Derrynoose vs Dorsey
This weekend’s fixtures in the Junior Division are perhaps the most evenly matched we have saw this season.
Mullabrack have a great chance of picking up their first points when they host St Michael’s Newtown on Friday evening.
Corrinshego welcome Belleek while Clady will lock horns with Redmond O’Hanlon’s, both games taking place on Friday.
Sunday sees the huge clash of Forkhill and Eire Og, two of the top teams in the division going into battle.
Another major game this weekend will see table-toppers Derrynoose play host to Dorsey, in a winner takes all encounter.
Heading into 2020, Derrynoose will have targeted to banish the hurt they suffered in the year previous.
Having reached a milestone in qualifying for the 2019 Junior Championship Final, Derrynoose failed to live up to expectations.
After heading into the final winning five from five in the Championship, the favourites tag weighed heavily on their shoulders.
Wins over Belleek and Forkhill pointed to a team with serious quality in their ranks and although they just came up short, that same talent remains.
Collegeland put an end to their Championship dreams with a three-point win in the decider to deny Derrynoose the chance to create history.
Dorsey were also stopped in their tacks by the eventual champions last season, suffering the same fate as their opponents this weekend, in the semi-final.
Both these sides currently remain undefeated, having won their opening games. Derrynoose with two victories from two while Dorsey have only featured once this season.
They were down to meet Killeavy IIs in a round two fixture last weekend, but as the South Armagh team halted activities due to Covid-19 testing, the game didn’t take place.
So all we have seen of Dorsey so far in the 2020 league campaign has been their round one victory over Lissummon.
The home side found the net three times on the night to secure maximum points on their first outing, winning 3-8 to 0-11.
They are on the road this weekend however as Derrynoose enjoy the familiarity that comes with home advantage.
Two victories over Killeavy IIs and most recently Redmond O’Hanlon’s has granted Derrynoose with a serious charge of promotion.
Conor McNally picked up the Junior Footballer of the Year last season and his form has continued this year.
He is the dangerman in the Derrynoose ranks and if the travelling side are to have any joy on Friday, they will have to stop McNally’s influence, which is easier said than done.
His partner in crime has been Davy McCreesh who is currently in flying form and will hope his accuracy in front of the posts remains intact.
With home advantage playing it’s part, Derrynoose should extend their unbeaten run, but a tough test is expected.
