Another big weekend awaits in the Championship, with plenty of intriguing fixtures at both ends of what has already been a hugely entertaining league season.
Dundela vs Strabane Athletic (Friday)
Dundela will still be wondering how they managed to leave their last game with just a point after that remarkable 5-5 draw with Newington. Matthew Ferguson continues to be a major threat, and the Duns have shown that they are capable of scoring goals – but tightening things up at the other end has to be the priority.
Strabane have also shown plenty of fight this season and earned a point against Newry City last weekend. This feels like a game between two sides who will believe they can win it, which could make for another entertaining Friday night.
Newry City vs Annagh United (Friday)
Newry have struggled to find consistency so far, and last week’s draw away to Strabane was another example of that. They have plenty of quality, but if they are serious about challenging towards the top end of the table, they need to start putting together a sustained run.
Annagh, meanwhile, are quietly putting together an excellent start to the campaign. Their comeback win over H&W Welders last weekend was another impressive result, and they will travel to the Showgrounds believing they can take something from the game.
Glenavon vs Newington
Newington remain one of the standout sides in the Championship, despite last week’s extraordinary 5-5 draw with Dundela. They have been scoring freely and have consistently picked up results, but they will face another serious test here.
Glenavon will feel they should be competing towards the top of the table themselves. Their draw away to Ballinamallard last weekend halted what had been a difficult couple of weeks, and a home win here would be a significant statement.
H&W Welders vs Ballinamallard United
Both sides have shown what they are capable of this season, but consistency remains the key.
The Welders will want to bounce back after their defeat away to Annagh, while Ballinamallard have produced some brilliant attacking performances – including scoring six away to Loughgall – but have also dropped points.
There should be plenty of quality on show in East Belfast, with both teams capable of beating anyone on their day.
Institute vs Warrenpoint Town
Institute produced one of the comebacks of the season last weekend, recovering from 2-0 down to beat Armagh City 5-3. That result could be hugely important in giving their campaign some momentum.
Warrenpoint also arrive in excellent spirits after hitting six past Moyola Park. They have shown glimpses of their attacking quality throughout the season and this looks like one of the standout games of the weekend.
Loughgall vs Armagh City
Both sides will see this as an important opportunity to get back to winning ways.
Loughgall’s unbeaten start has disappeared quickly following recent results, while Armagh will be hugely disappointed after throwing away a two-goal lead against Institute last weekend.
Neither side will want another setback, making this a potentially important game for both teams.
Moyola Park vs Ards
Moyola have shown that they are capable of competing at Championship level, but last week’s 6-2 defeat away to Warrenpoint was a difficult one.
Ards picked up an important 1-0 victory over Rathfriland to end their recent run without a league win, and John Bailie’s side will want to build on that.
This is a game where both teams will see three points as very achievable.
Rathfriland Rangers vs Queen’s University
Rathfriland remain rooted to the bottom and are still searching for their first points of the season. There have been encouraging moments, but they need to start turning performances into results soon.
Queen’s have made a solid start to the campaign and picked up another late victory over Loughgall last weekend. Stewart Nixon and the Students have plenty of attacking quality, and they will see this as an opportunity to continue their good form.
