The nature of how competitive 2B is this year is incredible, with the top three having a sizable gap, the relegation battle and final promotion spot will make for interesting viewing in these coming weeks.
Dungannon v Instonians, Saturday February 10th, Stevenson Park, 2:30pm
Instonians will look to extend their record breaking run of results this weekend, an all Ulster clash against Dungannon at Stevenson Park.
Following their 38-0 defeat to Galway Corinthians, Gannon are drifting ever closer to the bottom end of the table. Just six points the margin between them and Dolphin as things stand, with two losses in as many games they need a turnaround this weekend.
Instonians are flying and are very much favoured to take the 2B crown this term as no one has been able to halt their momentum. Scoring for fun, they are an incredibly strong outfit and will look to keep this going at the weekend.
Galway Corinthians v Skerries, Saturday February 10th, Corinthian Park, 2:30pm
Galway Corinthians want to keep on the trail of promotion, with a mixed run of form they are hoping to extend their winning run against Skerries.
The Tribesmen are very much assured a promotion place as things stand, they would have to ship 23 points in the standings to drop out of the top four. Recent results saw the title chasers drop to third and they need to remain strong in these coming weeks.
Skerries have concerns at the other end of the table, Dolphin are not too far behind and safety is yet to be guaranteed. Getting back to winning ways last weekend, could that be a catalyst for The Goats to stay up this year.
Rainey RFC v Belfast Harlequins, Saturday February 10th, Hatrick Park, 2:30pm
A game concerning promotion and relegation, bottom placed Belfast Harlequins looking to win this Ulster Derby against promotion chasing Rainey.
Ten points will need to made up for Rainey to take fourth from Sligo, Sligo looking strong of late will not make that easy. For the hosts they are the same difference from promotion to relegation, they will be fancied to take a win at home.
Quins have struggled this year. Two wins and a draw from 12 games played, they are bottom of the pecking order and need to find their feet in the coming weeks. A squad with the ability and have put in noble showings recently, they have not taken a win since October, that needs to change.
Sligo v Dolphin, Saturday February 10th, Hamilton Park, 2:30pm
Sligo can keep their run for the promotion places intact if they can overcome second from bottom Dolphin.
When the pair met in Virgin Media Park late last year Sligo were on the end of a narrow one point defeat. With many a close game for Sligo including narrow defeats, they do need points in this one to ensure they avoid a slip up in the promotion race.
Dolphin sit second from bottom, hopeful they avoid another relegation. The Leesiders did take the spoils when last these two met, however with just one win in their last five, current form would indicate they are in need of a much better showing this weekend.
Wanderers v Malahide, Saturday February 10th, Merrion Road, 2:30pm
A Dublin derby in Merrion Road, Wanderers have looked a strong side this year and will want to keep second placed secured this weekend.
The Chaps have real pedigree in their squad this year, winning their last seven games they are in red hot form to take further points against their county neighbours this weekend. A team very much guaranteed a spot in the play-offs, if Instonians were to slip up they need to
Malahide are in a real fight at the foot of the table to stay up, currently they are seventh but every point between now and April is crucial. The visitors have a mixed run of form with two wins in their last five games, hopeful to get that result this weekend.
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.