Offaly SFC “B” semi-final race hots up

THE margin for error in the Tullamore Court Hotel Senior “B” Football Championship is gone for most clubs with the penultimate group games taking place next weekend.

Clara will be one of the four semi-finalists, Cappincur are almost there and a furious race is taking place behind them between Daingean, Ballinagar and Tubber.

Daingean's great come from behind win over Ballinagar puts them in a great position and it is looks like coming down between Ballinagar and Tubber for the final one with the odds slightly favouring Tubber while Gracefield are still in the equation and absolutely nothing written in stone.

Gracefield v Ballinagar: Friday, September 27 in Geashill 7.30pm

Ballinagar will be disgusted with themselves if they don't make the semi-finals but are staring that possibility in the face. They have only themselves to blame for this as they have dropped four points and should have at least three extra ones on board.

They coughed up huge leads against Tubber and Daingean and are learning harsh lessons at this higher grade. Ballinagar remain a seriously good side with clear potential to go senior in the next two years but they just haven't managed games well and defended the way you need to at this level. They have conceded too much against any decent opposition, 2-16 v Cappincur, 1-20 v Tubber and 2-13 v Daingean and until they come up with a proper defensive system, they will be carved open.

That may not happen until next year now but Ballinagar have to win this one to give themselves a chance going into the final round – they are very possibly the one side who could beat Clara in a big knockout game but they have to get there to test that theory and it is all very delicately poised.

Not only that but this clash with Gracefield is a real banana skin. On form, Ballinagar should win but Gracefield are not out of it yet. They have Cappincur last and can get to six points, which could put them through depending on results. They will fancy taking Ballinagar on and their opponents are fragile at the moment, licking their wounds and they could very well by sitting ducks for this one.

This will show a bit more about Ballinagar and a win for them is no formality.

Verdict – Ballinagar.

Clara v Tubber: Saturday, September 27 in Clara 2pm

Clara have been the best team in the championship so far and are title favourites but have to carry that form into the big knockout games ahead.

They have two group games left against Tubber and Ballinagar and will be keen to continue their winning streak. In a way, this is a sort of a free shot for Tubber. Very few will be expecting them to win but if they did manage it, they will be in a great position.

There is a local derby element to this game too and Tubber have a definite chance but it also means that Clara will be up for this one and won't be relaxing in any way.

County hurler Donal Shirley is nearly back for Tubber but they won't chance him for this if he isn't fully right and Daingean is their big target in the last round.

There is a chance that Clara will lose one of their group games but they certainly won't want it to be this one.

Verdict – Clara.

Daingean v Ballycumber: Sunday, September 28 in Durrow 12 noon

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Daingean's great win over Ballinagar may have been very fortunate but it has made their season and puts them in a great position for a semi-final place. A defeat against Ballycumber who have lost all five games and are playing their last here would be a pure disaster for Daingean and it really shouldn't happen.

Verdict – Daingean.