The draw for the first round of the Ascot Hotel Junior Cup has thrown up some potentially interesting matches this weekend.

On paper the big clash is at Douglas Road where 12-time winners Peel host rivals St George’s, a match which pits the sides currently fourth and fifth in Combination One against each other.

The sides met in the league in late February when Geordies edged the win by the odd goal in three, so they may just start this match as favourites.

There’s an intriguing clash in store at Croit Lowey where long-time Combi One leaders welcome Combination Two champions-elect RYCOB. The Spaniards will undoubtedly be odds on to progress but Youthie are full of confidence and playing with a swagger at the moment so may fancy their chances of causing an upset.

Corinthians will be expected to get the better of Combi Two outfit Castletown at Ballafletcher, while on the adjacent pitch Douglas Royal will also start as favourites to comfortably see off the challenge of Michael United.

Having only fielded 10 men in their 3-0 win over Ayre United in the prelim round, Laxey will be hoping for a better turnout this weekend when they travel up the east coast to face Ramsey, while Douglas Athletic should prove too strong for Foxdale and Pulrose United will be expected to get the better of Gymns in Tromode.

The remaining preliminary round tie sees St John’s host Onchan in game switched to Mullen-e-Cloie.