Lagan Harps’ Glenn Gallagher in action against Bonagee United last season. The Manorcunningham men have a tricky away tie against Glenea United today.
BY LIAM PORTER
After weeks of cup action and the Oscar Traynor competition taking centre stage, it’s back to full on league action again this weekend with a packed programme of games across all the divisions.
Things are certainly tight at the top in the Premier Division with a point separating the top six. Rathmullan still lead the way on 9 points, but after defeat in the local derby last weekend against Milford they could hardly have asked for a tougher assignment than an away trip to defending champions Drumoghill.
Michael Lynch’s side have an FAI Cup trip away to look forward to in a few weeks time after they were drawn to face Cork side Grattan United.
Drumoghill currently lie 6th in the table, but they are only one point behind Rathmullan and have two games in hand on Dara Patton’s men.
They were in action last weekend against Premier Division opposition Castlefin Celtic, but it was in the FAI Cup where victory earned them that trip to Cork.
Lynch has already said retaining the league title is the first priority and they’ll be keen to overhaul Rathmullan’s lead by taking victory at home.
Kildrum Tigers will also be on the road in the FAI Cup – but that’s only if they can first dispose of Erne Wanderers first and with the Ballyshannon men flying high in Division One that is no foregone conclusion.
Winners of that game will be on the road to Abbeyfeale in Limerick but before that Kildrum will make the short journey to face Ryan Carlin’s Convoy Arsenal this Sunday.
Convoy have had back to back promotions and while they currently lie bottom of the table on four points, a win or two at this stage would lift them away from the danger zone and they’ll want to try to make that start this weekend.
Glenea United currently lie 2nd in the table and are level on point with Rathmullan with a game in hand. Tom Coll’s men host Lagan Harps at the weekend with Keith Hegarty’s side just a point behind them.
Like Rathmullan, Kilmacrennan are also on 9 points and lie in 3rd spot but they will be tested this weekend by a Milford side finding their form after a shaky start.
A point is all that’s between St. Catherine’s and Castlefin as well, but they are both on the bottom end of the table and while it is very early yet in the season they will both be keen for victory when they meet in Castlefin this Sunday.
In Division One a breakaway group is already forming with Donegal Town leading the way on 17 points, followed closely by Erne Wanderers, Cappry Rovers and Gweedore Celtic.
Donegal Town should maintain their top spot when they host Gweedore United on Sunday, but Erne could be tested on their travels to Bonagee.
Cappry will face Raphoe Town who have not had a game in a few weeks while Gweedore Celtic are on the road to Deele Harps. The other game in the division sees bottom two Glenree and Keadue meet.
Ballybofey United are out in front in Division Two but Dunkineely and Lifford are hot on their heels and it will be an interesting battle again here before the season ends.
Barney Lafferty’s team should be too strong for bottom of the table Copany this Sunday while 2nd placed Dunkineely will be tested by a Drumkeen side who could push themselves into the mix before the season is over.
Lifford and Letterbarrow are both in the top four with the border side just ahead, so they will be keen to put some daylight between the teams when they meet at Greenbrae on Sunday.
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The Donegal Junior League season begins in earnest today, with the Brian McCormick Cup Area Shield fixtures taking place.