The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Lower ranked teams look to land early blow in KO Cup first round
GREYHOUND BAR KO CUP
THE blue ribbon trophy of Kerry soccer swings into motion next weekend with the opening round of the Greyhound Bar Cup with 10 games down for decision at venues all over the county.
Premier A sides get an automatic bye into the second round so that greatly enhances the chances of sides from the lower divisions making it to the next round.
It is a competition that always springs up surprises and this year should be no exception.
Killarney Celtic are the reigning champions and they will be one of the favourites again this season as well as Dingle Bay Rovers, Fenit Samphires and Tralee Dynamos.
Castleisland is a side that has a very good record in the competition while Listowel Celtic go a long way in the competition every year.
However, it is the lower divisions sides that will take centre stage next weekend and some great games are anticipated.
The pick of the bunch on Sundnay is the clash of Ballyhar Dynamos and Tralee Celtic two sides that are going very well this year.
While Tralee Celtic will be favourites it is always difficult to beat Ballyhar at Murt Scott Park and a great game is in prospects.
Elsewhere CSKA should be strong enough to see off CS Abbeydorney, Castlemaine would be tipped to defeat Killarney Celtic B.
CSCB take on Asdee Rovers and the Shannonsiders should be good enough to come out on top.
The Camp United v Windmill clash should be another close tie with Camp getting the vote to progress.
New kids on the block Ballybunion FC travel to play Castlegregory and will give the West Kerry side a good run for their money but the home side should be too strong.
Annascaul/Inch United lock horns with Abhainn Li and the Tralee side will be favourites to come out here.
Killorglin entertain Athetico Ardfert and this is a game that it could require a replay to decide a winner.
C G Killarney travel to play newcomers Tralee Bay FC and should be able to secure a win.
The final game is the all Premier B clash of Classic FC and Ballymac Galaxy.
On current form Ballymac will be fancied but Classic are a great cup side and it could take another game before a winner is known. Greyhound Bar KO Cup First Round CS Abbeydorney v CSKA Tralee Killarney Celtic B v Castlemaine CS Clochain Breannainn v Asdee Rovers Ballyhar Dynamos v Tralee Celtic Camp United v Windmill United Castlegregory Celtic v Ballybunion FC Annascaul Inch United v Abhainn Li Tralee Bay FC v CG Killarney Killorglin FC v Atletico Ardfer t Classic FC v Ballymac Galaxy