Cahill Cup holders Firhouse Clover have an early start tomorrow as they put their title on the line for the first time with a tricky away day to Division 1 side Glenville.
Tomorrow morning's first round trip to Palmerstown Community School is far removed from Firhouse's last outing in this competition when they defeated Wayside Celtic in exhilarating fashion to claim this trophy for the first time.
The Tallaght side cracked three past firm favourites Celtic on a glorious afternoon in Whitehall, but tomorrow the roles are reversed for Firhouse. It is Glenville who take the underdogs tag and they will look to bring the holders back down to earth with a severe bump.
A couple of early season defeats hasn't helped the Glens settle into their new life in Division 1, so tomorrow morning's shift against the holders will provide the newly promoted side with a healthy distraction from the league.
Firhouse, though, will need to tread carefully. They have already lost two out of three league games, confidence has taken a hit and tomorrow's trip is one fraught with danger.
Cahill Cup 1st Round
CRUMLIN UNITED v VERONA
This should be straightforward enough for Crumlin. The LSL champions rarely get scalped by a giant killer and although Verona won't make it easy, the Blues will have too much for the Division 1 side. Verdict: Home Win.
BLUEBELL UNITED v ST FRANCIS
The Saints will be hoping that Bluebell will be feeling the stress of their trips to Derry in the Senior Cup. This could be a great time for Francis to catch United. A couple of wins in the league sets the Saints up nicely and they might just cause a shock. Verdict: Away Win.
CHERRY ORCHARD v KILLESTER UNITED
Killester's rise through the ranks of the LSL continued last season and the northside outfit now face one of their biggest tests since entering the league. The Orchard will be motivated, though, and should manage to progress after a struggle. Verdict: Home Win.
GLENVILLE v FIRHOUSE CLOVER
Clover's top flight experience to help them by this tricky away day and into the second round. Verdict: Away Win.
UCD v MALAHIDE UNITED
College start their season with a tough opener against fellow Senior Division side United. United have a couple of games in their legs already and will look to catch College cold. Verdict: Away Win.