The new Ulster Senior League season kicks off on Wednesday evening with three games across the two groups of the 2018/19 Donegal News Ulster Senior League Cup.
Six-in-a-row double winners Cockhill Celtic welcome Derry City Reserves to the Charlie O’Donnell Sports Grounds, while last season’s beaten finalists, Letterkenny Rovers, host Finn Harps Reserves at Leckview Park in a venue change announced by the League.
And there is an intriguing clash in Ramelton as new managers Tony McNamee (Swilly Rovers) and Jason Gibson (Bonagee United) meet at Swilly Park.
There has been plenty of transfer activity over the summer months with Cockhill player-manager Gavin Cullen having recruited the likes of Brendan McLaughlin, Bart Wesolowski, Lee McColgan, Denim McLaughlin and Lee McCallion.
Brendan McLaughlin, along with Peter Doherty and Jimmy Bradley played for the Republic of Ireland Regions Cup squad against Northern Ireland on Wednesday.
Rovers have added former Finn Harps midfielder Jonny Bonner, most recently of Cliftonville, while Lee Toland has returned to Leckview Park following a spell at Harps and BJ Banda is also back in the Cathedral Town club’s colours.
Swilly and Bonagee have strengthened considerably in recent times and it makes for an interesting affair as former Swilly boss Gibson – who guided the Lennonsiders to two Knockalla Caravans Senior Cup wins in his time by the Lennon – goes up against his old club.
McNamee has brought back his son, Tony, from Fanad United, with others such as Dylan Hegarty and James McCahill also expected to line out.
Gibson, meanwhile, can be content with signings like Darren McFadden, Jordan Armstrong and Thomas McMonagle
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 29
Donegal News Ulster Senior League Cup Group A
6.45 Letterkenny Rovers v Finn Harps Reserves Referee – Michael ConnollyÂ
7pm Cockhill Celtic v Derry City Reserves Referee – Garbhan Taggart
Donegal News Ulster Senior League Cup Group B
6.45pm Swilly Rovers v Bonagee United Referee – Marty McGarrigle; Assistants Vincent McLoughlin, Benny McDaid
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 2 (2pm)
Donegal News Ulster Senior League Cup Group A
Cockhill Celtic v Letterkenny Rovers
Derry City Reserves v Finn Harps Reserves
Donegal News Ulster Senior League Cup Group B
Bonagee United v Fanad United
