Division 3 has largely been competitive this season, Westmeath, Fermanagh, Down and Offaly are only separated by score difference in the race for promotion, while Longford and Tipp are still without wins but meeting this weekend fortunes may change.
Antrim v Fermanagh, 2pm @ Corrigan Park, Saturday 25th February
Antrim took their first league win at the weekend but face into a tough Ulster Derby on Saturday. The Saffron will nonetheless be optimistic as they have run it close in every league fixture this season.
Fermanagh scraped past Down by the minimum margin last weekend to earn their second win in the third division. The Erne County have shown a serious doggedness in the opening three rounds and last weekend’s comeback win has them well in the promotion mix.
These two teams clashed in the opening round of last year’s Division 3 fixtures and it was Antrim that took the day with 1-14 to 0-08. Expect this weekend’s tie to be much closer.
Down v Westmeath, 6pm @ Páirc Esler, Saturday 25th February
Down were sucker-punched late on by Fermanagh last time out but they’ll have to recover fast if they’re to overcome Westmeath. The Ulster side possess a serious goal-scoring threat and it is through that they could trouble their Leinster opponents.
Westmeath, however, pack a punch of their own and two goals scored last weekend got them over the line against Offaly. John Heslin is ever their key-man and his attacking prowess will have to be halted by Down.
Both sides have won two games and will no doubt fight tooth and nail for every ball on Saturday as they see their promotion chances light up.
Longford v Tipperary, 2pm @ Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Sunday 26th February
Longford and Tipperary will play for pride on Sunday, with both teams appearing destined for relegation already.
The Slashers have lost every one of their ties convincingly and look unlikely to stage any resurgence. This weekend’s tie with Tipp will be their best chance of putting points on the board.
The Premier County are a long way off where they were in years past this season. Still, the side have contended more than Longford up to now. They’ll be desperate to prove themselves better than their Leinster opponents in what could be a tight encounter.
Offaly v Cavan, 2pm @ Glenisk O’Connor Park, Sunday 26th February
Offaly endured their first defeat of the league last time out but still ran Westmeath very close at Cusack Park. Their opening two wins were marked by their cutting in the final third but they couldn’t find goal last weekend. They must do that this week if they are to have a chance of beating front-runners Cavan.
A flawless league record this year has seen the Breffni to the summit of Division 3 though they’ll know that there are four sides right behind them waiting for a slip-up. Offaly are one of those counties so a big win this weekend would most definitely serve to send a message.
Cavan will no doubt be the favourites for this one but expect the Faithful to stick with them most of the way.
