Mucker lines up for cup clash

Darren Fitzgerald will lead the Ards attack on Saturday as the Steel & Sons Cup kicks off for Ards against Ballynahinch United.

The top goal-scorer was expected to miss this weekend's game to attend a wedding (that will be next week instead) and his inclusion in the side should be a huge threat to the Amateur League team.

Ards will also have Gary Spence available for selection after serving his one match suspension last weekend in the game that never was against Glebe Rangers. Striker Ricky Billing is also now free from suspension following that game, however he will be away on holiday for this game.

So too is right-back David Cully, meaning Paul Dickson may well be asked to continue in that role against the mid-Down team. Johnny Cleary returned from his own break on Friday and he has been asked to report for the game - a bonus for Tommy Kincaid with Kerri Grant still missing through illness.

Midfielder Kyle McCleery, who hasn't kicked a ball since the opening day of the season, resumed training this week, although reports suggest this game may just have come too soon for him.

Opponents Ballynahinch have played only two games so far this season, recording a win over Civil Service and a draw with Dunmurry YM. The side's last three games have been postponed due to weather conditions and indeed this second round cup tie at their Millbridge base looked in some doubt earlier this week. A nearby river over-flowed during last weekend's heavy rain, causing considerable flooding to the pitch, but the waters have totally receded over past days indicating that the game will proceed as planned.

The match has a 2.30pm kick-off and will be played to a finish with 20 minutes extra-time and penalty kicks if necessary. The Premier Ards S.C. will run a bus to the game, leaving the Sports Club at 1.30pm. Supporters may be interested to know that there is a small social club based at the ground itself, which is situated on the A24 heading towards Newcastle.

This weekend's fixtures (2.30pm unless stated)

Steel & Sons Cup Round 1
Ballymena Res v Albert Foundry
Wakehurst v Donegal Celtic
Steel & Sons Cup Round 2
Downpatrick v Killyleagh YC
Dunaghy v Linfield Swifts
Ballyclare Com v Barn United
Newcastle v Donard Hospital
Sirocco Works v Nortel FC
Dromara Village v Larne
Wellintonton Rec v PSNI
Comber Red v Glebe Rangers
Shorts v Cliftonville Olympic
Shankilll Utd v Ballymacash Rgrs
Civil Service v Drumaness Mills
Orangefield OB v Ballynure
Queens Uni v Dundonald
Raceview Rgrs v Kilmore Rec
Bangor OB v Dundela
Islandmagee v Holywood
Abbey Villa v Knockbreda Parish
Dunmurry Rec v Carrick Rangers
East Belfast v Saintfield Utd
Connor FC v Sport & Leisure
Lisburn Rangers v Larne Tech
Ards v Ballynahinch Utd
Lower Maze v Ards Rangers
Downshire YM v Ballynure OB
Crumlin Utd or Rathfern Rgrs v Distillery II's
Glentoran II v Crusaders Res
Kilbride Swifts v UUJ
Grove Utd v Dunmurry YM
Bangor Reserves 4-0 Malachians
Ballymoney Utd v Newington YC

IFA Championship
Ballinamallard United V Limavady United (3.00)
Banbridge Town V Loughgall (3.00)
Dergview V Coagh United
Tobermore United V Portadown

22nd August 2008

ardsfc.co.uk