After two matchdays already, the early table is beginning to take shape, but there is still very little between many of the sides. Newington currently lead the way on goal difference, while Glenavon have responded to their opening-day defeat in style. At the other end, Rathfriland Rangers are still searching for their first point.
With another eight fixtures ahead, there is plenty to look forward to.
Dundela vs Annagh United
Dundela have started with two entertaining 2-2 draws and will now be looking to turn those points into a first victory.
Annagh United bounced back from their heavy opening-day defeat by beating Rathfriland 4-2 on Tuesday, and Ciaran McGurgan’s promotion hopefuls will want to build momentum quickly. With both sides capable of scoring goals, this could be a fascinating contest.
Glenavon vs Strabane Athletic
Surely this should be comfortable for Glenavon? Their opening-day defeat to Ards showed exactly why nothing can be taken for granted in the Championship, although the Lurgan Blues responded emphatically with a 4-1 win over Newry City.
Ryan Waide’s hat-trick made him the obvious standout and he will be one to watch again. Strabane, however, impressed in their 3-1 victory at Moyola Park and will travel with plenty of confidence.
H&W Welders vs Armagh City
Both sides will be looking for a response after disappointing results on Tuesday.
The Welders fell to a 2-1 defeat against Queen’s University at the Blanchflower Stadium – ironically Queen’s’ current home venue – while Armagh City remain searching for their first victory after picking up just one point from their opening two games.
Armagh have a relatively new squad that may need time to settle, but they will be desperate to take something from this one.
Institute vs Loughgall
Institute will be looking to bounce back after suffering a narrow defeat to Ballinamallard United on Tuesday.
Loughgall showed plenty of character in coming from two goals down to draw with Newington and will take confidence from that performance. Both sides will see this as an opportunity to move further up the table.
Moyola Park vs Ballinamallard United
Moyola Park will be disappointed with Tuesday’s 3-1 defeat to Strabane and are still searching for their first Championship victory.
Ballinamallard, meanwhile, picked up an impressive away win at Institute, with Daniel Barker scoring twice to complete the turnaround. They will now want to build on that result, but Moyola will be determined to respond on home soil.
Newington vs Queen’s University
Newington have made an excellent start to life under Declan O’Hara, sitting top of the Championship on goal difference after two difficult fixtures against Annagh United and Loughgall.
They will now face another side who have impressed early on. Queen’s University produced a strong performance to beat H&W Welders on Tuesday and will believe they can take another three points here.
A win for either side could provide an early indication of their ambitions this season.
Warrenpoint Town vs Ards
Warrenpoint responded well to their opening-day defeat by beating Armagh City 2-0 on Tuesday, but the challenge gets tougher against an unbeaten Ards side.
John Bailie’s team have already beaten Glenavon and drawn with Dundela, giving them plenty of reason to believe they can continue their strong start. Warrenpoint, however, will be hoping their first victory gives them confidence heading into this one.
Rathfriland Rangers vs Newry City
Rathfriland Rangers are the only side yet to pick up a point after the opening two matchdays and will know they need to get something on the board quickly.
Newry City will also be looking for a response after their heavy defeat to Glenavon on Tuesday. The visitors have already shown they can compete at this level, but Rathfriland will see home advantage as an opportunity to finally get their campaign moving.
