PREVIEWS: Antrim championship heads towards the business end

IT’S the big ball this weekend with a full programme of championship games on.

Here are the details…

ANTRIM SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

Cargin v Aghagallon

Friday, Dunsilly, 7.30pm

CARGIN have won the last three titles and were pushed all the way in their last outing by Dunloy. Aghagallon come into the semi-finals on the back of a defeat, qualifying on score difference. The champions are hot favourites here.

Verdict: Cargin

St Brigid’s v Dunloy

Saturday, Cargin, 5pm

THE game of the weekend between two teams Cargin have stepped past in recent seasons. St Brigid’s have a league title in recent times. Dunloy were in a final and have bags and bags of talent. A tight call.

Verdict: Dunloy

Creggan v Rossa

Sunday, Lámh Dhearg, 1pm

CREGGAN were champions five years ago, stopping Cargin’s four-in-a-row bid. They showed their underbelly to reel in St Gall’s in the final group game. Rossa have shown enough form to leave this a tricky game for Joe Cassidy’s men.

Verdict: Creggan

Portglenone v St Gall’s

Sunday, Dunsilly, 4pm

PORTGLENONE had stepped into the last eight with the minimum of fuss. St Gall’s improved this season with some excellent performances. The Casement’s were close in last year’s final and will be keen for a return

Verdict: Portglenone

ANTRIM SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP RELEGATION PLAY-OFF

Tír na nÓg v Aldergrove

Saturday, Tír na nÓg, 4pm

WITH Ahoghill already relegated, All Saints, Tír na nÓg and Aldergrove are in a three-team league with the bottom team also going down. Tír na nÓg struggled around the bottom of the league and haven’t won since beating Rossa back in May. Aldergrove won when the teams met back in March. A tight one here. Home advantage may sway it.

Verdict: Tír na nÓg

ANTRIM INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ROUND 5GROUP 1

Naomh Padraig v Sarsfields

Saturday, Naomh Padraig, 6pm

LISBURN have nothing to lose or gain. Safe, but out of the semi-final equation. Having second-placed Naomh Éanna on head-to-head, the Paddies will book a semi-final spot if they avoid defeat. Win and they could still top the group.

Verdict: Sarsfields

Rasharkin v Moneyglass

Sunday, Rasharkin, 2pm

RASHARKIN are already in the relegation play-off and welcome a Moneyglass side already in the semi-finals. The only added ingredient is the visitors needing victory to be sure of top spot.

Verdict: Moneyglass

GROUP 2

St Comgall’s v Glenavy

Saturday, St Comgall’s, 6pm

GLENAVY can’t finish below top. St Comghall’s need a 15-point win to push St Teresa’s out of second spot on score difference. With two teams making it to the semi-finals, it’s hard to see the Antrim Town side making a dent in that margin.

Verdict: Glenavy

Davitt’s v Gort na Mona

Sunday, Davitt’s, 2pm

THIS game decides who finishes bottom and slips into the relegation play-off with Rasharkin. Davitt’s are at home and with one victory to their name, a draw would do them. Gort na Mona need to win.

Verdict: Davitt’s

ANTRIM JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINALS

Ardoyne v Laochra Loch Lao

Friday, Ardoyne, 7pm

ARDOYNE lost twice when the sides met in the league but will go into this one with hopes of turning the tables. Laochra Loch Lao were given a walkover in the last group game. If they rediscover their league form, they will give this one a rattle. Will home advantage be a factor?

Verdict: Ardoyne

Éire Óg v O’Donnell’s

Friday, Éire Óg, 7pm

ÉIRE Óg have rattled off 13 goals in three group games, something they did consistently all season. Unless O’D’s can stem that time, they’ll be hard to stop again. Their biggest game of the season.

Verdict: Éire Óg