Underdogs aiming for cup glory
reach the first round of the FA Cup tomorrow. ..the round in which clubs from the First Division join the competition.
Two double-headers are scheduled at White Hill Field and Wellington Oval where Commercial teams go up against Second Division sides. The other two matches at PHC Stadium and St. David's are all-Second Division affairs which guarantees that at least two teams from that division will enter next week's first round draw.
At White Hill at 12.30, Ireland Rangers, who stopped Lobster Pot in midweek, take on a confident Paget team coming off two bigs wins in the league.
However, with some former First Division players in the Rangers team, such as Troy Berkeley, Michael Bremar and Duane DeRosa, this match could go either way.
The second match at White Hill sees Robin Hood taking on Prospect in another contest that could produce an upset. In fact, all of the Commercial teams have excellent chances of advancing, with Forties favoured over a young St.
George's side in the second game at Wellington Oval.
The East Enders have had their ranks severely depleted in the last couple of seasons, going from a First Division team that finished third two years ago to one that now looks only a shadow of its former self. It has been 19 months (Friendship final, April, 1996) since they last won a match -- and a victory tomorrow could depend on how well the older Forties players recover from two gruelling extra-time matches in midweek against St. George's All-Stars.
The opening game at Wellington Oval should be one of the best, as Commercial champions BAA Wanderers take on Hamilton Parish of the Second Division. Second Division leaders Wolves should get past Social Club at PHC Stadium (2.30) while the lone match at St. David's has St. David's meeting Somerset Eagles.