PREVIEWS: Four more teams to exit the senior race on a busy Derry weekend

THE Derry SFC will shed four more teams this weekend as the race of John McLaughlin heats up.

Here are all this weekend’s fixtures…

DERRY SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 3

Faughanvale v Bellaghy

Saturday, Owenbeg, 3pm

DAMIAN Cassidy will be hoping Paul Cassidy is back after going off against Sleacht Néill. The Tones were well in the game before the Emmets’ first goal. Faughanvale have been the positive story with their upward climb from intermediate. A big game for both teams.

Verdict: Bellaghy

Newbridge v Loup

Saturday, Owenbeg, 4.45pm

CALLUM McGrogan is set to miss with an ankle injury for the champions against a Loup team who will have Dylan Rocks back after minor duty. Two teams in each other’s pockets on the Loughshore. The champions to shade it.

Verdict: Newbridge

Kilrea v Lavey

Sunday, Owenbeg, 3pm

LAVEY didn’t fire against Magherafelt. Kilrea trio Daithí McLaughlin, Cathaoir O’Neill and James Kielt pose different threats. Lavey progressed last season but they will need more support for Ciaran Hendry who stared the last time. A big game.

Verdict: Lavey

Banagher v Dungiven

Sunday, Owenbeg, 4.45pm

DUNGIVEN disappointed after beating Newbridge in the first game. Banagher pushed Glen before coming from 12 points down to beat Magherafelt. A derby game that will bring plenty of intrigue.

Verdict: Dungiven

DERRY INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 3

GROUP A

Claudy v Lissan

Saturday, Claudy, 1pm

A KNOCK-OUT game to see who emerges with Limavady from the group. Claudy played with 14 men in their defeat to the Wolfhounds with Lissan also playing second fiddle. A lot and stake. Claudy to nick it.

Verdict: Claudy

GROUP B

Craigbane v Foreglen

Saturday, Craigbane, 1pm

WITH Ballerin out, this is a battle for top spot in the group. Craigbane were a mixed bag without losing to Ballerin. Foreglen had Caolan O’Connor on form with 1-8. The home side are slight favourites.

Verdict: Craigbane

GROUP C

Eoghan Rua v Ballymaguigan

Sunday, Eoghan Rua, 1pm

ANOTHER game to decide top spot. Ballymaguigan must keep tabs on Dara Mooney. His brother Ruairi is a huge loss with injury. The ‘Quigan had a league play-off win last weekend but this will be a tougher test.

Verdict: Eoghan Rua

GROUP D

Greenlough v Desertmartin

Sunday, Greenlough, 1pm

GLENULLIN are through as group winners and this one will decide who joins them in the quarter-finals. Lachlan Murray is out injured for Desertmartin. Niall Loughlin is the key man for Greenlough. It might tip the scales here.

Verdict: Greenlough

DERRY JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 3GROUP A

Ardmore v Doire Colmcille

Sunday, Ardmore, 1pm

ARDMORE were on the wrong end of a heavy defeat and will need a big victory to stand any chance of making the knock-out stages. Score difference isn’t their friend. Doire Colmcille had Moneymore on the ropes before their game ended level. They’ll be fancied here.

Verdict: Doire Colmcille

Magilligan v Slaughtmanus

Sunday, Magilligan, 1pm

PADDY Bradley is in with Magilligan in a coaching role and they pulled clear of Drum. Slaughtmanus needed a late penalty to beat Drum. Both teams will have a say in the title race. They’ll not show their full hands here.

Verdict: Magilligan

Doire Trasna v Glack

Sunday, Doire Trasna, 1pm

BOTH teams are more or less into the quarter-finals. The top four go into Pot 1 in the draw. Glack need a win to guarantee that. Trasna lost in the league relegation play-off. It’s big week to turn it around.

Verdict: Glack