There is an early top-of-the-table clash as Cookstown host Belfast Harlequins in the Men’s Premier League.
The home side is one of just two teams that still have maximum points from their opening games whereas Quins have four points and find themselves in third place.
The early pacesetters have made a great start in their return to the division having scored seven and conceded just once.
Their defence will be put to the test with their opponents being the league’s top scorers so far with midfielder Michael Patterson leading the goalscoring charts with four strikes to date..
Elsewhere last season’s second and third-placed sides go head-to-head as South Antrim take on Bangor.
Despite impressive campaigns last year both have made slow starts this time out with the Lisburn side having got one point from their two games whilst Bangor sit bottom of the league as the only team without a point.
However, South Antrim have reason to be optimistic with Chris Henry and James Brown both on two goals already this season.
Last season’s Champions Queen’s University are also in action as they travel to face Portadown.
Having won their opening game of the season against NICS, the current title holders will be looking to bounce back following a 4-2 defeat at home to Kilkeel last week.
With three points from their opening fixtures, they currently find themselves in fourth whilst today’s opponents Portadown have had a similar start.
Following a disappointing 5-1 opening-day defeat to Belfast Harlequins, Portadown bounced back with a dramatic 4-3 win over Bangor on matchday two.
A crazy final quarter saw goals from Jamie Wright, Matty Winter and Ross Beattie to seal the late comeback, but this week they will be hoping they won’t need to leave it so late before they start playing to their potential.
The final game of the day sees recently promoted Raphoe host North Down.
It has been a difficult start for the hosts since their return to Ulster’s premier division as they faced Cookstown on matchday one before earning a hard-fought point against NICS.
With one point they are still looking for that first win of the campaign as they face a travelling side who have already conceded six goals this campaign.
North Down themselves have faced difficult opposition in South Antrim and the league leaders as they eye a potential top half spot come this evening.
Photo: FRONT ROW UNION
