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Friday 20 Jan 2017
Nine different divisions still represented in third round of Intermediate Cup

The Irish FA Intermediate Cup moves onto the Third Round this weekend with 16 games taking place at grounds up and down the country.

In fact, such is the spread of the clubs remaining in the competition no fewer than nine different divisions are still represented so there's sure to be a game somewhere nearby.

The designated 'tie of the round' sees Northern Amateur Premier side Malachians host Donegal Celtic on the Shore Road in Belfast.

Malachians, managed by former Celtic player Dolly Carmichael, have experienced a mixed bag of results so far this season but will be looking to bounce back following a Clarence Cup exit to Grove United last weekend.

But they face a Celtic side coming into the game having led the pack in the Premier Intermediate League for most of the campaign, only being knocked off the summit last Saturday by new leaders Banbridge Town.

And the Hoops will be hoping their rich Intermediate Cup pedigree can inspire them to a potential league and cup double. They have lifted the trophy twice in the past decade, most recently in 2010, and will be one of those sides eyeing up the famous old trophy.

However, two more recent winners still remain very much in contention.

Bangor - victors just three seasons ago - have had a disappointing season to date but will welcome Amateur 1B opponents Mossley to the Bangor Fuels Arena confident of a positive outcome.

Then there's Newry City AFC who will be striving to repeat the success of their 2012 predecessors, although visitors Crumlin Star have enjoyed considerable cup success already this term, having swept past Bangor and Ballymena United Reserves in the Steel & Sons Cup before losing narrowly in the semi-finals to Linfield Swifts.

Another intriguing tie sees Rathfriland Rangers host Ballymoney United.

Rangers, with the Border Cup already nestling in their trophy cabinet this season, lead the way in the NAFL but go into the game fresh from the departure of boss Paul Kirk during the week.

Saturday's games will all be played to finish, kick-off 1:30pm unless stated:-

Ards Rangers v. Queen's University
Banbridge Rangers v. Newtowne
Bangor v. Mossley
Bangor Swifts v. Sirocco Works (2pm)
Cliftonville Olympic v. Dromara Village
Comber Rec. v. Hanover
East Belfast v. St. Patricks YM
Grove United v. Carrick Rangers Reserves
Limavady United v. Magherafelt Sky Blues
Malachians v. Donegal Celtic
Newcastle v. Linfield Swifts
Newry City AFC v. Crumlin Star (3pm)
Portstewart v. Lisburn Distillery
Rathfriland Rangers v. Ballymoney United
Rosario YC v. Newington
Windmill Stars v. Maiden City