Castleisland host Killarney Athletic in third round of FAI Junior Cup
FAI JUNIOR CUP THIRD ROUND DRAW
THE odds are stacked against Kerry sides in the third round of the FAI Junior Cup with the seven sides that are still alive in the competition getting tough draws. It is most unfortunate that Castleisland and Killarney Athletic meet each other with four home draws and two away ties for Kerry sides.
All of the games are on Sunday with the exception of Killarney Celtic v Moher Celtic which is on at Celtic Park Killarney on Saturday at 7pm.
Castleisland v Killarney Athletic
Sunday at 11.30am
THIS is the match of the day on Sunday when Castleisland host Premier A Champions Killarney Athletic. Castleisland are always a great cup side and are very difficult to beat in their home patch. They got a walkover from Shannonside in the opening round while Killarney Athletic got a bye. It is hard to evaluate both sides as they have only a couple of games played in the new season so far but of course they will be hell bent on advancing in the national competition. It should be a very keenly contested game that could go to sudden death but Castleisland get the nod to win it.
Verdict: Castleisland
Fenit Samphires v Kilrush Rangers Sunday at 12.30pm
FENIT will be on a high going in to this game after beating Ennis Town 4-0 in the opening round. Meanwhile, their opponents Kilrush Rangers beat Granagh United (Desmond) 5-3. It should be a close game and Fenit should make home advantage count and should edge this game.
Verdict: Fenit Samphires
CG Killarney v Carrig Celtic Sunday at 2pm
IT is CG Killarney’s first year in the national competition and they defeated Inter Kenmare 2-0 last time out. Their opponents Carrig Celtic play in the Desmond League Premier Division and in the last round they defeated Clare side Bridge Celtic 3-2 on penalties after the game ended deadlocked 2-2 after 90 minutes and extra-time. CG Killarney have a stronger side this season and they could be a good outside bet in this game but Carrig Celtic may be too strong for them as they are a Premier League side.
Verdict: Carrig Celtic
Killarney Celtic v Moher Celtic Saturday at 7pm
KILLARNEY Celtic blew away Clare side Rineanna Rovers 11-0 in the last time while their opponents who play in the Clare Premier Division beat Desmond League side Shountrade 4-3 after extra time. This is a game Celtic should win but they will have to pull out all the stops to beat this good Clare side. The Hoops went to the semi final last year and they will be determined to try and go all the way this year if they possibly can. Verdict: Killarney Celtic
Broadford United v Classic FC Sunday at 2pm
A DAUNTING task for Classic against one of the best sides in the Desmond League. Classic beat Ballyheigue Athletic 3-2 in the opening round and Broadford United defeated Tralee Dynamos 6-2. While Classic should give the Desmond League side a good run for their money it would be hard to bet against the home side winning this game.
Verdict: Broadford United
Glin Rovers v Castlegrerory Celtic Sunday at 11.30am
CASTLEGREGORY face a formidable task against West Limerick side Glin Rovers who are a Premier Division side. Castlegregory got a bye in the last round while Glin Rovers defeated Mastergeeha 4-2. Castlegregory will go into the game as outsiders and that may suit them as they have nothing to lose but it will be a big surprise if they can win this game.
Verdict: Glin Rovers
Rest of the draw
AK United (Desmond) v Newmarket Celtic (Clare)
Rathkeale FC (Desmond) v Abbeyfeale United (Desmond)
Ballysteen FC (Desmond) v Avenue United (Clare)
Sporting Ennistymon (Clare) v Shannon Town (Clare)
Coole FC (Clare) v Ballingarry AFC (Desmond) Newmarket Celtic B (Clare) v Newcastlewest Rovers (Desmond)