With two rounds left before we go to the Christmas break can Clogher continue their fine form as they face third placed Enniscorthy this weekend, elsewhere Bangor and Ballina meet in a clash of the bottom two.
Ballina v Bangor, Saturday December 9th, Heffernan Park, 2:30pm
A meeting of the bottom two in Heffernan Park, a win for the visiting side would see them jump out of the bottom two should Omagh suffer defeat at home.
The Mayo side are looking to avoid enduring a fourth straight defeat in the division this weekend and face a tricky test in the form of Bangor. Bruff proved a step too much last weekend but Ballina did give them a game of it but just faded as the contest wore on. Ballina last won here back in April and badly need another result before we head for the Christmas break.
It took time but Bangor did finally end that losing streak last weekend, getting some points on the board will go a long way for the Ulstermen and knowing they can leap out of the relegation places with a win adds some extra motivation. A strong team and they displayed that last weekend showing incredible resilience to take the win, can that be a catalyst to bigger and better things going forward.
Enniscorthy v Clogher Valley, Saturday December 9th, Alcast Park, 2:30pm
It will be another stern test for the unbeaten table toppers as they head to Wexford to face Enniscorthy.
Scorthy could well shake up the race for the 2C title this weekend if they can end the seven game unbeaten streak of the newcomers to the AIL. The Wexford side are looking for that swift return to 2B and points here not only give them a better chance, certainly a statement to do what no one else has managed to do this season. Bouncing back from defeat with a result last weekend, they will have confidence ahead of this massive clash.
While their bonus point streak ended last weekend, the train continues to go full steam ahead for the unbeaten run this year as Clogher continues to make strides in 2C. Against a team with the quality of Galwegians, they dug deep and not only did we see that potent attack display their pedigree once again, that defence shone when they needed it most. This will be a ferocious battle to say the least.
Midleton v Clonmel, Saturday December 9th, Towns Park, 2:30pm
Munster Derbies like every other provincial clash always are a joy to watch and both these sides will be gunning to take the points in Midleton this weekend.
Having dropped down the table following their 31-21 defeat to Scorthy last weekend, Midleton are 13 points away from the promotion places and five from the drop zone they occupied last term. Looking to end their three game losing streak in 2C, the hosts have had a fruitful history against Clonmel, winning three of their last four.
Clonmel could be breathing down the necks of Bruff had they won their meeting with Tullamore last time out but sit ten behind heading into round eight this weekend. The Tipp outfit have had varied form this season winning three from seven but certainly can still be considered a candidate for that fourth spot if that winning form can be a constant.
Omagh Academicals v Galwegians, Saturday December 9th, Thomas Mellon Playing Fields, 2:30pm
After suffering their first defeat of the campaign last weekend, Galwegians will be out to return to winning ways this weekend against Omagh.
Losing their last three games, Omagh are out for a much improved performance as the second placed side travel north this weekend to be their opponents. In successive games it has been narrow margins that Omagh have ended up on the losing side, five to Bruff and nine to Bangor last weekend. This will also be unfamiliar territory for Omagh as they have never faced Galwegians before in the AIL.
Wegians face another Ulster side this weekend and are hoping to avoid successive defeats to keep on the coattails of Clogher Valley. The Tribesmen are very strong and bolster not only Connacht Academy players, they also have Hugh Gavin who was part of the Irish Grand Slam U20 winning side last season. Immense talent within their ranks, they are very exciting and are only getting better every week.
Tullamore v Bruff, Saturday December 9th, Spollanstown, 2:30pm
A few short months ago both these teams were fighting for 2B promotion, now Tullamore are mid-table looking to climb closer to fourth placed Bruff.
Having hit a rough patch to begin the season Tullamore have found form in recent weeks and look to make it three wins in a row this weekend. The Offaly natives sit sixth and a win here would help cut that ten point gap to Bruff as they look to regain form and land a play-off spot this season.
This fixture has been unkind to Bruff in the past, losing their last four contests in a row. This season however the Limerick men have lost one game in seven and are in red hot form to land another promotion play-off spot this season. While they narrowly overcame Omagh three weeks ago, they had plenty in reserve over Ballina last Saturday, they are exciting to watch and with Scorthy facing Clogher and Wegians with a tricky test away in Tyrone, we could see Bruff climb the standings this weekend with a win.
More Info on Division 2C 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.