The draw for the quarter finals of the Mulhern Cup has thrown up some interesting ties as the competition reaches the business end of matters.

Two Division Two teams are still standing in the last eight and both will have home ties to look forward to.

Division Two champions Irvinestown Wanderers, who have made an instant return to the top flight following relegation last year, have been paired with holders Enniskillen Rangers in what looks to be an intriguing tie.

Darren Higginbotham’s Wanderers have already caused one upset in knocking out Beragh Swifts away from home and they will now have their sights set on taking the scalp of Michael Kerr’s ‘Gers outfit.

Indeed, Kerr expects a tough test for his charges as they look to make it through to the last four.

“I said all along that Irvinestown have players who are more than capable of playing in Division One and obviously they will be again next year after their promotion.

“Higgy has them playing well so it is going to be a difficult tie, especially at the Bawnacre,” said Kerr.

Omagh Hospitals are the other Division Two side who remain in the competition and they have been handed a home draw against Division One leaders Enniskillen Town.

Town joint manager James McKenna says that they will have their homework done on Hospitals before the sides meet.

“Ideally, you want to have a home draw and we certainly won’t be underestimating them, they only went down last year and we struggled against them when we played them.

“Obviously, with them in Division Two I don’t know if there has been much of a turnover of players from last season but we will do our homework,” stated McKenna.

If the two Enniskillen sides do progress then there is the prospect of a derby semi-final clash but their respective opponents will be hoping to throw a spanner in the works and seal their place in the last four.

Enniskillen Athletic produced a big performance in knocking out Dergview Reserves away from home in the last and they face another all Division One tie in the quarter finals after being drawn at home to Killen Rangers.

Fine form

Last week’s defeat to Strathroy aside, Darren Rodgers’ Athletic outfit have been in fine form as they have climbed away from the battle at the bottom and they will feel that with home advantage they have every chance of progressing.

Killen though showed just how dangerous an opponent they can be in taking the scalp of Tummery in the last round and they too have found form as they look to battle their way out of the relegation scrap.

The other quarter final tie will see Mountfield host Strathroy Harps in another all Division One tie.

Strathroy are still going in both cup competitions at present and they will hope to make it through to the semi-finals although, like Enniskillen Athletic and Killen, Mountfield have put together some good results in recent weeks and with home advantage will be eyeing up a place in the last four.

Mulhern Cup Quarter Finals

Saturday March 25

Enniskillen Athletic v Killen Rangers

Omagh Hospitals v Enniskillen Town

Irvinestown Wanderers v Enniskillen Rangers

Saturday April 1

Mountfield v Strathroy Harps

Semi Finals (at Ferney Park)

Wednesday April 26

Enniskillen Athletic / Killen Rangers v Mountfield / Strathroy Harps

Thursday April 27

Omagh Hospitals / Enniskillen Town v Irvinestown Wanderers / Enniskillen Rangers

Reihill Cup Quarter Finals

Saturday March 25

Killen Rangers Res v Maguuiresbridge Res

Enniskille Town Res v Beragh Swifts Res

Strathroy Harps Res v Lisnarick Res

Lisbellaw Utd Res v Ennsikillen Rangers Res

Semi Finals (at Ferney Park)

Wednesday April 19

Killen Rangers Res / Maguuiresbridge Res vEnniskillen Town Res / Beragh Swifts Res

Thursday April 20

Strathroy Harps Res / Lisnarick Res v Lisbellaw Utd Res / Ennsikillen Rangers Res

 

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