Derry’s football games this weekend

DERRY SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 1

Ballinascreen v Ballinderry

Friday, Find Insurance Owenbeg, 7.30pm

THIS is a refixed game after a bereavement in the Ballinascreen club. Both teams will fancy it have gone for youth this season. This has the makings of a good, traditional championship battle. Toss of a coin.

Verdict: Ballinderry

DERRY SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 2A

Lavey v Newbridge

Saturday, Find Insurance Owenbeg, 6pm

THE champions against a Lavey team knocking hard to break into the four teams who have made the semi-finals across the last three seasons. Whoever loses will still have another chance. An interesting tie and both will have a say in where the cup goes.

Verdict: Lavey

Steelstown v Magherafelt

Sunday, Find Insurance Owenbeg, 4.15pm

STEELSTOWN were comfortable winners last weekend and Cahair McMonagle will be a marked man. Rossa finished very strong against Sleacht Néill to make them the early favourites. Dan Higgins is an injury concern but they will be fancied here.

Verdict: Magherafelt

Glen v Bellaghy

Sunday, Find Insurance Owenbeg, 6pm

JUST like Lavey, their neighbours have a chance to measure themselves against a recent champion. Glen and Bellaghy coughed up goal chances last weekend so it might be a case of who can shore up their defence best. A brilliant draw for Bellaghy.

Verdict: Glen

DERRY SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 2B

Swatragh v Loup

Saturday, Find Insurance Owenbeg, 4.15pm

LOUP were a whisker away from the winners’ pot and will be frustrated with a late penalty call. They’ll have to refocus ahead of their biggest game of the season. It will have been a tough week in Swatragh after the concession of four goals.

Verdict: Loup

Banagher v Sleacht Néill

Sunday, Find Insurance Owenbeg, 2.15pm

OUT of the frying pan and into the fire for Banagher. They struggled for long periods against Glen and now face the league champions who were stung by Magherafelt to the tune of nine points. Fionn McEldowney will be a doubt but Austin O’Malley’s side should bounce back.

Verdict: Sleacht Néill

DERRY INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 2

Craigbane v Lissan

Saturday, Craigbane, 1pm

CRAIGBANE’S winning margin over Limavady raised a few eyebrows over the weekend. Their young guns played with confidence. Lissan were there to see it but will need to hatch a plan. Gerry Crossan Park will be a help to Gavin Conwell’s side.

Verdict: Craigbane

Castledawson v Greenlough

Saturday, Castledawson, 2pm

ANOTHER week, another Castledawson game that is hard to call. They missed chances when they were in the mix against Craigbane. Greenlough come in without a game. Home advantage will be a factor. Perhaps the ‘Dawson to edge it.

Verdict: Castledawson

Foreglen v Desertmartin

Sunday, Foreglen, 3pm

TWO contenders go head-to-head. Last year’s finalists Foreglen are at home but Desertmartin manager Sean Brady has a win under his belt last weekend despite playing without Lachlan Murray.

It might not be the last time they meet.

Verdict: Draw

DERRY JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 3

Doire Trasna v Magilligan

Friday, Doire Trasna, 7.30pm

BOTH teams go into this with comfortable wins over a struggling Ardmore team. Eoghan Quigg needs tied down at one end. Tiernan Brolly, James Payne and Colly Mullan bring balance to Magilligan’s attack. Trasna have plenty of scorers too.

Verdict: Doire Trasna

Ballerin v Moneymore

Saturday, Ballerin, 12noon

MONEYMORE were very unlucky to not get least a draw last weekend. Ballerin struggled for scores against Drum in their opener. Both teams will go through but Moneymore will fancy a win on the road.

Verdict: Moneymore

Sean Dolan’s v Doire Colmcille

Saturday, Sean Dolan’s 2pm

A BATTLE of the two city clubs who have wins under their belt. Doire Colmcille are the most improved team in the division. If Odhran McKane is back and Eamon McGinley controls midfield, a home win is on the cards.

Verdict: Dolan’s