Back to some sort of normality this week and really looking forward to the Oscar Traynor match in Lecarrow on Saturday evening.
Hopefully these predictions are slightly better than that Champions League accumulator I had during the week…
Friday, 17th February
The Herald Challenge Cup Round 1
Shiven Rovers B v Strokestown United. 8 pm: It’s difficult to see how the home side will cope with the Division Two league leaders. United should avoid a cup upset. Prediction: Strokestown United
Saturday, February 18th
FAI Oscar Traynor Trophy Round of 16
Roscommon & District League v Cavan/Monaghan League. 6.30 pm: This will be a tough test for the RDFL. The visitors have beaten the Donegal League and the Sligo/Leitrim League en route to the last 16.
The home side have been just as impressive, however, and they can take heart in the fact that the Cavan/Monaghan League have yet to keep a clean sheet in this competition. Their most recent game saw them ship seven goals away to the Inishowen League.
If the RDFL are going to progress they will have to battle for 90+ minutes, which they have shown themselves capable of already this season. Prediction: Roscommon & District League. Narrowly.
Sunday, February 19th
The Herald Challenge Cup Round 1 (2 pm)
Ballinagare FC v CP Ajax: This should be fairly straightforward for the visitors. Prediction: CP Ajax
Moylough ’79 v Dunmore Town: Could be plenty of goals in this one and the visitors should progress. Prediction: Dunmore Town
Castlerea Celtic B v Hodson Bay Athletic: We’ve gone with all away wins so far in the Challenge Cup and this should be no different. Prediction: Hodson Bay Athletic
Moore United B v Kilkerrin United: A tricky test for Kilkerrin but they should have enough. Prediction: Kilkerrin United
Glen Celtic v Dunmore Town B: This will be an interesting tie and could be closer than most people think. Prediction: Dunmore Town B
Norio’s Takeaway Division One
Loughglynn United v Ballinasloe Town B. 2 pm: The home side claimed the points when these two met earlier in the season. Ballinasloe’s form has improved since then while Loughglynn have really struggled. Prediction: Ballinasloe Town B
Killeen Sportsgrounds Division Two
Cloonfad United B v Cam Celtic: On recent form Cam Celtic should have enough to claim all three points. I wouldn’t be putting my life savings on it, however. Prediction: Cam Celtic
