D&D: Waterside derby dominates weekend of league and cup action

Elsewhere, Premier Division leaders Park Bar will be favourites against Trojans while in Section two, pace-setters Oxford host Lisahally and Phoenix face Tristar.

It is not all about the league though as in the quarter final of the Devlin Motors McAlinden Cup, Brandywell Harps play Don Bosco’s in a game that could go the distance.

All games kick off 11-30.

Trojans v Park Bar (Brandywell)

Trojans sit six points behind Park at the top and have played a game more. Last month they lost out to the leaders in the McAlinden Cup so Daryl McDermott will be hoping to get a reverse here. Colm Cassiday’s Park team hit nine past an inexperienced Culmore side in a cup tie last week but should get a tougher game on Sunday thought they will be favourites again. Park to win.

Campbell’s v Top Of The Hill (Lisnagelvin 2)

Campbell’s sit fourth in the table but are now out of the title race. Back in August, Kevin McGinley’s side narrowly lost out to Celtic but a victory here would see Campbell’s go above them. Celtic still have a very slim chance of retaining their title but have all but given up the chase. Colm Logue may take the opportunity to bring in a few young players. A draw could be the outcome here.

Section 2

Oxford v Lisahally

Oxford hold a three point lead over Lisahally so this is a key game for both teams. Since taking over Oxford, Philip Devlin has steadied the ship and they are playing well. Last month Lisahally put five past Oxford at Strathfoyle but ‘Spike’ Doherty knows it will be a harder task on Sunday.

Lisahally to win.

Phoenix v Tristar (St Columb’s 2)

Phoenix simply have to win to stay in touch with the top two. First time around, Christy McGeehan’s team lost heavily to Tristar and that was the start of a poor run that has seen them slide to joint bottom. Like their opponents, Chris McGarrigle’s Tristar cannot afford to slip up if they want to stay in contention. A draw looks likely here.

Devlin Motors McAlinden Cup quarter final.

Brandywell Harps v Don Boscos (Showgrounds)

Harps will be bidding to make it through to the semi-final for the second season running but Liam Deery knows it will not be easy against a good, young Bosco’s side. Bosco’s were unlucky to lose out to Harps in the league back in September so they will relish the chance to get revenge. Top of the Hill await the winners.

Harps to win but it may require extra time.