THE first round draw of the Cu-Plas FA Cup has paired together some unlikely bedfellows none more so than Premier League leaders St George’s and Division Two battlers Foxdale who meet at the latter’s Billy Goat Park ground on Saturday.
Chris Bass Sr’s undefeatables have Manx football’s grand slam in their sights and should advance into the hat for the competition’s quarter-finals if their array of island stars play to their potential.
The tight Dale pitch will even things up slightly for the hosts who are enjoying a good season in the second tier that could yet spawn a surprise Paul Henry Gold Cup space.
The westerners will need to produce a mighty performance though to derail their in-form opponents, but then again stranger things have happened in the cup in seasons of yore.
A Division Two side with probably a more realistic prospect of advancing past top-flight opposition is Onchan.
The Os currently sit third in the second tier standings and are still in with a chance of claiming one of the division’s two promotion spots. At the weekend they face an Ayre side that may very well replace them in the JCK-sponsored League next season.
The Tangerines are rock bottom of the Premier League having won just once all campaign.
However, player-manager James Teare’s men have produced some improved performances in recent weeks and will be looking forward to Saturday’s cup distraction.
This one could go either way and may yet prove to be one of the ties of the round.
Braddan will also be flying the flag for Division Two when they take on Castletown at Victoria Road.
The Swans have been inconsistent to say the least this season, but have mustered a win over promotion contenders Union Mills along the way.
Town’s top-flight nous, and the collective striking talent of Mark Wolfenden and Alex Crawley, will, however, install them as favourites to make the last-eight.
In one of three all-Premier League ties, Corinthians welcome Gymns to Ballafletcher.
Gymns are set for another battle against the drop and may see the cup as an unwelcome distraction. The Whites on the other hand will be keen to put a good run together and should advance through.