After five weeks without a competitive match, Enniskillen Rangers, Tummery Athletic and NFC Kesh are among the Fermanagh and Western sides pitched into cup action this weekend, as the football season restarts with the round four of the fonaCAB Junior Cup.

Enniskillen Rangers go into the competition in a rich vein of form, having not lost a game in any competition since August. Victory over Belfast side Rosario YC IIs would extend that unbeaten run to 14 matches, but Manager Michael Kerr will be missing both Nathan Khan and Christopher Currie and he knows the team will have to be at their best if they are to progress.

“It is five weeks since our last competitive game, but we are looking to put in a decent performance on the day, and hopefully that will see us over the line,” he said.

“They are a very good side. They have a very good first team and a strong reserve side, and it’s not going to be an easy tie, but we are going to be prepared for it and the boys know exactly what sort of task they face.

“It is never ideal over Christmas but we tried to maximise the sessions we did have. We gave them a week to 10 days off and then we trained twice, played a friendly on Saturday, and trained twice again this week. We are in a very good run of form. Confidence is high and spirits are very good among the group.”

Tummery boss Ryan Hanna is hoping the break will have refreshed his squad ahead of their home tie against Newry-based side Damolly FC, who play their football in Mid Ulster League Division Three.

“We had a number of friendly games over the Christmas weeks and it was a chance for a few lads to come back from injury and reset and recharge,” said Hanna.

“We are looking forward to it. Sometimes in a league game when you come back it takes you a while to get going, but in a Junior Cup game you can’t afford to do that. It’s a good game to come back to because it is all or nothing, and that is the mentality we are going into it with.

“They have scored a lot of goals in their league, and they are a fairly aggressive, direct team. They have one or two stand-out players, particularly forward players, and a couple of larger players, so they will be a threat from set pieces as well.

“We are hoping to nullify their strengths and expose their weaknesses, but we are comfortable with our own ability and strengths and if we play to those on the day, we will be hard to beat.”

Tummery welcome back Malachy McLaughlin, who has returned from teaching abroad and takes his place in the squad for Saturday’s match.

“He was a really strong player for us a number of seasons back. He is a really talented, classy player, and we are glad to have him back in the squad,” said Hanna.

“We have a few players back from injury as well, so we have a fairly clean bill of health.”

Kesh face a trip to the North coast to play Portrush, who defeated Ardstraw in the previous round.

Ryan Campbell’s preparations focused around a Christmas friendly against Ardstraw as he looks to plot a route into the fifth round.

“Portrush beat them 3-2 and, going by their report, they are a physical side that battles well, but if we can play to our potential we can hopefully come out with a victory.

“We have had a good break and sometimes that can be good and sometimes that can be bad, but I’m confident enough and it is just about making sure we come with the right attitude and get the result we want.”

Kesh are hoping that Nathan Cashel will have recovered from illness in time to take his place in the starting 11. They have also signed Paddy Beresford from Derrychara United, and the defensive midfielder is eligible for the Junior Cup match.