It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as the December series of AIL fixtures gets underway this weekend, first meet second as Clogher Valley travel to Galwegians for an absolute cracker.
Bangor v Omagh Academicals, Saturday December 2nd, Upritchard Park, 2:30pm
Another game week, another Ulster derby for Bangor, this one on home soil as Omagh make the trip from Tyrone.
Following their sixth defeat of the campaign last time out, Bangor sit bottom of the standings three points away from the safety of a relegation play-off spot. It very much is a case of must win this weekend as their losing streak cannot continue if the side hopes to remain a senior club in the long run. On their day a very tough side to beat.
Omagh following consecutive defeats sit four points outside the drop zones. Their most recent defeat was a five point margin and certainly they will be left wondering what if from that tie. Now they cannot dwell on previous results as this weekend they need points to keep the threat of relegation at bay. Having lost each of their last four meetings to Bangor, will we see a fifth this weekend.
Bruff v Ballina, Saturday December 2nd, Kilballyowen Park, 2:30pm
Fourth placed Bruff will be out to continue their recent spell of performances against second from bottom Ballina.
The Limerick men bounced back well following their round five defeat last time out and look to continue their push higher up the standings. Back on home soil they will be highly favoured to land all the points in this fixture.
Ballina could spring a surprise, back in February they took the points away from home which put a spanner in the works to Bruff’s top four push. Could history repeat itself this weekend on Shannonside, with back to back setbacks, the Mayo men need points to try to claw themselves away from the drop zone.
Clonmel v Tullamore, Saturday December 2nd, Ardghaoithe, 2:30pm
Despite both having some difficult starts to this year’s campaign, Clonmel and Tullamore are heavyweights looking to get back into the promotion picture.
Clonmel are seeking their third win on the spin this weekend, looking to apply pressure to fourth placed Bruff in the process. They now have a 50% win ratio in the division this season, with the impact Josef O’Connor is having for the Tipp men, can he turn the scales in their favour this weekend.
Tullamore come into this game having secured a much needed win last time out and now will look to build from that result and propel up the standings. Having won on their last two trips to the Tipperary town, the Offaly contingent know this is a happy hunting ground in the past.
Enniscorthy v Midleton, Saturday December 2nd, Alcast Park, 2:30pm
With the leaders squabbling this weekend, Enniscorthy will look to make up ground to the summit with sixth placed Midleton making the trip to Wexford.
Scorthy had a run of three games unbeaten ended by Wegians last time out in Crowley Park, now they need to bounce back to build on an impressive start to the campaign. The Wexford side have looked promising and two years ago proved too strong at this same venue when last they met in Alcast Park. With strong scorers all over the park, will we see that dominance become a factor this weekend.
Midelton have lost their last two meetings with Scorthy but hope to end that and make a splash on the top four once again this weekend. From fourth place down to eight it remains a minefield,the Cork outfit are closer to the relegation play-off (7), than the promotion play-off (8), currently sat on 13 in sixth. A win here would be a statement one by Midleton if they get over the line.
Galwegians v Clogher Valley, Saturday December 2nd, Crowley Park, 2:30pm
The big one this weekend is the meeting of first and second as unbeaten Clogher Valley look to preserve that against the unbeaten run of Galwegians on Saturday afternoon.
Wegians sit just four points behind and a bonus point win would be the ideal performance to give them the lead for the first time this year in the division. A first for Wegians meeting Clogher in the AIL, against another Ulster representative in Bangor they scraped over the line to keep that winning streak alive. Clogher bring an intense scoring threat, Wegians also possess that, we are in for a treat out West.
Clogher began the campaign out west in Mayo and now round seven will see them travel to Galway hoping to continue that unbeaten run in this inaugural season. They have not messed about this year, six bonus point wins this level of dominance can only be matched by Instonians who did it last season, will that end at the hands of the experienced Tribesmen, it is very hard to call but Clogher will favour their chances of a seventh win.
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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.