Whitecross vs Sarsfields
When assessing teams chances of landing the big prize later on in the season, Whitecross may have flown slightly under the radar.
Shane O’Neill’s were so unlucky not to capture the Championship crown last season, and are expected to give another big push in 2020.
Clan na Gael had secured promotion in 2019 before the Grange’s Championship efforts knocked them off course.
The relegated teams in Sarsfields and Culloville have also been expected to offer a tough test in the business end of the season.
But on league form, Whitecross on undoubtably the top team in the Intermediate Division, with two wins from their two games.
They lead the way in a stacked Division 2A, with the likes of Shane O’Neill’s, Clan na Gael, Tullysaran and Sarsfields all clipping at their heels.
It’s the High Moss men who are provided with the chance of ending the Whitecross winning streak, when the two lock horns on Sunday afternoon.
Sarsfields bounced back with great aplomb last weekend after losing out to their Lurgan rivals Clan na Gael, by a single point, in round one.
Their three goals would have been enough to see off Culloville the last day out, but the 17 points along with it really caught the eye.
The McGeown brothers Eamon and Paul are a handful for any team to deal with and can interchange anywhere from midfield to the full forward line.
Strong, fast and good on the ball, James McAlinden is an exciting young talent and he commands the defence from the centre half back position.
The Stevenson’s have a keen eye for goal in that Sarsfields attack, ably assisted by Paul McGaughey, Kevin McAlinden and Caolan Skelton.
Whitecross hold their fair share of attacking quality as well, having recorded a total of 4-32 across their two fixtures so far this year.
This weekend they will enjoy the comforts of home advantage for the first time in 2020, having travelled to Tullysaran and St Paul’s in the opening two rounds.
As always, Whitecross will look to their main man in Mark Shields to make things happen and to get on the scoresheet.
Shields operates in the centre of the park for his side and his ability to get up and down the field is a big feature of the Whitecross game.
Niall Boyle is the rock of the defence while Cathal McSherry and Anthony McCann still have key roles to play in the Whitecross ranks.
This is a game that could go right down to the wire and both sides will be eyeing up a tilt at the Championship, which begins in two weeks.
Whitecross look to have steadied the ship this season but will face a stiffer examination on Sunday afternoon than they have experienced so far in 2020.
