With two of the three early front runners doing battle this weekend in 2A, who will finish on top spot ahead of a week’s break.
Ballymena v Old Crescent, Saturday October 21st, Eaton Park, 2:30pm
Sitting in ninth spot Ballymena need to secure their opening win of the season to avoid an early battle with survival.
Twice in as many games it looked like Ballymena had done enough to take the win but ended on the losing front. Leading at the break against Navan they were defeated by six, last weekend they were well on top of Greystones and also came out with a loss. Bonus points coming from defeats, they will be hopeful of ending that streak this weekend.
Old Crescent have been on both ends of the outcomes so far this season, yet to get a draw but will we see the Treaty men get a second win or defeat of the term. With Jed O’Dwyer being a strong acquisition for Crescent this term on the scoring front he will be a key figure for their hopes of winning this one.
Banbridge v MU Barnhall, Saturday October 21st, Rifle Park, 2:30pm
Back on home soil Banbridge are out to rectify their defeat on the road to UL last weekend against eight placed Barnhall.
Banbridge were second best for large parts of the contest with Bohs and if they are adamant of making their way back to 1B, these early victories are crucial. Four points off the top three sides they must return to winning ways to refind their form.
Barnhall based off last season were a very strong shout to be an early top of the table contender but consecutive defeats leave them needing a result. Last weekend’s result certainly stung, leading until the death add to their five point second half defeat to Old Crescent, they are struggling to see out games.
Greystones v Cashel, Saturday October 21st, Dr Hickey Park, 2:30pm
Can Greystones continue their impressive start to 2A or will Cashel return toward the summit of the table, this contest will have everything.
Having taken a little longer to get to 2A than previously expected, the Wicklow side have very much started on the strong foot. It was a nervy game last weekend in the same venue and off the back of that they remain at home adamant of keeping their title hopes alive. Unbeaten and unphased when times get tough, they have another real test here.
Cashel grabbed their opening win in convincing fashion last weekend and having missed the chance at promotion last term will be hopeful of staying in the top half. Greystones will be a test, Cashel have the experience to take a win on the road.
Malone v UL Bohemian, Saturday October 21st, Gibson Park, 2:30pm
With consecutive defeats Malone sit bottom of the table and need a result in this contest to ease their early round woes.
Malone will need to find something that works for them to take results as they currently sit bottom and the threat of consecutive relegations while it can be far away, still lingers. Last weekend was a very heavy defeat to take but they must dust themselves off and bounce back at home.
UL moved to seventh last weekend and if they score their first away win of the season they could finish near the top four. Having had a tough defeat away from home to start the season off, can the Red Robins continue to impress to win this tie.
Nenagh Ormond v Navan, Saturday October 21st, New Ormond Park, 2:30pm
A top half of the table clash at New Ormond Park between two of the early front runners, will we see the winning streak end for one of these sides.
Nenagh needed some last gap brilliance by Conor McMahon to remain unbeaten in this season’s campaign last weekend. It was a nervy finish in Kildare but returning to their home patch can they continue their brilliance, having produced some strong results in the past.
Navan lost on their last trip to Nenagh in January of last term, however they look lazar focused this season on being a strong contender and with a win here they would be fighting for top spot. Two very strong results under their belts have shown that Navan are a tricky customer this season, can they make it three.
More Information on Division 2A available here
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.