Shane O’Neill’s vs Sarsfields
Sarsfields took a massive leap towards promotion last weekend as they stretched their lead at the top of the table to two points.
They saw off their nearest rivals Tullysaran in a tight affair and will hope to push on once again this Sunday.
Shane O’Neill’s are part of the chasing pack hoping to get into the promotion stakes with a few wins in the next couple of rounds.
A win for the Camlough side would really throw a spanner into the works and would close the gap between themselves and the top of the table.
Sarsfields were relegated to the Intermediate Championship in 2019 and will want to get back to that level as soon as possible.
They lay down a marker of their intentions the last day out and look like a side determined to get back to the first division.
The High Moss men have only lost once in their entire league campaign which has now spanned seven games.
That defeat came last July in the opening round of the season when neighbours Clan na Gael earned a 2-10 to 0-15 victory.
It’s been all success since that in terms of league football with Culloville, Whitecross, Tir na nOg, Shane O’Neill’s, St Paul’s and Tullysaran all conquered.
Their win over Shane O’Neill’s came in a low-scoring round five tie last August when Sarsfield won 1-9 to 0-5.
Shane’s have fallen to this weekend’s opponents and Tullysaran throughout the league, but have picked up wins over Tir na nOg, Culloville and Whitecross.
They had their first competitive outing of 2021 as they hosted Lurgan side St Paul’s last weekend, who already had a game under their belts.
The sides couldn’t be separated with Lee Lennon’s first half major helping to earn a share of the spoils for Shane O’Neill’s.
The sides were equal 1-8 to 0-11 at the final whistle, with the point seeing Shane’s sit fourth in the table.
Paul O’Rourke remains their star man and carries the scoring threat in the attack while Aodhan Conlon also helped out the last day.
They are missing their county contingent who will be involved in Armagh’s attempt to secure Division One football for next season.
Greg McCabe and Connaire Mackin have been nailed on starters for the Orchard County while Ciaran Mackin is also part of the panel this year.
Sarsfield head into this one on Sunday and a win would be massive for their promotion hopes, but Camlough is a tough place to go, and the Shane’s will be confident of causing an upset.
