals once again highlights an issue that needs addressing. They will need to be much tighter defensively if they are to take anything from this one.
Glenavon, on the other hand, will arrive in confident mood and will expect to claim all three points. The Lurgan Blues have started to build momentum and will see this as a good opportunity to continue it.
Loughgall vs Ballinamallard United
Loughgall have been one of the most entertaining sides in the Championship this season and remain unbeaten after their opening five league matches.
Darren Murphy’s side have shown plenty of attacking intent and will be looking to maintain that impressive start with another victory at Lakeview Park.
Ballinamallard United have endured a much more inconsistent campaign, struggling to put consecutive positive results together. They have shown enough to suggest they can compete, but this is a difficult away assignment and they may well see a point as a positive outcome.
Loughgall will be favourites, but the visitors could make this uncomfortable.
Moyola Park vs H&W Welders
Moyola Park have shown that they can compete at this level, but the next challenge is turning those performances into a consistent run of results.
H&W Welders will be looking for a response after suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat to Bangor in Tuesday’s County Antrim Shield tie. That came just days after a solid performance in the East Belfast derby against Dundela, so Paul Kee’s side will be keen to put the midweek disappointment behind them.
Queen’s University vs Strabane Athletic
Queen’s University have made a decent start to their Championship campaign and will be hoping to add another three points to their tally against Strabane Athletic.
The return of Stewart Nixon is a significant boost and gives the Students another important attacking option as they look to maintain their position in the upper half of the table.
Strabane, meanwhile, have won just once so far and face another challenging assignment. They have shown glimpses of what they can offer, but will need to produce a complete performance if they are to take anything from Queen’s.
Rathfriland Rangers vs Institute
Rathfriland Rangers remain the only side in the Championship yet to register a point, but sooner or later that first result will come.
They will be hoping it arrives this weekend. Playing at home gives Rathfriland an opportunity to put their difficult start behind them, although Institute will also be desperate for the points.
Institute have won just one of their five league matches and have struggled to find consistency themselves. With both sides needing a result, this could be a particularly important fixture at the bottom end of the table.
Warrenpoint Town vs Newington
Warrenpoint Town have endured a mixed start to the season, but there have been enough glimpses of quality to suggest they can cause problems for the better sides in the division.
They face arguably their toughest test yet, however, with league leaders Newington making the trip.
Newington have been the standout side in the Championship so far and currently sit top of the table after an impressive opening to the campaign. They will want to continue that momentum, but Warrenpoint at home represents a very different challenge.
With both sides possessing plenty of attacking quality, this could be one of the weekend’s most open contests – and one that could go either way.
