Ulster Elks host rivals Pegasus for the second week running as the sides contest the second leg of their Denman Shield clash on Saturday.
Last week’s first leg saw goals from Audrey Sawyers and Rachel Houston help the side come from behind twice to seal a 2-2 away draw.
Goals from Katie McDonald and Rosie Henderson had seen the Pegasus twice lead only to be pegged back. However, there was a late chance for Katie McKee to snatch victory for her side, only to be denied by Gemma Ferguson in goal.
Now, with home advantage in the second leg, Joel Cathcart’s Ulster Elks will be seeking to overturn last season’s 2-1 final defeat against the same opposition and book their place in the next round.
At Deramore Park, Premier League leaders Portadown travel to face Belfast Harlequins and are hoping to build on an impressive midweek win.
Wednesday night saw the youthful side beat EYHL outfit Ards 3-2 in their opening game of the competition with goals from Emily Adamson, Katie Herron and Lara Wilson.
They now face familiar opposition as they take on Belfast Harlequins who they narrowly beat 2-1 in November.
However, since then the side have been in fine form as they are unbeaten in their last three without conceding a goal whilst also beating Lisnagarvey 5-0 last time out.
The final game from the Denman Shield sees Lisnagarvey host Ballymoney at Comber Road.
The hosts will be looking to bounce back from consecutive heavy defeats having lost their last two games 5-0 and 3-0 to Belfast Harlequins and Queen’s University in an otherwise impressive season.
The sides last met on the opening day of the league season when it was Garvey who came out on top with a 3-1 win.
Goals from Chrissy Hopkins, Beth Ravey and Louise Hughes sealed the win despite a consolation effort from Koren Ferguson.
Meanwhile, Ballymoney come into this tie in a fine run of form, losing just one of their last four league games.
In the Legacy Wealth Management Premier League, Queen’s University take on Omagh as they look to make use of one of their two games in hand over league leaders Portadown.
Simon Bell’s side remain unbeaten in all competitions this season and come into the tie off the back of their impressive 3-0 win over Lisnagarvey on Monday night.
Three first-half goals from Megan Cochrane, Jodie Simmons and Eva Gaston sealed the victory and got them off to a winning start in their first game of the new year.
They now face an Omagh side that have drawn each of their last three league outings and are currently seventh in the division.
PHOTO: Front Row Union
