By Michael McMullan

ON the same weekend their ladies’ team travel to Clare, Antrim men also make the trip to the Banner County.

After winning their first two games, Andy McEntee’s side have lost three on the bounce with relegation now a possibility.

Wicklow and Limerick, who have both lost all five games, with lock horns 30 minutes earlier on Saturday in Aughrim.

Should Limerick avoid defeat, the Saffrons could be safe regardless of their result in Ennis.

While John Heslin was a notable absentee in Westmeath’s 0-13 to 0-9 win over Antrim in the last round, it will give McEntee a performance to build on this weekend.

There was a full round of club games at the weekend as the Antrim domestic leagues got off the ground. The fresh environment could give a boost into what will be a crucial week for the county.

Two early wins gave them a shot at promotion which is now a challenge to hold on to their Division Three status.

Clare’s sole defeat was a narrow one in Mullingar that could’ve easily been the win that might’ve set them up for promotion. Their final game is against Down so they’ll have the bit between their teeth against Antrim.

The Saffrons’ season could well come down to the visit of Wicklow but they’ll throw everything they have at Clare.

Marc Jordan is one of 11 players to start all five of Antrim’s league games and he has impressed.

Goalkeeper Michael Byrne has chipped in with scores from frees with Dominic McEnhill their top scorer.

It’s an Antrim side missing a host of players and they’ll look to Declan Lynch, Dermot McAleese, Paddy McBride and Jordan for leadership.

If they could take a point up the road it would be a huge result but another tough test awaits.