Fascinating season lies in store as Morning League kicks off

The action kicks off this Wednesday with the first round of the County Antrim Post O’Kane Cup involving teams from the Second and Third Division, with the league games kicking off the following Tuesday.

Here we look ahead to the three divisions:

FIRMUS ENERGY DIVISION ONE

Harryville Homers, in search of a fourth league title in a row have again added to their already talented squad. Goalkeeper Lee McGavock joins from Braid United to replace the outgoing Ryan Martin who has moved on to Coagh United. Steven French joins from Ahoghill Thistle while Robert Ritchie and Justin Rowe join from neighbours Ballykeel and all three add more competition in defence and midfield. Richard Reid joins from Raceview and he has already impressed in both defence and attack in pre season friendlies.

Last years runners-up Ahoghill Thistle have also had to replace outgoing keeper Sean Ward and in acquiring James Gracey from rivals Carniny Rangers they have showed they again mean business.

Of the rest Carniny Rangers although having lost three top players can never be ruled out under the stewardship of Robert Young who gets the best out of his young squad. Clough Rangers and All Saints Old Boys have both strengthened their squads with proven Division One players and will be hoping they can get closer to the summit this season.

Of the promoted sides Glenravel will be hoping that their solid pre season form coupled with some smart signings will help them cement their place in Division One.

Newpark Olympic will be hoping that they can come out on top in the battle for supremacy in Antrim and with the advantage of playing all their home games at Chimney Corner they could prove a hard nut to crack.

FIRMUS ENERGY DIVISION TWO

Michelin have strengthened well, bringing in several players with good BSML experience and they look strong favourites to bounce straight back to Division One.

FC Penarol now under the management of David Paul have consolidated their squad and added some quality in the summer and will like Michelin be hoping for a quick return.

Carnlough Swifts flattered to deceive last year but with a big panel will be looking to challenge once again. Woodside and Rectory Rovers were promoted to Division Two due to a restructuring of the Divisions, but unfortunately Rectory have folded, leaving the Division with only 13 teams. This is Woodside’s first season in Division Two and they will be hoping to consolidate their place. The other promoted teams Randalstown, Sporting Ballymoney and Cushendall are all capable of causing problems.