MOST junior football this weekend will return to league action, but Pike Rovers are in cup action when they travel to St Michael’s on Saturday to face the Tipperary giants in the Champions League quarter-final from Munster.
A win over Cork side Everton in the previous round paved the way for Pike to meet their old rivals in what promises to be an exciting game.
These two teams have met in national and provincial finals over the years and the rivalry continues unabated.
Pike’s easy win over Summerville B last weekend won’t have done much in terms of preparation. St Michaels was in FAI action on Sunday, beating Two-Mile-Borris 2-0.
Kevin Barry’s eight goals in his last two games allow him to start where his power and strength could antagonize a much-vaunted international fullback for the Saints.
Although the competition has never really caught the attention of the footballing public, both teams will give their all to add their names to the roster.
In the Premier League, Fairview Rgs host Carew Park at Fairgreen who are looking to maintain their title charge.
Locked in at the top of the table with Pike and Aisling, Fairview have been very impressive in their last two outings and will be looking to continue in that vein.
They meet a Carew Park side that advanced in the MFA Cup on Sunday with a 2-1 win over Corbally.
Aisling Annacotty heads to Coonagh Utd to keep pace with her fellow leaders.
Coonagh found things difficult, despite strong performances. They will get little respite against a superb team of Aisling Annacotty.
Close behind the top three are Regional Utd and Ballynanty Rovers and the two sides meet at Dooradoyle on Sunday.
Balla was in superb form until coming off against Fairview in the Tuohy Cup last week. They bounced back on Sunday with an easy win over Granville.
Mungret Reg need a boost to get their Premier League off the ground, but on Sunday they meet a Nenagh AFC side at the top of an eight-game unbeaten run.
The Premier A League tie picks are Moyross v Athlunkard Villa and Hyde Rgs A v Corbally Utd.
In the lower leagues, Caherdavin are set to retain the Division 1A lead when they host Caherdavin Celtic while Holycross and Regional Utd B, both hoping to contain the leaders, meet at Holycross.
In Division 3A, Lisnagry B vs. Mungret Reg D brings together two highly experienced teams while in Division 3B, Brazuca B takes on Prospect Priory B in what could be a crack game.
In youth football, Kilfrush host Dromore United in the FAI Youth Cup while in the
Munster Youth Cup, Pallas welcomes Shelbourne and Aisling Annacotty welcomes the Caledonians to Annacotty.
Midweek action on Thursday night sees the Tuohy Cup continue with Regional Utd and Aisling Annacotty clashing at Jackman Park.
The teams met in the league a few weeks ago when Aisling edged him out by the odd three-goal. It should be just as tight this time around.
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