There’s a lot to be decided in the final weekend of the SFC group stages, with places in the last eight up for grabs.
Group A
Killeavy v Ballymacnab – Saturday 2 Sept – 4.15pm
Ballymacnab put up a huge haul of 4-14 in their SFC clash with Dromintee in round two last weekend.
The scoring threat of the Grugan brothers, Jack (2-2) and Rory (1-4) was on show. Kieran Hughes also chipped in with 1-2.
Defensively, the Nab have yet to concede a goal in their two outings, which has been a major assistance.
Similarly, Killeavy have kept two clean sheets as well, although they tasted defeat to Maghery last weekend.
Miceal McNamee has been their main scorer up top, hitting 0-4 in both their recent outings against Dromintee and Maghery.
Ciaron O’Hanlon is still working his way back to full fitness, while Shea Magill and Conor O’Neill have performed well.
Dromintee v Maghery – Saturday 2 Sept – 4.15pm
If Dromintee are to remain in the championship, they’ll have to bounce back from last week’s 18-point defeat.
With the quick turnaround, there’s no time to lick their wounds as they host Maghery. They’ll hope some of their key men return.
Cathal and Darren McKenna, Sean McGenity and Ronan Quinn all missed round two through injury.
Maghery head into this game off the back of a super, and surprising, victory over Killeavy in the second round.
The rumour mill suggests that Ben Crealey could be back in the fold, which would be a massive boost.
Kevin Robinson has been their main scorer with 0-9 in two games. Aidan Forker and Ciaran Higgins add that bit of quality.
Group B
Clann Eireann v Granemore – Sunday 3 Sept – 6.15pm
Clann Eireann have been extremely impressed in the opening rounds of the SFC and look to make it three from three here.
They beat Grange last weekend without Ryan Henderson, Ryan Owens and Barry McCambridge.
All three could be back in time for Sunday’s clash with last year’s beaten senior finalists Granemore.
Niall McAleenan’s men have been experiencing their own issues with injuries. Five players from the team that started last year’s final didn’t start against St Peter’s in round two.
The O’Neill brothers, Jason and Eoghan, are out for the year. Ross Finn is in Canada for the foreseeable future.
Darren Carr is now the sub keeper and Ryan Rafferty, also he came on in the second half, didn’t start.
St Peter’s v Grange – Sunday 3 Sept – 6.15pm
St Peter’s recovered from their 15-point humiliation against Clann Eireann to nick a draw against Granemore.
Niall McConville remains their main threat up top having recorded 0-7 across their two championship outings.
Ciaran McCavigan was their star man the last day out in his position as the plus one in defence.
Grange, who remain without Ethan Rafferty and the O’Hagan brothers, David and Andrew, have put up a good showing so far in the SFC.
The battled brilliantly against both Granemore and Clann Eireann. They’ll need that fighting spirit once again.
A defeat here will see them crash out of the championship. So they’ll look to the likes of Justin Kieran, Daire Mallon, Miceal McKenna and Sean Doherty to get them over the line.
Group C
Madden v Armagh Harps – Sunday 3 Sept – 4pm
Madden have been struck by a bit of an injury crisis but got through last weekend with a one-point win over Shane O’Neill’s.
Niall Grimley still hasn’t returned, while Darragh McMullen missed out last week. Peter Lappin and Niall Smith only came off the bench.
Madden head into this game as favourites and should have the firepower to get through to the last eight.
Armagh Harps will surely have a retaliation this weekend though, following their 15-point drumming.
No one saw that result coming in round two against Silverbridge, so the Harps will look to bounce back.
They have experienced heads such as Joe McElroy and Declan McKenna that will carry the fight for the Harps.
Silverbridge Shane O’Neill’s – Sunday 3 Sept – 4pm
Silverbridge have the chance to follow up last week’s eye-catching result with another in the final round of the SFC.
The Sideline Eye Player of the Week, Tiarnan Murphy was the star of the show last week, finishing the game with 3-2, but he wasn’t on his own.
The Reels, Jack, Paddy and Ronan all impressed, as did Sean Conlon, Pete Carragher and Jarly Og Burns.
Shane O’Neill’s ran Madden close in round two and Ciaran Mackin may be back in the fold this week.
They are without their main scoring threats in Paul O’Rourke and Ruairi O’Brien, although Greg McCabe has stepped up in that department.
The Shane’s know it’s do or die in Silverbridge and they must pick up a win to remain in the championship.
Group D
Crossmaglen v Mullaghbawn – Friday 1 Sept – 6.45pm
Mullaghbawn have nothing to play for in the final round as they were knocked out of the SFC last weekend.
But there’s still pride at stake in that Mullaghbawn jersey, and they’ll want to go down swinging against Cross.
Fergal O’Brien was in brilliant form against Clan na Gael while Eddie English remains the main man up top.
Cross will have their eyes firmly set on that top spot after picking up their first win last weekend.
Jamie Clarke and Rian O’Neill both netted for the Rangers in their 13-point victory over Sarsfields.
It’s the first championship game on home turf for Anthony Cunningham’s men and they’ll be targeting the two points.
Clan na Gael v Sarsfields – Friday 1 Sept – 6.45pm
The mood in the Clans camp must be brilliantly at the minute following two back-to-back comebacks.
They came from four down late on to earn a draw with Cross while they trailed by eight at half time against Mullaghbawn.
Callum O’Neill and Shane McPartlan have been inspirational, while Stefan Campbell has produced big moments as well.
Sarsfields head into the game off the back of a tough defeat to Crossmaglen. But they’ll be confident of bouncing back.
Brendan Hughes’ side will have no fear of the Clans and will back themselves to have a real go.
Paul McGeown has been leading the charge in terms of scoring while the Sarsfields team is lined with experience.
