Key clashes mark weekend league programme

The focus for senior clubs this week is very much back to the Long’s SuperValu league programme with no fewer than thirteen games down for decision over the two days.

Given that the majority of league matches have fallen victim to the weather over the past few weeks, the Fixture Secretary has started playing catch-up with just four weekends left in the regular season.

Newbuildings have been the big winners of late; since their cup final defeat to Brigade, Gareth McKeegan’s side have played and won twice, moving them up to fifth in the table.

They do now only have four league outings left, the first of which is at home to Donemana on Saturday, and it’s a key match for both teams given that the Holm men are now in a real scrap for a Premier Division place next season.

Newbuildings have put themselves in a strong position to secure one of those top eight places, but Donemana are currently locked in a showdown with Coleraine, Fox Lodge and Eglinton for what currently appears to be the remaining three places.

Dwayne McGerrigle’s team should be able to see off Burndennett in their second match of the weekend on Sunday, however two wins would really help their cause.

It’s a similar story for Fox Lodge who would be strong favourites to beat Ballyspallen on Sunday, but who are away at leaders Bready the previous day.

Aaron Heywood’s team are also just in the top half at present and any win would be a major help- however if they could put a couple together it would leave them in a much healthier position for the final run-in.

Coleraine have the toughest weekend of the lot as Matthew Hutchinson’s side face title challengers Brigade on Saturday and Killyclooney on Sunday. On the plus side, both games are at home, however this might be a telling weekend for the Bannsiders.

Eglinton entertain Ardmore on Saturday and Glendermott on Sunday and the villagers also need at least one win to keep their hat in the ring following a decent run of league results before the rains intervened.

Game of the weekend, on paper at least, is at Beechgrove on Sunday where Brigade entertain Bready.

The Magheramason side currently sit top of the table having played one game more than their nearest challengers, however Davy Scanlon will be well aware that two wins this weekend would make his side very difficult to catch in the race for the title.

Conversely, two wins for Andy Britton’s team means we’re going right down to the wire.

There’s plenty to play for, that’s for sure. All we need now are the taps turned off.

 

THIS WEEKEND’S FIXTURES