Picture clearer in Junior races

JFC PREVIEW

The JFC group stages will reach their penultimate hurdle this weekend although for St Vincent's and Clann na nGael it will be their final group game.

For St Vincent's they need a victory over Ballinlough to stay in the hunt, whereas Clann na nGael are already through to the knockout stages and can secure top spot and their reward of direct passage to the semi-finals is they beat Dunsany.

Kilmainham v St Brigid's: Kilmainham need to pick up the win against table toppers, but it is hard to see them stopping the form team of the group. Verdict - St Brigid's.

Ballinlough v St Vincent's: Nothing less than a win will do St Vincent's, but Ballinlough look best placed to bounce back and their rest in the last round will have given them time to right those wrongs from the last time. Verdict - Ballinlough.

Syddan v Kilbride: Syddan looked decent when edging out Dunsany in round two but were then hammered by Clann na nGael. Kilbride look better equipped. Verdict - Kilbride.

Dunsany v Clann na nGael: Table toppers Clann na nGael look good and are fancied to win this one. Dunsany can't afford too many more errors. Verdict - Clann na nGael

Still all very much to play for in Group A of the Junior B with Kilmainhamwood, Cortown, Drumconrath and St Mary's battling for the three spots available in the knockout stages.

In Group B Carnaross need a miracle to get back in the hunt as Slane, Moynalty and Boardsmill have the top three spots well in their grasp.

There are a couple of tight games expected next weekend. Cortown should be too strong for St Mary's and Kilmainhamwood should have too much for Drumconrath. The other game in the group will go Clonard's way, but Eastern Gaels are improving.

In Group B Slane should solidify top spot with a win over Boardsmill, while Moynalty should put an end to Carnaross's outside hopes. St Paul's will be glad of the bye week.