Antrim surprised many in the opening weekend in Division 3 of the Allianz Football League, with a nine point win over Fermanagh.
The big game this weekend is the meeting of Leinster rivals Laois and Westmeath on Sunday in MW Hire O’Moore Park
Antrim v Limerick, Saturday February 5th, 2:30pm, Corrigan Park
Antrim will be buoyed up by their win over Ulster rivals Fermanagh last weekend when they welcome Limerick to Corrigan Park this afternoon.
A goal from midfielder Kevin Small set the Saffron County on their way to a 1-14 to 0-08 win over Fermanagh. As Fermanagh struggled to put away their chances Antrim made no mistake down the other end.
Limerick made a terrific start against Longford last weekend with three first half goals. Longford staged a comeback in the second half but a fourth goal scored by James Naughton gave Billy Lees’ side a 4-09 to 1-11 win. They’ll want to make the same start in Belfast in what is a tricky tie for the Munster side.
Laois v Westmeath, Sunday February 6th, 2:00pm, MW Hire O’Moore Park
Laois produced a strong second half performance to defeat Louth by five points in their opening game last weekend. Laois took their goal chances and this proved to be the difference. They’ll hope to make a better start this weekend against Westmeath.
Westmeath had a terrible start against Wicklow with conditions playing their part. The Lake County trailed by five at the break but used the elements to their advantage in the second half. Wicklow only scored two points in the second half while Westmeath hit over six.
Both these counties suffered relegation from Division 2 last year and will want to make a swift return. A win for either will be a huge boost in a competitive Division 3.
Longford v Louth, Sunday February 6th, 2:00pm, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park
It’s only the second game of the league campaign but this is a real four pointer at the Midlands venue with both sides looking to put their first points on the board.
Longford have had the upper hand of late over Louth and defeated them in this year’s O’Byrne Cup group stages but Sunday’s game is a totally different ball game. Influential midfielder Darren Gallagher went off injured in last Saturday’s defeat to Limerick but has been named to start tomorrow.
Louth put it up to Laois last weekend but fell to a five point defeat. Mickey Harte will want a performance for 70 minutes in Longford. Louth will feel aggrieved with the way they lost to Longford in the O’Byrne Cup and will want to avenge that.
Wicklow v Fermanagh, Sunday February 6th, 2:00pm, Aughrim
Another two sides out to pick up their first points of the campaign. Division 3 is very competitive and every point is crucial at both ends of the table.
Fermanagh will hope to put away chances that they squandered last weekend in their surprise defeat to Antrim. They were wasteful in front of the goals and it proved costly as they fell to a nine point defeat.
Wicklow made the perfect start against Westmeath last Saturday. They were ahead by five at the break but were only able to add a further two points to their tally in the second half. They didn’t adapt well to conditions in the second half. They’ll hope home advantage can be a help tomorrow.
Deniese O'Flaherty
Deniese is a freelance sports journalist/broadcaster. She has worked for several local and national media outlets. GAA and soccer are her great loves and she also follows rugby league and snooker. She's a big supporter of her local clubs St. Mary's GAA Granard and Longford Town. She also follows Celtic, Liverpool and Leeds Rhinos. She presented and produced a popular sports podcast last year where she interviewed Ray Houghton, Chris Kamara and John Hartson. Deniese is currently Head of Communications for Boccia Ireland