The Longford senior championship returns with round four this weekend, as the final group stages arrive.
Two of the eight quarter-final places have been filled. It’s still all to play for in Group B. So we look into what will be an interesting weekend.
In group A, Rathcline and Killoe have already booked their places in the knockout stages. The sides meet on Friday in Michael Fay Park at 8pm.
Both Rathcline and Killoe have collected a maximum six points. With four points remaining, Granard and Kenagh cannot catch the top two. A win for either side would more than likely assure them top spot in the group.
Whereas, both sides would take draw with would ensure a top three finish for both at worst.
On Saturday, Colmcille face Mostrim in Higginstown with a bit of crunch in this game. Colmcille currently sit third with four points while Mostrim are fourth with two.
A Colmcille victory will secure passage to the knock-out stage with a round remaining and would ensure at worse a third place finish.
Whereas, a victory for Mostrim, would not secure passage on the night, but would certainly move things further. A draw would see Comcille advance to the quarter-final and edge Mostrim closer.
Sunday, sees a real relegation fight between Kenagh and Granard in Emmet Park. Both sides need a win to have any chance of progressing to the quarter-final.
Kenagh have scored the least amount of points in the championship, 29 in total. An expected victory for Granard would see Kenagh in the relegation play-offs.
Group B
It’s still all to play for in the group of death with two games remaining. It may well be cemetery Sunday for some with all games down for decision on Sunday.
Table toppers Abbeylara face Carrickedmond in Keenan Park at 2:30pm. Things are tight with just four point separating Abbeylara with last placed Clonguish.
Carrickedmond will feel like they left something behind heading after their drawn game with Longford Slashers last time out. While in fourth place, a win would see them go level with Abbey.
Whereas, Frankie Dolan’s Abbeylara will want to make it three wins from four. A wiley fox in Eugene McCormack sits in the Carrickedmond dugout. There may not be anything to separate these two.
Elsewhere, Longford Slashers face Mullinalaghta in Devine Park at four. Slashers have yet to win this championship. Mullinalaghta have yet to lose.
Two draws from three games is Slashers total. Mullinalaghta fought back for a maiden win over Clonguish to add to two earlier draws. Slashers are young and leggy. Mullinalaghta are experienced and willing. This will be close to call.
The weekend’s action rounds out when Clonguish face Dromard. Clonguish need a win for confidence as much as making the quarter-finals.
Defeats to Carrickedmond and Mullinalaghta have them on the back foot. Dromard have continued to develop. One shall stand one shall fall, but nothing will be decided on Sunday night.
