Geordie McGuckin takes a look at this weekend’s fixtures and makes his predictions
Fixtures Sat/Sunday 19th/ 20th March
With matters down in Louth this weekend foremost to most as Antrim footballers keep their eyes firmly fixed on promotion there is a restricted fixture list at home.
There are just a few senior games fixed with a couple of division two fixtures and just one more in the third grade, but the U20 (development) league continues along with a full programme of the under-17 league on Sunday.
Sat 19th March
U20 League Division One (3.00pm)
Erin’s Own Cargin v All Saint’s Ballymena
Having lost out in their opening game to near neighbours Moneyglass, Cargin will be looking for an opening win from the visit of All Saints
St Enda’s v St Brigid’s
St Brigid’s will dip their toe in the competition with a trip to Glengormley and the South Belfast side, who have a big panel at disposal, will look to open account with a full return of the points.
O’ Donavan Rossa v St Ergnat’s Moneyglass
Moneyglass opened their account last week with a good win away to Cargin and they will hope to retain that winning habit as they travel to Shaw’s Road to play Rossa.
Sat 20th March
ACFL Division Two (2.00pm)
St. Paul’s v Ardoyne
St Paul’s had a good win last week when they defeated the visiting Rasharkin and with ground advantage again should win this one as Ardoyne Kickham’s visit Shaw’s Road.
North Belfast residents Ardoyne have failed to get a point to date despite coming close and they may well be asked more serious questions here on the West side of the city.
Division Three (all games at 2.00pm)
St Comgall’s Antrim v St Patrick’s Lisburn
St Comgall’s, under the new management of former Antrim and St Patricks man Niall Ward, have impressed in their outings to date and the man at the helm will look to steer his charges to another positive return.
St Patrick’s have full points from their two outings to date will be hoping to continue in such mode in this one but the Antrim men may just gain the verdict.
Cardinal O’ Donnell’s v St Malachy’s
St Malachy’s opened account last time when they came from off the pace to finish on terms with Eire Og and they will hope to keep on the positive trail here as they visit McCrory Park to play O’ Donnell’s.
O’Donnell’s got their show on the road last time when they proved too strong for Bhulf Ton and they will look to add another brace of points here as the Markets men pay a visit.
Bhulf Ton v St Agnes
Bhulf Ton have struggled to make a mark as yet, losing their first two games and they will be looking to gain something from the visit St. Agnes.
St Agnes have yet to field in the league but if they do get it together for this one they may be rewarded with a couple of points but this might be an opportunity for the Greencastle side to get points on board.
Under-17 league (12.00 Noon)
St Brigid’s v All Saint’s Ballymena
This looks a close one as St Brigid’s and All Saint’s meet at Musgrave with both unbeaten to date with ground advantage tipping the balance in favour of the South Belfast lads.
Erin’s Own Cargin v Con Magee’s Glenravel
Cargin have claimed a full return from their two games to date and they may well continue on the winning trail again as the Glensmen travel up to Toome.
St Mary’s Aghagallon v St Ergnat’s Moneyglass
Aghagallon, having lost to both Cargin and St Brigid’s will hope to gain a first win from the visit of Moneyglass who earned a draw at St Gall’s.
St Gall’s v St Paul’s
This all city affair sees St Gall’s play face St Pauls at Milltown and the visitors may well gain the verdict.
Division Two
Casement’s Portglenone v Kickham’s Creggan
Creggan have opened this season very much on the positive with big back to back wins and will start this one as firm favourites as they visit Portglenone.
Gort na Mona v St James Aldergrove
Aldergrove will be hoping to take the points as they travel to meet to Gort na Mona but the home side proved too strong for the visiting Lamh Dhearg last day and may well take the points.
St Enda’s v Corpus Christi Gaels
Amalgamated side Corpus Christi Gaels have impressed thus far with back to back wins and they may well continue on the winning trail again as they take the road up to Hightown.
Cardinal O’ Donnell’s v Lamh Dhearg
After losing their opening encounter with Gort na Mona the Hannahstown lads got it right last week winning at Hightown and they may well gain with another win as they travel to McCrory Park.
O’ Donovan Rossa v Cuchullian’s Dunloy
Dunloy have recorded back to back victories in their opening games and will travel to Rossa in a confident mode and may collect another couple of points on the Shaw’s road.
Division Three
St Comgall’s Antrim v St Patrick’s Lisburn
St Comgall’s have recorded back to back wins to date and may well continue on the winning trail as they visit Lisburn.
St Teresa’s v Kickham’s Ardoyne
This may well prove a close one as Ardoyne visit the Glen road with ground advantage possibly tipping the balance towards St Teresa’s.
St Paul’s (b) v St Mary’s Rasharkin
Rasharkin will travel to Belfast in this one and a win over the St Paul’s second string may well be possible.