Preview: Allianz NFL Div 3 Week 7

Both Offaly and Fermanagh will be aiming to secure their spot in the league final and book their promotion as they need the other to suffer defeat, while Cavan are already assured a spot.

Cavan v Fermanagh, Sun March 26th, Kingspan Breffni, 2pm

A meeting of the top two will bring more concern to Fermanagh in the hunt for promotion.

Cavan are guaranteed of promotion even if they lose to Fermanagh and finish level on 10 points with either Down or Offaly, they are guaranteed their place in Div 2 no matter what happens due to head to head.

The same cannot be said for Fermanagh however, a draw for them and they are secured a final spot and will be promoted, however should Offaly beat Down they will be leapfrogged in the table.

Longford v Antrim, Sun March 26th, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, 2pm

In what really is a dead rubber tie, both Antrim and Longford can use this tie as a warm up ahead of the Championship.

Longford are already relegated but can finish above Tipp if they suffer defeat and they get a first win of the year, they have come close to a result but just have fallen at the final hurdle.

The Saffrons picked up a huge win last weekend as they secured safety overcoming fellow Ulster natives Cavan, a win this time around would be an ideal end to the year for them as they can gear up for what comes next.

Offaly v Down, Sun March 26th, Bord na Mona O’Connor Park, 2pm

A must win tie for Offaly in Tullamore as they need a result here to have a chance at promotion.

Offaly defeated Fermanagh in Round 2 and should they win this tie then a spot in the final and promotion would be achieved, an ideal way for them to end the campaign following the death of manager Liam Kearns.

Down cannot be promoted because they’ve lost to both Cavan and Fermanagh, with both on 10 points, no matter the result Down at best can only do their Ulster neighbours Fermanagh a favour by securing a win and giving them what they are looking for should they lose.

Westmeath v Tipperary, Sun March 26th, TEG Cusack Park, 2pm

Another tie with little consequence for the league table is the meeting of Westmeath and Tipp in Mullingar.

Westmeath lost ground last weekend and will have to settle for another season in Div 3, but can end the year as the defending Tailteann Cup holders, are looking ahead to the summer series and a win here would be a great confidence boost.

Second from bottom in the league standings, Tipp have had a campaign to forget, they have a Munster campaign to worry about, with Waterford next on the agenda in April, this game can be a real test to their credentials in the provincial campaign.

Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.

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