This year’s Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup is due to get under way this weekend.
The draws for the preliminary round and first round of the competition have been made – and the single preliminary round match will see Bangor Ladies take on Lisburn Ladies on Sunday (6 June), with a 1.30pm start.
A total of 19 teams received byes in the preliminary round of the cup, which had to be cancelled last year due to Covid restrictions, and they will now enter at the first round stage of the top club cup competition.
Ballymena United Women v Lisburn Rangers Ladies has been designated as the tie of the round, while Craigavon City Ladies will face the winners of this weekend’s preliminary round.
There’s also a big derby clash between Belfast Celtic Ladies and St Oliver Plunkett Ladies, while Tyrone side Killen Rangers Ladies will be heading east to face Belfast Ravens.
The other six ties in the first round are: St James’ Swifts Ladies v Comber Rec Ladies, Carnmoney Ladies v Foyle Belles Ladies, Belfast Swifts Ladies v Camlough Rovers Ladies, Rosario YC Ladies v Mid-Ulster Ladies, East Belfast Ladies v Larne Ladies and Dromara Village Ladies v Crewe United Ladies.
Clare McAllister of Electric Ireland said “We are delighted to see the Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup get under way in 2021. There is a wealth of talent across the game and we look forward to the excitement of competitive matches and following the teams progress through the competition.
"The growth in the local women’s game illustrates the dedication and commitment of local players, clubs and volunteers and we are proud of all the Game Changers involved.”
The first round ties are scheduled to be played on 25 June.
The six NIFL Women’s Premiership clubs will enter the competition at the second round stage, which is scheduled for 9 July.
The quarter-finals will then take place on 23 July, followed by the semi-finals on 27 August and the final on 8 October.
Pictured: Elaine Junk & Clare McAllister
