Kells side set early pace in league race

They might not have won the Meath & District League Div 2 title last season, but Kells / Blackwater are setting the pace in the race for the 2010/2011 Div 1 title. Only a few months ago they were beaten by Kentstown Rovers in a play-off for the Div 2 title and then had to go through another play-off against Robinstown to secure promotion. They have taken the division by storm and the addition of Shane McGeough from arch rivals Kells Celtic has certainly boosted their firepower as they remain unbeaten. McGeough claimed a hat-trick during Sunday's 5-2 demolition of Cavan Town while Conor Walsh bagged a brace. Another Meath team that is shaping up nicely is Navan Cosmos. They remain undefeated following a comprehensive 6-0 away success against Skryne/Tara. Cosmos will be in action in the FAI Junior Cup this weekend when they tackle FC Lokomotive at the MDL, 12.0. Another Meath team, Longwood, will play Sheriff YC in the competition in Dublin on Friday night. Also going well in Div 2 are Newtown Utd have who negotiated a difficult encounter away to Bohermeen at the MDL on Sunday where goals from Luke Halpenny and Fiachra Ross gave them the verdict. Kentstown Rovers made a gallant effort to claim a place in the Kilmessan Shield quarter-finals, but lost out by the odd goal in five against Quay Celtic from Dundalk. MDL Oscar Traynor manager Paddy Reilly is currently in the process of assembling a squad to participate in this season's FAI competition. An initial training session will take place at the MDL, Navan this Thursday (16th September) and thereafter each Wednesday evening. Reilly is also in the process of arranging friendly games where it is hoped the opposition will include teams from League of Ireland clubs Monaghan, Drogheda and Dundalk. There are also plans for trials which will involve players with teams from outside the Premier grade on Friday 17th Sepember at Oriel Park, 7.30, Wednesday 22nd September at MDL Navan, 7.0, Wednesday 29th September at Monaghan Utd, 8.0, for further details contact (086) 1743836 or email oreillype@yahoo.co.uk MDL teams will be in action in the Leinster Junior Cup and Shield competitions over the next three weeks following the draw on Monday. Leinster Junior Cup: Saturday 25th September - Liberty House (AUL) v Albion Rovers; St Jude's (LSL) v Clones Town; Ardmore Rovers (UCFL) v Carrick Rovers; Greystones United (UCFL) v Navan Cosmos. Sunday 26th September - Strand Ath (AUL) v Woodview Celtic; Castle Rangers (Carlow) v Glenmuir United; Ballyoulster United (LSL) v Longwood; Black Bull v Hyde Park (LSL); CK United (CCFL) v Kells/Blackwater; Rock Celtic v Rosslare Rangers; Newtown Celtic (AFL) v Duleek; Quarryvale FC (AUL) v Parkvilla; Chord Celtic v Chanel SSC (AFL); Cabinteely (LSL) v Robinstown; OMP United v Everton FC (LSL). Leinster Junior Shield: Sunday 3rd October - Trim Town v Castlevilla; Navan Road 19s (LFL) v Johnstown; Stradbally Town (CCFL) v Enfield Celtic; Drogheda Crescent v Tombrack United 2nds (Wexford); Oatfield FC (AUL) v Lourdes Celtic.