Decks being cleared for SFC encounters

Decks being cleared for SFC encounters

THE opening stages of the Down Senior Football Championship continue this week with plenty of mouth-watering action in store.

The remaining first round group games start tomorrow and finish on Sunday.

In Group A Rostrevor square up to Tullylish in Burren tomorrow at 8.30pm.

Gerard Colgan’s unit are expected to extend Tullylish and with Aidan Mackin back in scoring form and Conor Magee in great shape at midfield they should have enough about them to get off to a winning start.

As ever, a lot will depend on Gareth Johnston, Niall Donnelly and John McAreavey to lead the Tullylish charge.

On Sunday Kilcoo and Mayobridge clash in the remaining Group A clash in Newry at 7pm and if their recent league game is anything to go by then a cracker of a duel is in store.

Conor Laverty will be the Magpies’ danger man and with fellow county men Jerome Johnston, Ryan Johnston and Paul Devlin in tow Kilcoo look to be a strong prospect.

Benny Coulter is playing some great stuff for the ‘Bridge at the moment and if Kevin O’Rourke and Ryan Brady can keep up their scoring exploits then a close game is in prospect.

Kilcoo should edge it as they start their quest to retain their SFC title.

Clonduff and Drumgath come together for a Group B derby in Newry on Friday at 7pm.

Drumgath are struggling near the foot of the Division 2 table and it is unlikely that they will be able to redeem themselves in this one.

Jason Brown and Arthur McConville will get enough scores on the board to ensure that the Yellows get their campaign off to the best possible start.

Championship thoroughbreds Burren will have Annaclone as opponents in the Group C opener in Newry at 8.30pm on Friday.

The St. Mary’s men will have been buoyed by their recent destruction of Bryansford and they could be getting into their rhythm at just the right time.

Dan McCartan, Conor Toner and Kevin McKernan are integral to Burren’s hopes and that trio should provide the platform for victory.

Eamon Doyle and Aidan McIlroy are Annaclone’s main attacking threats and the McArdles, Gary and Brendan, will give their all at midfield but Annaclone have a lot of work to do if they are to get one up on Burren.

There will be a Group D double header in Mayobridge on Saturday. Downpatrick and Glenn get it underway at 5pm and this one promises to be a cracker.

The RGU have been solid to date while Glenn have been the surprise package in the top flight.

This game could go right down to the wire and a draw looks likely.

The Turleys, Peter and Damien, are key to the Hoops’ hopes, while Michael Magee could have a big say on the scoreboard.

Matty Bagnall will punish any indiscretions with his accurate free taking while Denis Murtagh, Niall McParland and Liam Bagnall will all feature prominently for Glenn.

The second part of the double header features Bryansford and Saval.

The ‘Ford are top of the Division 1 table and should have enough to do the job.