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PREVIEWS: Antrim’s football weekend at a glance

HERE are this weekend’s Antrim football fixtures.

Details are correct at the time of writing. Check the Antrim website for any changes before making your journey.

ANTRIM SENIOR FOOTBALLCHAMPIONSHIP GROUP 1

Cargin v Dunloy

Saturday, Portglenone, 6.30pm

THIS game will decide who tops the group and is a repeat of the 2023 county final. With St Brigid’s odds on to top group four, the winner here will avoid them in the quarter-final.

Verdict: Cargin

St John’s v Tír na nÓg

Saturday, Ballymena, 6.30pm

BOTH teams are out of the title race and battle it out to stay out of the relegation mire. The sides drew in the league and Tír na nÓg would finish in third place if the sides finish level here. The Johnnies need to win.

Verdict: St John’s

GROUP 2

Rossa v Glenravel

Sunday, Cargin, 4pm

THIS is a knockout game. If Rossa avoid defeat, they’ll finish behind Portglenone in second place and clinch a quarter-final spot. Glenravel, who are under new management, must win.

Verdict: Glenravel

Portglenone v Aldergrove

Sunday, Randalstown, 4pm

THE king of dead rubbers. Portglenone are already through as group winners with Aldergrove already destined to finish bottom and into the relegation play-offs. The Casements can use this game any way they want.

Verdict: Portglenone.

GROUP 3

Creggan v St Gall’s

Sunday, Dunsilly, 1pm

THIS was supposed to the group of death but Creggan and St Gall’s have already qualified with a game to spare. St Gall’s have an eye for goal. Portglenone play whoever finishes second in the quarter-final

Verdict: Creggan

All Saints v Lámh Dhearg

Sunday, Naomh Éanna, 1pm

A BATTLE to see who avoids the relegation play-off. Ballymena need a win to finish in third place and were one-point winners when they met in the league. A tight call here.

Verdict: Lámh Dhearg

GROUP 4

Ahoghill v St Paul’s

Saturday, Creggan, 4pm

ST Paul’s are already destined for a relegation play-off. Ahoghill can still book a quarter-final spot but need to win and hope St Brigid’s beat Aghagallon to avoid a score difference equation.

Verdict: Ahoghill

St Brigid’s v Aghagallon

Saturday, Glenavy, 4pm

ST Brigid’s are already through and will play either Dunloy or Cargin in the knock-out stages. Aghagallon need to win to keep a quarter-final spot in their own hands. Ahoghill have them on the head-to-head.

Verdict: St Brigid’s

ANTRIM INTERMERDIATE FOOTBALLCHAMPIONSHIP

GROUP 1

Moneyglass v Naomh Padraig

Friday, Moneyglass, 6pm

PAUL Duffin’s late score against Naomh Éanna maintained Moneyglass’ unbeaten record. Naomh Padraig had an excellent win over Rasharkin but this will be a tougher ask.

Verdict: Moneyglass

Rasharkin v Naomh Éanna

Saturday, Rasharkin, 6pm

RASHARKIN are bottom of the table and staring into a relegation battle. Naomh Éanna will wear the favourites’ tag and need victory to keep them in the semi-final hunt.

Verdict: Naomh Éanna

GROUP 2

Gort na Mona v St Comghall’s

Saturday, Gort na Mona, 6pm

ST Comghall’s have a point from their draw with St Teresa’s. Gort na Mona are bottom of the table. The Antrim Town men were comfortable winners in the league. Home advantage could make a difference here.

Verdict: Gort na Mona

Davitt’s v St Teresa’s

Sunday, Davitt’s, 2pm

WITH two teams making the semi-finals and with Glenavy guaranteed top spot, this will have a big say on who joins them in the last four. The visitors have the better form this season. They’ll need to deliver on it.

Verdict: St Teresa’s

ANTRIM JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

GROUP 1

Ardoyne v St Malachy’s

Friday, Ardoyne, 6.15pm

ARDOYNE bounced back from defeat against the Aggies to put up a huge score against O’Ds. St Malachy’s conceded one of their games and will be up against it again.

Verdict: Ardoyne

O’Donnell’s v St Agnes’

Sunday, O’Donnell’s, 2pm

ST Agnes’ have been the form team in Division Three and have brought it into the championship. They’ll be fancied for a third win.

Verdict: St Agnes’

GROUP 2

Éire Óg v Pearses

Friday, Éire Óg, 7.30pm

WITH 10 goals in two championship games, Éire Óg will take some watching this weekend. Only Ardoyne have kept a clean sheet against them this season. After their draw early in the season, Pearses won the second league game in July.

Verdict: Éire Óg

Wolfe Tones v Laochra Loch Lao

Saturday, UU, 6pm

LAOCHRA Loch Lao had a fine league campaign but came unstuck against goal-hungry Éire Óg. A win here would cement second spot and you’d fancy them.

Verdict: Laochra Loch Lao

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