AUL league action returns this weekend with several key games down to be played

IT'S back to the business end of the fixtures program once again as teams across all sections of the AUL battle it out for those essential early points of the season over the coming weekend.

And it all begins tonight when City Wanderers lock horns with UCC to challenge for Premier points at 8pm in the MTU.

For the students, it will be their first competitive league game of the season so, they will be looking for a positive start, but for City Wanderers, the aim will be to get a first win under their belts as they have lost their first two opening games.

Then, out in Banteer, CFC Banteer will play host to the Premier A leaders Castleview who are in good form at the minute.

The View are unbeaten after winning three and drawing one from four so, on that kind of form, they could edge this one tonight.

On to Saturday now and for me, it will be a trip to Whitechurch Community Centre to see how Waterloo figure against Strand A.

This one looks like a close enough affair, but I would be fancying the Loo to perhaps edge it in the end.

In the Premier league, we are bound to see another battling encounter at O’Neill Park when Grattan United welcome the visit of Corkbeg.

Both these sides had FAI Junior Cup wins last time out with Corkbeg getting the better of Cathedral Celtic while Grattan defeated Cobh Wanderers away.

The Beg are chasing their first league win of the season, but it will be a difficult task for them at O’Neill Park.

Aside from the Waterloo versus Strand game, there are two other Premier A clashes on the agenda tomorrow also with Cathedral Playing at home to a Greenwood side who are still looking for their first victory after three games.

Cathedral should edge this one.

Donoughmore have been improving since the start of the season, but must now try to get their first win on the board, but it will be very difficult to achieve this tomorrow when they face Knocknaheeny Celtic at home.

Added to the agenda tomorrow afternoon will be two AOH Cup ties to look forward to and League 1 leaders Shandon Celtic must take to the road where they will face Hibernians for their first-round tie at 2pm.

Then, out in Skehanagh Park, Watergrasshill United will be favourites to advance to the next round with an expected win over Rylane Celtic.

In League 3, there is just one game on the agenda when Harp Celtic face Kilbrittain Rovers in Murphy’s Farm at 2pm.

Newcomers Harp Celtic have had an average start to their season in the AUL with two wins, two defeats and one draw – against Kilbrittain tomorrow afternoon, we could see both sides sharing the points at the end of the 90 minutes.

On to Sunday now and for me, it will be a trip to the Mayfield United all-weather facility where Premier leaders Village United take on second place Grangevale at 10.45am.

This is a massive game for both these sides who are unbeaten after their first three league games of the season.

Aside from Village’s narrow 1-2 defeat at the hands of Douglas Hall in their FAI Junior Cup tie last time out, their form has been impeccable.

Grangevale on the other hand will be coming from the back of a 1-0 win over St. Mary’s and will know better than anyone that the performance that day was not really up to scratch – despite winning the game.

I’m expecting a cracking encounter here and if either one can manage a win, it will be a massive three points to chalk up.

The other Premier game on Sunday is Springfield’s home clash against a Glenthorn side still seeking their first league win.

In League 1, Richmond will be fancying themselves when they make the trip across the city to take on Blackpool Celtic at Popham’s Road.

There are two clashes in League 3 when Strand B will be hoping to increase their points tally against basement side Castlebridge Celtic.

Then, out in the Glebe we are certainly in for a tight affair between Coachford B and Rathcormac.