There will be plenty of drama in the Elverys Super League on Sunday when the final round of games kick-off, with both Ballina Town and Ballyheane having a chance to claim the title. Last Sunday Fergal Forde’s men from north Mayo had a chance to claim the title when they played their catch up game against Westport United, but last years champions were not in any mood to just let Ballina Town take their crown and ran out 3-0 winners against them in the Sportspark.
That win sets up this weekend’s round of games very nicely, with Westport United also set to have a big day as they travel to Quigley Park to take on Ballyheane, while Ballina Town are making their way to Celtic Park to take on Castlebar Celtic. Both teams are sure to have their own men at their rivals grounds for updates on how the games are going. As it stands Ballina Town have a one point advantage going into the game, so it is all in their own hands. If the win the title is theirs, but a draw or a defeat and win for Ballyheane and they take the title. It has been one of the most exciting races in recent league memory, with Ballyheane’s re-emergence to a Super League powerhouse after a year out of the top flight something many would not have predicted at the start of the season. The Heane have gone through this year’s league campaign unbeaten to date, with their tight defence one of their bedrock of their title run, conceding only 10 goals in the league so far, eight fewer that their fellow title contenders. Ballina have lost three times this year so far, the most recent coming last weekend when the Covies put three past them thanks to efforts from Dave Cameron, JP O’Gorman, and Michael O’Rourke. The possibility of a play-off between the Ballina Town and Ballyheane is also looming, if Ballina Town lose to Celtic and Ballyheane draw with Westport United, leaving the two sides locked on 28 points. It is lining up to be a nerve wracking day of football in two grounds within a few miles of each other.
S&F look to bounce back up on Sunday
The yo-yo bounce from the top division to the one below and back up again could continue again this weekend as Straide and Foxford United look to join Fahy Rovers in gaining promotion back to the Super League after one year out on Sunday. The Moyside men are two points clear of Moy Villa, with both teams having two games left in the league and the first of those games is a meeting between the sides on Sunday in Moy Villa’s home patch. A win for Straide and Foxford will see them promoted with one round left, while if the homeside emerge with the points it will push them a point ahead going into the final round of fixtures. The final round of games sees Moy Villa host an already safe Conn Rangers, while Straide and Foxford take on an already relegated Ballinrobe Town, so on paper this one should be the promotion decider and a tense 90 minutes will be in store on Sunday for both sides. But the remote chance of both sides finishing level on points is still there after the league is wrapped up and a play-off between them being brought into play still exists.
Who will join Westport United B in promotion from the Premier B?
Westport United B wrapped up their place in the Premier A division next season, but not quite yet the title with a 3-2 win over Swinford in Sportspark last Sunday, but going into the final round of games there is still one spot left up for grabs to join them in that division next season. Swinford currently hold the advantage over Ballyglass, going into the final round two points clear. Swinford will host Urlar United while Ballyglass are away to Killala on Sunday. A win for Swinford will send them up, but once again a play-off could be required if Swinford draw in their game combined with a Ballyglass win. Swinford are also still in with a shout for the title if they win and Westport United B lose against Partry Athletic, leaving both sides level and requiring a play-off.
