CUP matches are coming thick and fast for JCK Division Two sides at the moment as, on the back of their FA Cup exploits less than two weeks ago, no fewer than 10 second tier sides are in GH Corlett Woods Cup action on Saturday.
Two teams who, one way or another, made it through to the first round proper of the FA Cup will both be hoping to do likewise when they go head-to-head this weekend in the Woods Cup - Douglas Royal and Braddan.
The Swans make the relatively short journey across the capital to Ballafletcher as slight underdogs but, although they are three points behind their opponents in the table, league form goes out the window in cup competition and they will look to replicate their performance in the thrilling 5-4 victory at Victoria Road in October.
Royal, however, are unbeaten in their last four outings and have pedigree in this competition, having won it twice in the past three seasons prior to this campaign. While they may not be setting the league alight since their relegation from the Premier League, Nicky Bell and Nicky Gerrard’s side have plenty of talent within their ranks and should have enough about them to progress to the next round.
In what should be another intriguing clash in the preliminary round, Colby make the journey north to Balleira Road where they take on fourth place Michael United. The home side will go into the match as favourites on the back of a great run of form which has seem them win five out of the last six matches in all competitions.
However, Ken Hedley’s southerners have more than enough about them to trouble most teams in the league - they even held Premier League title contenders DHSOB to a single goal during their recent FA Cup clash. The likes of goalkeeper Jay Gandy and Chris McKenna have been particularly impressive for the southerners and, along with the new facilities at the Station Fields, the future is looking good for Colby.
In-form Onchan were due to make the short trip to Noble’s Park to take on Douglas and District but the match has been switched to the O’s Nivison Stadium because of the state of D&D’s pitch.
All signs point to another win for Onchan, with the sides at the opposite ends of the form table, but the ‘visitors’ have been known to cause a surprise or two so this is not a foregone conclusion.
The draw also sees Ronaldsway and Malew do battle in a Ballasalla derby at the Industrial Estate. The sides occupy the bottom two places in Division Two and this could develop into a somewhat scrappy affair. Elsewhere, Foxdale make the journey to the capital to play Police at Springfield Road.