McKee to miss cup opening

Ards open their campaign in the JJB Sports Irish Cup against Knockbreda on Saturday without midfielder Aaron McKee.

Aaron McKee

The popular player is absent on a pre-arranged holiday, which ironically comes at a time when McKee has claimed a starting place in the side.

A decision will be made on Saturday morning about whether top scorer Darren Fitzgerald will return to action. He sat out last week's defeat against Larne with a knee injury and the striker's absence was clear for all to see as Ards failed to find the net for only the third time this season. On the other two occasions Ards have failed to score, Fitzgerald was also missing from the side.

Ards boss Tommy Kincaid will have options to consider then as he picks his line-up for what will be far from a walkover against last season's Intermediate Cup winners. With Craig McMillen now returned from suspension, almost a full roster of midfielders is available with Dee Irvine, Jimmy McIlhagga, Mark Picking and James Wright all in contention for four positions.

Opponents Knockbreda have made a successful start to life in Championship 2, currently sitting sixth in the table, having won three out of seven league games. What might tell for Hugh Sinclair's side on Saturday however is the lack of competitive action for the side recently. With early exits from both the Steel & Sons and Intermediate Cups and a number of league postponements, Knockbreda haven't played a proper fixture in well over a month.

Players to look out for on the home teamsheet included current top scorer Paul Young and former Linfield midfielder Miguel Chines, who himself has been among the goals this season.

Saturday's cup fixture is in the 4th round, with all ties played to a finish with 30 minutes extra-time and penalty kicks if necessary. The game has a 1.30pm start and will be played at Knockbreda's recently upgraded stadium in the Castlereagh hills, just off the Ballygowan Road. A supporters' bus leaves for the game at 12.30pm.

- THIS WEEKEND'S FIXTURES (1.30pm unless stated)

Armagh City v Loughgall
Ballinamallard United v Chimney Corner
Ballyclare Comrades v PSNI (3.00pm)
Ballymoney United v Brantwood
Banbridge Town v Bangor
Bryansburn Rangers v Oxford United Stars
Carrick Rangers v Annagh United
Coagh United v Holywood
Dergview v Dundela
Dollingstown v Ards Rangers
Donegal Celtic v Queen's University
HW Welders v Wellington Rec
Killymoon Rangers v Nortel
Knockbreda v Ards
Larne v Moyola Park
Limavady United v Malachians (3.00pm)
Lurgan Celtic v. Islandmagee
Tobermore United v Comber Rec.

11th December 2009

ardsfc.co.uk