Lots At Stake In Division Two Playoffs.

Friday 21.10.2011

Club

In normal circumstances either Rock v Gortin or Clan na Gael v Galbally would be a fairly attractive fixture but the fact that both these games are promotion play offs will add to their appeal. Rock and Gortin have been two of the most impressive and consistent teams in Intermediate football all year and indeed Rock will consider themselves most unfortunate not to have gone further in the championship. However they have a chance now to atone for their narrow defeat to Galbally and with home advantage will fancy their chances of making it through to the Division Two playoff final. They will be hoping Ciaran Gourley, Conor and Martin Mc Creesh, Conor Mc Veigh and Aidan Mc Garrity provide the leadership and firepower to see them home in this one.

However Gortin have been making waves themselves this year and have a Reserve championship final replay to look forward to as well as this playoff. They have top scorer Kevin Mossey home for the game and his link up play and finishing will be crucial to Gortin’s chances of victory. Along with Diarmuid Mc Nulty they provide most of the threat in the Gortin attack. They are a very committed bunch and have improved greatly as the year has gone on so expect them to give this one a hell of a lash but home advantage might prove crucial in deciding the outcome.

The other playoff game between Clan na Gael and Galbally is somewhat up in the air at the minute due to lack of clarity regarding the venue. Originally it was thought that Clan na Gael would have home advantage but it appears that this game will now have to be played at a neutral venue. Understandably the Clans men are unhappy with this decision and may appeal it. If the game goes ahead it will be interesting to see how Galbally approach it. They face the difficult challenge of preparing for this game on the back of a championship final defeat only six days ago. However they have been playing and preparing at a very intensive level and that could stand to them. Both sides have some very talented forward players with Stevie O’Neill and Gareth Mc Dermott for Clan na Gael and Paul Rafferty and Declan Murphy for Galbally the men to watch.

Once again the venue will have a bearing on the outcome of this game. In one off situations Clan na Gael are very difficult to beat at home. However should the game be played at a neutral venue Galbally’s higher fitness levels could see the win.