The Electric Ireland Women’s Challenge Cup 1st Round gets under way tonight, including a handful of sides from the NIWFA Championship.
Camlough Rovers faced 1st Bangor at home in the solitary preliminary round tie earlier this month and ran out 13-0 winners. Their reward is a trip to face Strabane Athletic.
Five matches take place this evening with all the clubs vying to have their names in the hat for the next stage. Three teams – Lisburn Ladies Rangers, Ballyclare Comrades and Craigavon City – have already progressed to round two courtesy of walkovers.
In total eight teams will make it through from round one to be joined by NIFL Danske Bank Women’s Premiership sides in the second round in early August, when reigning holders Glentoran will begin the defence of their crown.
The Glens have won the past three Irish Cup finals – Covid meant the 2020 decider was not played – and they will no doubt be going all out for four in a row in 2022.
Round One – 17 June (KO 7:30pm unless stated)
Antrim Rovers v Bangor
Kilmore Rec v St James’ Swifts
Larne v Comber Rec
Lisburn Distillery v Ballymena United
Strabane Athletic v Camlough Rovers (7:50pm)
Walkovers: Lisburn Rangers, Ballyclare Comrades, Craigavon City
