The race for glory in this season’s Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation Hospital Cup intensifies this weekend in the quarter-finals.

The tie of the round in the last eight is arguably at Ballafletcher where Corinthians go head-to-head with Rushen United in a game which could go either way. The Whites have enjoyed a memorable season, securing their highest ever finish in the top flight and also qualifying for the Railway Cup for the first time in 36 years.

They will start as slight favourites to come out on top against a Rushen side that has also enjoyed a fine campaign as they ended the season in fourth place. The sides both won one game apiece in their league meetings this season while Rushen won the FA Cup clash 2-0 in February so this one really is tough to call, but home advantage may just see the Whites through.

St George’s AFC’s seemingly relentless pursuit of an historic third Grand Slam ses them travel to Springfield Road to take on Douglas Athletic. The two sides went head-to-head in the Friends Provident FA Cup just a few weeks ago and, on that day, the Pinks put up a brave fight, holding the Saints well into the second half before a late flurry of goals sealed Geordies’ place in the next round.

With more history firmly in their sights, expect no let-up from St George’s as they continue to set the benchmark in the island.

Elsewhere in the quarter-finals, there’s a Station Fields derby on the cards as Peel ’host’ Colby in what is likely to be one of their final games at their temporary home before moving back to Douglas Road next season.

Peel won comfortably 3-0 last time the sides met but, prior to that, Colby impressed as they held the westerners to a 2-2 draw earlier in the season and stunned Old Boys in the previous round so they could push their more illustrious opponents again this weekend.

Marown continue to proudly fly the flag for JCK Division Two and this weekend their cup adventure sees them take on Laxey at Glen Road. The Miners will certainly start as favourites but on their day the Crosby side could well cause an upset.

l Away from the cup there’s a huge clash in JCK Division Two on Saturday as the top two sides - Douglas Royal and Braddan - do battle at Ballafletcher where a win for the Swans would all but seal promotion.