DIV THREE: Drum host Dolan's as Colmcille target Ardmore

Drum v Sean Dolan’s

Drum have already handed Dolan’s a heavy defeat in the Neal Carlin Cup and in that short time the Creggan men are unlikely to turn the form around.

They suffered a heavy defeat against Limavady in the first round and this looks like another task beyond them. They have been forced to make quite a few personnel changes in games and with concentration currently on the improvement of their facilities at Piggery Ridge, perhaps the football is lagging behind. However last week’s excellent win over Slaughtneil Thirds will have given the city men a bit of confidence.

It should be a comfortable outing for the Gortnaghy men. Drum are well organised defensively and concede very few scores. Last week they beat Magherafelt IIIs by 2-21 to 1-1.

Verdict: Drum

Ogra Colmcille v Magherafelt IIIs

There will be a lot of experience on the field when these two teams line out at Drumullan where the home team will start as strong favourites.

The Rossas’ third string, led by the evergreen Seamus Quinn, go out to enjoy their football and no tears are shed when they lose. Ogra are one of the strong teams in this division and should not be far away when promotion is decided. Shane Devlin at centre-half can control game.

It is hard to see any other result than a comfortable home win. Ogra hammered Ardmore last week and the Rossas got a heavy defeat against Drum.

On form, this looks clear cut and the longer Magherafelt can stay in the game the better.

Verdict: Ogra Colmcille

Doire Colmcille v Ardmore

Ardmore will cross over the Foyle Bridge to take on a young Doire Colmcille team at Pairc Colmcille, the latest excellent new venue in the city.

While Ardmore are not the force of a few years ago they will still travel as slight favourites given their greater experience. However, they will have to play better than last Sunday when they were given a 24-point hammering by Ogra Colmcille.

Doire Colmcille have had a difficult start but this represents their best chance of a victory so far. They did play well in losing away to Glack in round two and repeat of that might get them over the line, They have a bit of pace but need more support for top scorer, Dean Curran.

Ardmore are capable of getting goals, something Colmcille lack. It could be close enough but Ardmore look better placed.

Verdict: Ardmore

Limavady v Slaughtneil IIIs

Slaughtneil Thirds have made an encouraging start to the league and they will improve with games.

So far they have won and lost in their opening games. Players like Conan Cassidy, Shane Kelly and Jim Kelly would still get their place on some first teams. However, this will be their toughest test to date when they travel to take on a much improved Limavady team that has made a solid start.

With classy forwards like Ruairi O’Kane and Cormac Quigley, the Wolfhounds will start strong favourites. Under new manager Michael Boyle, the Wolfhounds have built up a strong panel and will make a bold bid for promotion. Back-to-back wins over Dolans and Magilligan marks them as a team to be reckoned with.

Verdict: Limavady

Magilligan v Glack

This is the game of the round, a real Roe Valley derby and the action should be fast and furious.

There is never much between these sides and this looks to be the case again. One thing for sure is that no matter the weather, the Magilligan pitch will still be playable. It is constructed on top of a naturally sandy base and mud is virtually non-existent which could suit Glack.

Glack play a running game and probably have a bit more pace that their hosts though the home team have that extra bit of experience and strength round the middle third. A share of the points cannot be ruled out.

While Glack as expected beat Doire Colmcille last week it was closer than expected. Magilligan faded in the run in against Limavady so this will be close.

Verdict: Glack