Crumlin United can apply some pressure on Senior Division leaders Bluebell United tomorrow when they take on Mount Merrion in their final game of the year.
With the 'Bell sitting this weekend out, Crumlin can make up some ground on the league leaders, providing they can get the better of a Merrion side that has dropped to the bottom of the pile in recent weeks.
Crumlin are six points behind the 'Bell, but Martin Loughran's side has two games in hand over the Red Cow outfit. A win at Armagh Road will cut the arrears in half and put the former champs right on the coat tails of the leaders.
essential
While the three points is essential for the Blues, the psychological boost that it will give Loughran's lads will be worth a lot, lot more as the teams enter into the festive shutdown.
The Blues responded to their 3-0 defeat by Wayside Celtic at the start of November by picking up seven out of their last nine points to keep in touch at the top.
United will be expected to win tomorrow. Merrion have only won once in the league this season and once the decorations are taken down the title chase will be well and truly underway for the Blues.
SENIOR DIVISION
CHERRY ORCHARD v NEWBRIDGE TOWN
The Orchard will be fully expected to end the year on a high as they take on second from bottom Town. A win will send the Cherries back into the mix at the top and set them up for a title tilt in the New Year.
Verdict: Home Win
CRUMLIN UNITED v MOUNT MERRION
United are on the scent of leaders Bluebell and a win tomorrow will close the gap to three points and turn the heat. Merrion are at risk of being cut adrift at the basement and there will be no Christmas cheer for James Keddy's side tomorrow.
Verdict: Home Win
FAI Intermediate Cup 3rd Replay
FIRHOUSE/CLOVER v PHOENIX
Firhouse could be forgiven for thinking that they done the hard part by escaping Scribblestown with a draw and a replay, but that could be their downfall. The Nix have been fairly effective both at home and away and could cause Peter Flood's side plenty of hassle. The Tallaght side, though, will be ready for the battle and can edge into the next round.
Verdict: Home Win