O’Mahonys to halt the Maroons
This is one of those games that promises to be close all the way, right down to the final few minutes. Did someone mention penalties? Both sides have shown in their games to-date they are bang on form, always a happy state to be in at this time of the year.
Navan O'Mahonys, for instance, haven't lost a game yet in their campaign. They topped Group A helped along the way with two victories over Rathkenny (2-8 to 0-13) and Drumbaragh (2-18 to 3-7) added to a draw with Oldcastle (2-8 to 1-11).
They are rightfully considered one of the favourites to go home with the McDonnell Cup - and their unbeaten run to date suggests predications of ultimate success are well founded indeed.
Not that O'Mahonys have sailed through their group games. At times they were pushed to the limits yet they found a way to win, always a sign of a positive sign for any team.
Take their fixture against Rathkenny. O'Mahonys didn't play particularly well in that game. They experienced some systems failure none more so than in their kick-out strategy yet they still won, eventually subduing a forceful, persistent Rathkenny side who were only put away in the closing stages.
Such resolute perseverance is just what is required to win games at this level - indeed any level and O'Mahonys did that against Rathkenny despite the rugged opposition they faced.
The Navan side are capable of producing, fine fast flowing football that can eviscerate all but the most alert of defences with players such as Cathal Smyth and Duggie Dillon well capable of finishing off move s with a goal or a point. Others too such as Oisin O'Brien and Jake Regan can translate chances into scores in a flash.
Ballivor, continue to evolve and get better and better at this level. They, too, have plenty of scoring power in their ranks as indicated in the way they defeated Nobber (4-11 to 0-9) and Longwood (4-16 to 2-4). They only game they have lost so far was against Walterstown (1-11 to 1-13), another team who are moving well.
Brendan McKeon and Kevin McKeon are two proven, excellent players at this level, Nicky Potterton and Adam Gannon are among their number who can bring that most prized asset in teams, pace.
The O'Mahonys defence will need to be on red alert to contain the marauding players in maroon but the Brews Hill outfit are a growing, evolving force and they can win this game on their way to a last four slot.
Of course there is IFC history between these two. After O'Mahonys were relegated from the SFC in 2001 they met Ballivor in the IFC final the very next year.
The Brews Hill side were expected to cruise to victory, but Ballivor stunned them to claim their place in senior football and delay O'Mahonys return with a 2-5 to 0-10 victory. History is unlikely to repeat itself here. Verdict - Navan O'Mahonys.