Under-21 Football Championship (Phase One)
The first phase of the new look under-21 football championship which proceeds on a round robin basis nears completion with just a few games remaining to reach completion.
After completion of the first phase the top two of the various sections will proceed to an open draw on a knock out basis to reach conclusion and determine the outright winner.
The remaining teams will proceed on a similar basis on an open draw situation to decide on the ‘Shield’ winners.
Another couple of games down for decision on Tuesday evening facilitated by floodlighting and both have a bearing on final placing with another two to proceed on Wednesday.
Tuesday 20th Nov (all games at 7.30pm)
St Enda’s v Lamh Dhearg
An opening win and a twelve point margin gained over the defending champions Rossa underlined the credentials of Glengormley based St Enda’s in this competition.
The Hightown side who will feature more than a few from their successful senior team, which made progress into the Ulster Intermediate final at the week-end will enter this one as firm favourites to earn a place in the quarter final draw.
Lamh Dhearg lost out to St Gall’s in their opening game and the Hannahstown men require a positive return from this one if they are to remain in contention for a place in the A section pot.
St Enda’s will enter the game in confidence and they may well gain the verdict.
Cuchullian’s Dunloy v St Ergnat’s Moneyglass (Ahoghill)
This looks a good one as the illuminations at Ahoghill brings together Cuchullian’s Dunloy and St Ergnat’s Moneyglass with the result having a bearing on the quarter finals.
Dunloy have a couple of wins following impressive returns against Aghagallon and All Saint’s and they seem certain to make the quarter final pot and will line out against a Moneyglass outfit which will be doing their utmost to join them.
The Cuchullian’s underlined their credentials in the competition with a first win gained over Aghagallon and followed with a second round victory at Ballymena.
Moneyglass opened with a win over All Saint’s and did seem on the way to a similar return when they met up with Aghagallon last week when a full four points ahead nearing conclusion seemingly pointing the way to the quarter finals
The St Mary’s men came late to deny them however, with a late goal and a trio of points in the last few minutes seeing them secure the points.
Moneyglass are still in the hunt for a quarter final place and a full return of the points will take them there.
Wed 21st Nov (all games at 7.30pm)
Casement’s Portglenone v St Joseph’s Glenavy (O’ Cahan Pk)
Casement’s having gathered a trio of points thus far from a drawn game with Creggan prior to a big win over St Comgall’s are just a point away from the quarter finals as they play hosts to Glenavy in this one.
Glenavy will travel in pursuit of a second win following their victory gained over the Antrim men but this looks a tougher assignment.
The Bannsider’s will start as firm favourites and they should add another couple of points to earn passage into the quarter finals.
Kickham’s Creggan v St Comgall’s Antrim (Allen Pk)
Creggan play hosts to St Comgall’s in the knowledge that a point earned will be enough to take them into the quarter finals.
The Kickham’s side played out a draw with Casement’s in an entertaining opening round affair before easing to a big win over Glenavy in the second round.
St Comgall’s have struggled to make impact to date and although they will lack for nothing in effort this looks another tough ask for the Antrim men.
Creggan will start as firm favourites and they should collect the points and gain entry into the quarter finals.