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Thursday 23 Nov 2017
Enniskillen Town face Willowbank in 'Tie of the Round'

The long road to IFA Junior Cup glory continues this Saturday with 32 third round ties up and down the country.

The designated tie of the round sees Enniskillen Town United welcome Willowbank to the Lakeland Forum (kick-off 1.30pm).

Based on Belfast's Falls Road and playing in NAFL 2C, Willowbank have enjoyed a successful season to date, winning eight of their nine games, with their only defeat coming back in September to league leaders Nortel. 

Their Junior Cup story thus far has brought victories over AFC Silverwood Reserves (2-0) and Rosario YC II (7-1) and they go into the game in Fermanagh on the back of a strong run of results, including a win over 2B side St Teresa's in the Cochrane Corry Cup last week.

Willowbank's strength comes in the sheer spread of goals throughout the squad. No fewer than 14 players have contributed to their 47 goals this season in all competitions and although Richard McAvoy (nine goals) and Nathan Garland-O'Neill (eight) might pose the greatest danger they appear to be a side that have players capable of finding the net from any position.

Town, from Fermanagh & Western Division 1, will welcome a home tie after they notched up two away wins over Raceview (2-0) and NFC Kesh (5-0) to reach this stage of the competition. 

And they returned to winning ways in advance of the game with a 3-1 victory over Tummery Athletic last Saturday thanks to goals from Ciaran Brough, Gary Lynch and Mark Little. 

In fact their only defeat since early September has come at the hands of defending Junior Cup holders Enniskillen Rangers.

Rangers continue their defence away to Belfast side Aquinas, while the losing finalists last season, Lurgan-based Hill Street, host Dervock.

Meanwhile, there's a fascinating double header at the Wakehurst Playing Fields in Ballymena.

Harryville Homers, winners for three consecutive seasons from 2014-16, welcome St James' Swifts II while Homers' great local rivals, Carniny Rangers, lock horns with Valley Rangers Reserves.

For the full third round fixture list click here