Some incredible showdowns in 2A this weekend, from top four showdowns to relegation battles, it is sure to be another dramatic weekend of action.
Ballymena v UL Bohemian, Saturday February 10th, Eaton Park, 2:30pm
With their spot in the promotion play-offs under threat, UL Bohemian need a win as they travel to meet Ballymena.
The hosts have moved out of the relegation zone in recent weeks, not guaranteed safety just yet. Two points is all that separates them from the drop, points difference could well see them drop down the order if they fail to take the win in this one.
When the pair met in Limerick, UL narrowly won the contest, needing an incredible late defensive shift to get them over the line. Recently the Red Robins have picked up just two wins in their five previous outings, this is a must win. A dark cloud has been over UL Bohs this week mourning the loss of John Keane, a real stalwart of the club, in his memory they will want to get a result.
Banbridge v Nenagh Ormond, Saturday February 10th, Rifle Park, 2:30pm
Banbridge are so close to the promotion play-offs, standing in their way this weekend are the leaders Nenagh who want to again put one hand on the title.
The hosts returned to winning ways last time out having started the year on the losing front, dropping down from 1B last year they do want to make their stay a short one, if they can overcome the leaders it would be a statement of intent.
Nenagh have just one loss all year and throughout the campaign have been the pace setters. When they got knocked down by Cashel at the start of the year they picked themselves up and managed to win their last two games and are out to keep that momentum going this weekend.
Cashel v MU Barnhall, Saturday February 10th, Spafield, 2:30pm
Second spot is up for grabs in Spafield this weekend, Cashel are also aiming to stay firmly on the coattails of Nenagh in the title race.
The Tipp men drew last time out and with an eight point gap now in place to top spot, Cashel are fixated on cutting the gap to their county neighbours. A side left frustrated not to make the play-off places last season, they are full of quality to make a push for 1B this year.
Barnhall would need a bonus win to take second place, that would ensure regardless of score difference that the side would end up in second spot. Three wins in their last five along with a result last time out has them in decent form, this will be a real fight to the death between these two.
Greystones v Navan, Saturday February 10th, Dr Hickey Park, 2:30pm
A contest very much concerning matters at the foot of the standings, Navan sat in ninth spot looking to move out of the drop zone with a win over their Leinster counterparts.
Greystones started the year with a win but since have lost twice by three point margins, with how close the fight is at the bottom of the table, this really is an eight pointer for safety. The hosts are in the better spot right now and need to solidify that with a win this weekend.
Navan meanwhile could have beaten Cashel last weekend but had to settle for a draw, they did win the reverse of this fixture in November, winless in the six games which followed, this is a game they need to grab by the neck and take the win.
Malone v Old Crescent, Saturday February 10th, Gibson Park, 2:30pm
Old Crescent still have the chance to make the promotion play-offs, if they can overcome Malone and results elsewhere work out in their favour it would be achieved.
Malone may be bottom of the standings but only on score difference, they are two off safety and this is a crunch tie for them in that respect. After a heavy drubbing by Nenagh last time out, they need a much better showing on home soil this weekend to stay in the hunt for safety.
The Shannonsiders are very much a solid shout for a spot in the play-offs but will need to keep their results positive in these coming weeks. Form would say they are favored to win here, winning the reverse tie just a short while ago gives them that confidence going into the tie, a game they are hopeful of winning to stay on course.
Diarmuid Kearney
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.