‘Near Banbridge Town in the county Down’ are the opening words of the famous song ‘Star of the County Down’ – but whether the opening chords sound out for the new Northern Irish soccer season remains to be seen (or heard). PICTURE: COLM LENAGHANThe major issue surrounds that re-branded third tier, the NCL, which is replacing the Premier Intermediate League (PIL). The NCL will be part of the overall Northern Amateur Football League, with Banbridge Town set to participate in the new NCL Premier division. However, there are concerns about delays affecting the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) Premiership, which is set to kick off this Friday with the north Belfast derby at Solitude, Cliftonville v Crusaders. Banbridge Town are at the centre of an ongoing controversy over procedural failings relating to the re-structuring of the Irish League ‘pyramid’.