Minor Football preview: Champions Douglas clash with Ballincollig, Bishopstown the form team
Douglas' Donncha McPhaidin is tackled by St Finbarr's Conor O'Donoghue in last season's Premier 1 MFC final at Páirc Ui Rinn. He will be one of the players Douglas will look to tonight against Ballincollig. Picture: Eddie O'Hare
Douglas get the defence of their Premier 1 MFC title with a home tie against Ballincollig tonight.
The title holders will be hoping for a better display against the Village than their hurlers last Wednesday, who were short some key players but were well beaten.
In football, their form all year has been a lot better and they finished well up the league table. With home advantage, they will be hoping to get off to a winning start, but know it won’t be easy.
In their league clash there was only two points between the sides and expect another close battle, especially as the Village will travel full of confidence after their win last week.
Bishopstown will be one of the sides to watch this year and on league form are the team to beat. They top the table and will be expected to get off to a winning start against Éire Óg this evening.
The Town are the only team who didn’t lose a league game and will be expected to reach the knockout stages and will be well on the road to that if they win tonight.
Valley Rovers and St Finbarr’s will both be looking to turn poor league form around tonight, with the Innishannon side slight favourites to get off to a winning start.
Nemo and Mallow should be another close battle and the Trabeg side will be hoping home advantage turns it in their favour.
In the Premier 2 grade, Glanmire will be expected to take the points against Ibane Gaels and Bandon should also get off to a winning start against Killeagh.
The clash of Donoughmore and Castlehaven is one to watch, as the Haven won the Division 1 county title last year.
They take on an in-form Donoughmore side, in a game that is impossible to call.
Bishopstown v Éire Óg; Douglas v Ballincollig; Valley Rovers v St Finbarr’s; Nemo Rangers v Mallow, all 7pm.
Bandon v Killeagh; Glanmire v Ibane Gaels; Castlehaven v Donoughmore; St Nicholas v Carrigaine, all 7pm.
Diarmuid Ó Murchú v Ballincollig 2; Na Piarsaigh v Ballinora, all 7pm.
Aghinagh v Courcey Rovers; Sliabh Rua v Ballinhassig, all 7pm.
Cill na Martra v Canovee, Newcestown v St Peters, all 7pm.
Clyda Rovers v Duarigle Gaels; Buttevant v Grenagh; Mitchelstown v Liscarroll/Churchtown Gaels, all 7pm.
Croke Rovers v Kildorrery; Sliabh Luachra Gaels v St Kevins; Banteer/Lyre v BK Plunketts; Kilworth Araglen Og v Charleville; Newmarket v Killavullen; St Dominics v Ballycastle Gaels, all 7pm.
Midleton v Youghal; St Michael’s v Kiltha Óg; Aghada v Douglas 2; Mayfield v St Colmcilles, all 7pm.
Ballygarvan v Erin’s Own, Glenville v Carrigtwohill, both 7pm; Cobh v Passage, 7.30pm; Bride Rovers v Castlelyons, 7.45pm; St Catherines v St Colman’s, 7pm; Fermoy v Whitechurch, 8pm.
Ballyphehane v St Vincent’s; Lee Gaels v Lisgoold, all 7pm.
Carbery Rangers v O’Donovan Rossa, 7pm; Clonakilty v Caha Óg, 7.30pm; Kilmichael v Kilmurry, Kinsale v Mactoom, both 7pm.
Kilbrittain v Ahan Gaels; Tadhg na nGael v Naomh Aban, all 7pm.
Gabriel Rangers v Ballingeary; Urhan v Muintir Bhaine; Owen Gaels v St James, all 7pm; Castletownbere v Ilen Rovers, 7.45pm.
Valley Rovers 2 v Blarney, 7pm.
Kilshannig v Dromtarriffe/Kanturk, 7pm.
Sam Maguires v Bantry Blues, 7.30pm.
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