Match Preview
With the league pausing a week next weekend, who will be the front runner come Saturday evening, Clogher Valley, Galwegians and Bruff are all fighting near the summit.
Bruff v Bangor, Saturday October 21st, Kilballyowen Park, 2:30pm
A tale of mixed fortunes after two rounds with Bruff looking to extend their unbeaten streak against their Ulster opponents vying for a first win this term.
It has been the ideal start to the season for Bruff, while games have been on a knife edge they have gotten the rewards in the finish. Having faced two tough games thus far, last year Bruff lost this fixture by a margin of six, despite that they look a serious prospect this season.
Bangor’s woes from last season are slowly creeping into this season, finishing sixth last season was not the finish they envisioned when they finished third two years ago. Defeated twice by small margins, they have shown their strengths but have struggled in getting over the line.
Clonmel v Galwegians, Saturday October 21st, Ardgaoithe, 2:30pm
Since their drop from 2B, Galwegians have settled well with an unbeaten start, will their momentum grind to a halt against Clonmel.
The hosts picked up their opening win last weekend over Bangor, starting well in the second half before facing a nervy finish to win by six. Having missed out on promotion last term their 50% win ratio is certainly a decent start but here is another big test for their credentials.
Coming off the back of a remarkable high scoring encounter with Midleton last weekend, Galwegians will be out to continue their form this weekend. Despite having a high scoring attack, their defence has coughed up 44 points the second highest of the top four. This could be another game of tight margins.
Enniscorthy v Ballina, Saturday October 21st, Alcast Park, 2:30pm
Having played the majority of last weekend’s tie with 14 men, Enniscorthy tasted their first defeat of the season however on recent results and with home advantage they are favourites to win this.
Scorthy shot out of the blocks well against Bruff but after a red was shown to Nick Doyle the game swung away from the Wexford side. Despite that loss they have favoured to advance in this tie and avoid the chances of suffering consecutive defeats.
Ballina have been beaten in Rounds 1 and 2. Two defeats has them bottom of the standings and in search of their first points. A scalp over Enniscorthy would be a huge result to boost their confidence, and kick start their season. Ballina patiently await the return of a number of players currently involved with GAA competitions, but it appears they will be fielding their strongest squad to date this weekend.
Midleton v Clogher Valley, Saturday October 21st, Towns Park, 2:30pm
With recent flooding in the Cork town this game might well fall ill due to weather, should the game go ahead it will certainly make for an interesting contest.
Midleton have a win and defeat under the belts so far this season but are unbeaten on home soil. Taking a bonus point last weekend saw them leave Galway with a result, a side who can be a real nightmare for teams to play against, can they move up the table this weekend.
Clogher have had the dream start to their first season in the AIL, taking on the side who almost lost their senior status last term, the unbeaten league leaders are out to make it three on the trot. High scoring and a stout defence, the newcomers have been very impressive and it could be another quality display from The Crain faithful.
Tullamore v Omagh Academicals, Saturday October 21st, Spollanstown, 2:30pm
With two defeats from as many games, the visit of Omagh this weekend could be a third straight defeat for Tullamore unless they can find their form.
Having been a contender for promotion all through last season, the Offaly outfit now sit second from bottom after starting the new campaign on the negative front. Form bodes well for them also having won all four of their previous meetings in this Division.
Omagh sit in fifth spot after a bonus point win over Ballina last weekend, hopes of getting into the top four could well be boosted by building a winning streak this weekend. Having finished seventh the last two seasons, Omagh have not finished inside the top four since their second placed finish in the 2017-18 season. They may well be a contender this season if they can continue to perform at a high standard.
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