The opening round of the Junior Cup delivered a packed programme of fixtures across two weekends, with strong performances, high‑scoring ties and several notable results involving Mid Ulster clubs. Below is a full summary of the action from Round 1.
Saturday 05 September 2026 – Key Results
Armagh Celtic edged out Caledon Rovers in a tight 3–2 contest, while Cookstown Olympic produced a composed home performance to secure a 4–2 win over Albion Star. GlenDowan were convincing 3–0 winners against Goodyear, and Lurgan Town U23 impressed with a dominant 6–0 victory away to Kircubbin.
Keady Celtic recorded a strong 5–1 win over Orangefield OB II, and Rathfriland Rangers Reserves delivered one of the standout scorelines of the round with a commanding 13–1 win over Lisnarick. Realta Na Cromoige also progressed with a 5–2 win over Broomhedge Maghaberry.
Riverdale were comfortable 5–0 winners against Maguiresbridge, while Crewe United U23 advanced with a 3–0 win over St Luke’s II. FC Mindwell Reserves continued their good form with a 2–1 away win at Stranmillis Rovers. Top of the Hill Celtic rounded off the day with a 5–0 victory over AFC Craigavon Reserves.
Armagh Celtic 3–2 Caledon Rovers
Armagh City Olympic 2–3 Dunnaman
Coagh United Reserves 0–6 Killen Rangers
Cookstown Olympic 4–2 Albion Star
Cregagh Wanderers 3–2 Donaghmore
Dungannon Rovers 3–4 Fintona Swifts
GlenDowan 3–0 Goodyear
Kircubbin 0–6 Lurgan Town U23
Newtownards RBL 4–1 Hillsborough Boys
NFC Kesh 3–0 Markethill Swifts Reserves
North Ballymena Rangers 4–0 Armagh Blues
Orangefield OB II 1–5 Keady Celtic
Rathfriland Rangers Reserves 13–1 Lisnarick
Realta Na Cromoige 5–2 Broomhedge Maghaberry
Rectory Rangers 0–3 H&W Welders U21
Riverdale 5–0 Maguiresbridge
St Luke’s II 0–3 Crewe United U23
Stranmillis Rovers 1–2 FC Mindwell Reserves
Top of the Hill Celtic 5–0 AFC Craigavon Reserves
Saturday 12 September 2026 – Key Results
Seagoe Reserves progressed with a narrow 1–0 win over 22nd OB, while Ballyvea secured a 2–1 home victory against St Oliver Plunkett II. Craigavon City Reserves also advanced after a tight 1–0 win over Abbey Villa Development Team.
Killymoon Rangers Reserves were involved in a high‑scoring tie but fell short in a 10–4 defeat to Cruestodians. Sandy Hill produced a strong 7–1 win over Lurgan BBOB, and West End Hibs defeated Magheralin Village 4–0.
Magheraveely were impressive 6–1 winners over Lisburn Rovers, while Moira Albion continued their good form with a 2–1 win against Ormeau Bakery. Newhill delivered the most emphatic result of the round with a 16–0 victory over Moneyslane Reserves.
Richhill Reserves progressed with a 3–2 win over Cookstown RBL Swifts, and Scarva Rangers held their nerve in a penalty shootout to defeat Banbridge Rangers Reserves after a 3–3 draw.
22nd OB 0–1 Seagoe Reserves
Ballyvea 2–1 St Oliver Plunkett II
Craigavon City Reserves 1–0 Abbey Villa Development Team
Donacloney 0–6 Belfast Celtic YM
Gilford Crusaders 2–5 Orchard Farm
Hanover Reserves 3–4 Wellington Rec Olympic
Kelvin OB 7–0 St Mary’s YC II
Killymoon Rangers Reserves 4–10 Cruestodians
Lisnaskea Rovers 4–0 Newmills Reserves
Lurgan BBOB 1–7 Sandy Hill
Magheralin Village 0–4 West End Hibs
Magheraveely 6–1 Lisburn Rovers
Moira Albion 2–1 Ormeau Bakery
Newhill 16–0 Moneyslane Reserves
Richhill Reserves 3–2 Cookstown RBL Swifts
Scarva Rangers 3–3 Banbridge Rangers Reserves (7–6 pens)
Tandragee Rovers Reserves 0–6 Southside Rangers
Saturday 19 September 2026 – Remaining Fixture
Glenavy vs Crumlin Star II Result pending.
Congratulations – Mid Ulster Clubs Advancing to Round 2
The following Mid Ulster clubs have successfully reached Round 2:
- Armagh Celtic
- Cookstown Olympic
- Lurgan Town U23
- Keady Celtic
- Rathfriland Rangers Reserves
- Riverdale
- Crewe United U23
- FC Mindwell Reserves
- Seagoe Reserves
- Ballyvea
- Craigavon City Reserves
- Sandy Hill
- West End Hibs
- Moira Albion
- Richhill Reserves
- Scarva Rangers
(Glenavy or Crumlin Star II will join them once the remaining fixture is completed.)