IT could prove to be a traumatic weekend for goalkeepers as they take their places behind nervous defences in a string of David versus Goliath second round ties in the Sharwood's Irish Senior Cup.

The six leading cup contenders - Pegasus, Randalstown, Muckross, Loreto, Hermes and Old Alexandra - were all kept apart in the draw and can expect to be in the hat for Sunday's third round draw.

Randalstown are already assured of advancing without even having to pick up a hockey stick following Galway's withdrawal from the competition due to a lengthy injury list. The match cancellation may not be too much of a disappointment for the Galway goalkeeper - the Ulster side scored 13 goals against Coleraine last weekend.

Cup holders Pegasus have also been giving opposing defences a hard time this season, scoring 13 in one match against Knock Harlequins will hope that their Munster goalkeeper, Sharon Hutchison, has a less busy afternoon tomorrow in Belfast. Like Harlequins, Muckross travel north to Belfast where they play Collegians, a match they will expect to win.

Hermes are at full strength for their meeting with Ulster's Victorians at Belfield. Later in the day, at the same venue, Loreto take on UCG. The only cup tie being staged in Munster this weekend is at The Mardyke where UCC host Yeats County. Coleraine and their beleaguered defence entertain Old Alexandra at the University of Ulster.

The all Leinster match between Glenanne and Pembroke Wanderers at Tallaght should be one of the second round's more competitive ties.

Meanwhile a panel of 23 players has been chosen for the Irish under 18 training weekend.