Anticipation is high ahead of the start of the new Premier Intermediate League season. Gary Hamilton’s return to football management at Ballymacash Rangers has raised the excitement levels. The former Glenavon boss makes his comeback on the touchline at home to Dollingstown on the opening day. Stuart King is another big name in the division following his appointment as relegated Newry City. King, who departed Carrick Rangers last season, will kick off the new campaign away to Moyola Park in a mouthwatering clash. Ballymacash and Newry will be two of the favourites for promotion to the Championship, but Moyola under the leadership of new boss Marty Smith will be up there too. Portstewart have also been busy in the close season with a number of new arrivals. They also start the new campaign with a home game as they entertain Coagh United. Newly promoted Strabane Athletic make their NIFL debut against last season鈥檚 promoted club Oxford Sunnyside at Knockramer Park, whilst Ballyclare Comrades start their journey in the third-tier with a tricky away trip to Rathfriland Rangers. Kicking off their league campaigns, Dergview are at home to Banbridge Town, and Knockbreda host Lisburn Distillery in an action-packed opening round of Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League. The 14-team division of the top Intermediate clubs will see all clubs play each other home and away to complete a 26-match campaign, with the eventual winners claiming a place in next season鈥檚 Playr-Fit Championship and the runners-up qualifying for the end of season promotion play-offs. Opening Playr-Fit Premier Intermediate League Fixtures Saturday 23 August 2025 Ballymacash Rangers v Dollingstown Dergview v Banbridge Town Knockbreda v Lisburn Distillery Moyola Park v Newry City Oxford Sunnyside v Strabane Athletic Portstewart v Coagh United Rathfriland Rangers v Ballyclare Comrades