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Friday 04 Nov 2016
Irish Cup Third Round Preview

Local bragging rights are at stake in the Tennent's Irish Cup Third Round on Saturday (kick-off 1:30pm) as Northern Amateur League side Lisburn Rangers host their Premier Intermediate League neighbours Lisburn Distillery at Stanley Park. 

Historically, the clubs have had close links for quite some time with the Whites opening Rangers' new ground around a decade ago.

And there has been quite a crossover in players over the years. Indeed, at the minute, amongst others, Rangers can point to Neal Gawley amongst their ranks. The striker spent over four years at Distillery and is joined up front by William Cushley, brother of current Crusaders man David, himself a former White.

Plus there's also the international element to consider. Rangers are managed by former Northern Ireland left-back Peter Kennedy whilst the visitors possess the presence of assistant manager George O'Boyle on the bench.

Elsewhere, Wakehurst will be hoping to maintain their unbeaten start to the season when they travel to Fortwilliam Park to take on Tobermore United.

Clifford Adams' side are leading a charge at the top of the Ballymena Premier Intermediate League but will face a stern test in their NIFL opponents Tobermore United, themselves enjoying a good start to the campaign.

Fivemiletown United might also fancy their chances when they welcome Newington to their Cooneen Road ground while Dundela are at home to Downshire YM.

Meanwhile, Sport & Leisure Swifts, currently languishing at the bottom of the Premier Intermediate League, could well be up against it when Ards Rangers, currently top of the NAFL, visit Glen Road Heights.

The full draw reads:-

Abbey Villa v. Dollingstown

Ballymoney United v. Crewe United

Comber Rec. v. St. Luke's

Derriaghy CC v. Valley Rangers

Dromara Village v. Drumaness Mills

Dundela v. Downshire YM

East Belfast v. Shorts

Fivemiletown United v. Newington (kick-off 2pm)

Glebe Rangers v. Grove United

Killyleagh YC v. Portstewart

Lisburn Rangers v. Lisburn Distillery

Richhill AFC v. Oxford United Stars

Sofia Farmer v. Windmill Stars

Sport & Leisure Swifts v. Ards Rangers

Tobermore United v. Wakehurst

Trojans v. 18th Newtownabbey OB

All games kick-off at 1:30pm unless otherwise stated