Tolka and Bluebell to flourish in Garden

Niall Feery

Five Senior Division clubs put their hopes of national glory on the line over the next couple of days as the FAI Intermediate Cup continues to gather momentum.

Both Tolka Rovers and Bluebell United head to Wicklow to face tricky second round away days.

Tonight, last season's runners-up Bluebell travel to meet Arklow Town at Lamberton while tomorrow Rovers take on Greystones

UCD welcome Division 1A side Dunboyne to Belfield, but it is in Tallaght where top-flight attention will be focused as Firhouse Clover and Leixlip United collide in an all Senior Division clash.

Both of these received a bye in the first round, so tomorrow will be the first taste of this season's competition. For one team, though, it will be a bitter and final taste.

RELIEF

For Leixlip, semi-finalists in this competition last season, this tie is a bit of light relief away from the trials of their league campaign. United, in their debut season in the Senior Division, have struggled to get to the beat of top flight football and have ended up in the relegation zone in recent weeks.

After a poor start to the season Firhouse underwent a revival in fortunes at the start of the month, notching up a couple of impressive wins. The last couple of weeks, though, the Tallaght club has lost two league games on the bounce. Despite those results, Clover managed to hold on tight to mid-table safety and will start tomorrow's game as slight favourites to progress.

FAI INTER CUP Rd 2 (Selected Ties)

ARKLOW TOWN v BLUEBELL UNITED (Tonight)

Arklow have been struggling in the league this season and anything other than an away win will be a major shock. The Bell are a strong and physical side and will withstand any early hassle that Town can conjure up. Andy Noonan's side to progress with a bit to spare. Verdict: Away Win.

GREYSTONES v TOLKA ROVERS

Rovers have been in flying form in the league, but this is a tricky away day on the tight confines of Archfield. Stones lie third in Division 1 and are unbeaten at home this term. The Wicklow side will make it difficult for Paul Doyle's outfit, but that little bit of Senior Division class will shine through in the end. Verdict: Away Win.

UCD v DUNBOYNE

UCD should have far too much for a Dunboyne side two leagues below them. College hit Kilnamanagh for six in the last round and will aim for another emphatic victory. Verdict: Home Win.

FIRHOUSE CLOVER v LEIXLIP UNITED

It has been a tough time for both of these sides recently and it could get tougher for Leixlip tomorrow. Verdict: Home Win.

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