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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