The much-delayed Cu-Plas Railway Cup semi-finals take place this evening (Tuesday).

More than five months after they were originally meant to be played, the last-four ties make up part of a busy last couple of weeks of the 2017-18 season.

The backlog of rearranged fixtures means that the qualifiers for the traditionally Christmas competition were only finalised last week, the semi-final draw taking place on Friday.

It has paired Rushen United with Corinthians, while recently crowned Premier League champions St George’s meet old rivals Peel in the other tie.

Rushen and Corinthians met only a few weeks ago in the last four of the Keystone Law Hospital Cup, Corinthians winning 4-1.

The scoreline flattered the Whites in that game a little and this one should be a closer affair at Croit Lowey.

Corinthians will be keen to bounce back after their mid-week defeat at the hands of St George’s, but will be sweating on the fitness of defenders Cameron Lee and Tom Smith the latter being forced off with a facial injury during the league defeat at the hands of Geordies.

A walkover against DHSOB meant Geordies had the unexpected luxury of a weekend off.

This should mean that the Saints should be fighting fit for this one with Joey Morling, Calum Morrissey and Johnny Myers all having spells on the sidelines in recent weeks.

The wear and tear of a long season is also beginning to take its toll on the Peel squad.

Talisman Lee Gale’s season looks to be over after he suffered an ankle injury in last week’s victory over St John’s.

Marc Kelly is also unavailable for the clash at Glencrutchery Road as he suspended after being sent off against the Johnners.

Shaun Kelly has been in good goalscoring form for the westerners in recent weeks and Steve Falconer’s side will be hoping for an improved showing on the one they produced they last time the pair met when Geordies ran out 6-1 winners.

Both games kick-off at 6.30pm, with the winners meeting in the final next Wednesday evening at the Bowl .