Antrim Masters will make their way to Pearse Ogs ground in Armagh city on Saturday when the men from the orchard county are expected to provide a stiff test for an Antrim team who are currently on a clear progress curve of their own.

The throw in is at 12 midday, and Antrim management of Frank Delargy and Timmy Connolly will be hoping a round of reserve league games the night before or senior matches on Saturday evening do not cause too much upheaval to the availability of their players.

Armagh masters collected intermediate championship silverware last season, winning the Challenge cup final by defeating Sligo in the final. Prior to that though they fell short against a Kieran Close inspired Antrim side at Dunsilly  in an earlier league game, so they will not be short of motivation for Saturdays encounter. The Cargin man scored 1 – 06 that day and was instrumental in securing Antrim’s first ever win against Armagh in Masters Football.

In this year’s opening round of matches Antrim proved too strong for a Down team in Ballymena, whilst over at Owenbeg Derry did enough to collect the points against visitors Armagh, whose manager Adrian Clarke will be be keen to get back to winning ways on Saturday.

Ironically the Saffrons will be led out by captain for the occasion by an Armagh native – Colly Connolly who played in his younger days for Crossmaglen, before transferring allegiance to markets men St Malachys for whom he still lines out regularly in his advancing years. Colly has been a stalwart of Antrim masters for many seasons.

Antrim welcomed several new panellists to their squad this year, amongst them Mick McCarry (Ballymena) David McAlernon (Aghagallon) Hannahstown man Brendan Herron  and Anto Healy from St Galls, whilst the emergence county legends Paddy Cunningham and Michael McCann to this sector – these half dozen adding considerable weight to Antrims aspirations to go far in the competition in 2025.

Nevertheless Armagh will be expected to test the Saffrons credentials on Saturday, where Derry referee Paul Quigley takes charge between the lines.