All to play for in SFC as four teams bid for two quarter-final spots

SFC PREVIEW Six of the last eight places already determined in the Keegan Cup race

Apart from determining their seeding for the next phase of their season's journey, six of next weekend's eight SFC are effectively dead rubbers with only Group A hosting games of any serious significance.

Of course the 12 teams involved in those six games of little consequence will insist that their games are very important and they will approach them as they would any other game in the championship, the fact of the matter is that those 12 teams know they have bigger games coming down the track.

For Trim, Moynalvey, Ratoath, Gaeil Colmcille, Summerhill and Na Fianna their places in the last eight of the race for the Keegan Cup are secure.

All that needs to be determined is who will finish top and go into pot one for the draw for the quarter-finals which will be held on Monday 5th September.

Pot one will include all the group winners, while the runners-up in each group will be placed in pot two.

An open draw will then be held with one team from pot one drawn to play a team from pot two. The single caveat is that there can be no repeat pairings in the quarter-finals from the groups. So, for example, if Summerhill were to top Group D and Na Fianna finish second, then they cannot be drawn against each other in the quarter-final.

The same scenario applies to the relegation play-offs where Ballinabrackey, St Peter's, Simonstown, Donaghmore/Ashbourne, Curraha and O'Mahonys all find themselves in with a round still to play.

Despite Groups, B, C and D already determined there is still all to play for in Group A where any and all teams can still qualify for the quarter-finals or find themselves in the relegation mix.

remarkable, despite having two wins from two, champions Wolfe Tones can still both top the group of become in the relegation mire.

That unthinkable scenario for the champions could become reality if they were to lose to Seneschalstown by six points and if Skryne were to get the better of St Colmcille's by five points.

That sequence of results would leave Wolfe Tones on four points with a scoring difference of plus five. Seneschalstown would move onto four points with a plus six scoring difference, while Skryne would join them on four points with a scoring difference of plus six - meaning Skryne and Seneschalstown would go through to the quarter-finals, condemning Wolfe Tones and St Colmcille's to the relegation play-offs.

Remarkably, despite failing to win either of their first two games St Colmcille's can still advance to the last eight of the race for the Keegan Cup.

A seven-point win over Skryne would propel St Colmcille's onto two points with a minus five scoring difference. That defeat would leave Skryne on two points with a minus six scoring difference. Then a six point defeat for Seneschalstown against Wolfe Tones would leave the Yellow Furze side on two with a minus six points difference - meaning St Colmcille's would scrape through along with Wolfe Tones.

All clear as mud!

To avoid having to produce abacuses and employ the brain power of nuclear physicists simple wins for Wolfe Tones and Skryne would eliminate the need for scoring difference to come into play, but no matter what it promises to be intriguing in Pairc Tailteann and Stamullen next Sunday.

Wolfe Tones v Seneschalstown: Even though there are all sorts of scenarios in place, this should be relatively straight forward for Wolfe Tones at Pairc Tailteann on Sunday (2pm). However, Micheal McDermott's men will have to guard against complacency and a repeat of their opening quarter against St Colmcille's could leave them in trouble. Seneschalstown will be gutted that they failed to build on their opening round win over St Colmcille's. Their 2-3 return against Skryne was sub-standard and unless they rediscover their scoring boots they could be in for a tough afternoon as Wolfe Tones showed signs against St Colmcille's that they are shaping up nicely to defend their crown. Verdict - Wolfe Tones.

St Colmcille's v Skryne: If the other game goes along expected lines then this meeting of St Colmcille's and Skryne in Stamullen on Sunday at 2pm is absolutely massive. If Wolfe Tones defeat Seneschalstown, then a draw will do Skryne in this one. A victory for the Tara men would also look to be good enough to see them through, but St Colmcille's will fancy their chances of claiming the seven-point win they would need (provided Wolfe Tones beat Seneschalstown by at least five). St Colmcille's showed glimpses in the early stages of their loss to Wolfe Tones of what they are capable of, but they faded badly and need to find greater consistency. They have a nice blend of youth and experience, but the gap between the two saw them run out of legs and ideas and Skryne might just have a better balance. Verdict - Skryne.

Donaghmore/Ashbourne v Simonstown: Motivation will be a huge factor for both sides for this clash in Duleek on Friday evening. The relegation play-offs is their destiny and they both will have more important games in two weeks time. However, going into that relegation process off the back of a win might be crucial and Simonstown might fancy their chances of getting off the mark. Verdict - Simonstown.

Ratoath v Gaeil Colmcille: Both Luke Dempsey and David Brady have made it clear that they will be approaching this game in Skryne on Friday with victory on their minds. With some other teams poised to top their groups they will be keen to secure a place in pot one for the quarter-final draw and while both have been very impressive so far, Ratoath look the side to beat. Verdict - Ratoath.

Navan O'Mahonys v Curraha: Duggie Dillon and Jack O'Connor picked up red cards for their respective sides in their last games and look set to miss this clash at Seneschalstown on Saturday. Using their performances against Trim and Moynalvey as the gauge O'Mahonys look the better equipped side to pick up the win here, but there's a lot of work to be done for both teams if they are to avoid the drop. Verdict - Navan O'Mahonys.

Trim v Moynalvey: Both sides have already secured their places in the quarter-finals and with plenty to spare. Neither has been seriously challenged and this will be a welcome test for both, and one they will both be eager to lay down a marker in. If their games against O’Mahonys and Curraha can be used as a gauge then Trim are fancied to have the edge, but it will be a tighter test. Both sides had key players involved in hurling action last weekend so team selection will be key, but Trim to shade the verdict. Verdict - Trim.

Summerhill v Na Fianna: You get the sense that this game in Pairc Tailteann on Sunday might be of more significance to Na Fianna. After claiming the big scalp of St Peter's in the last round they will be eager to maintain that form. Summerhill have been effective and efficient in their work so far and will feat nobody in the quarter-finals, so first or second in the group will matter little to them. Na Fianna's need might be greater and they might maintain their good run. Verdict - Na Fianna.

St Peter's v Ballinabrackey: There's an old adage in football that one team or another are 'too good to go down'. This could certainly apply to five or six of the teams in the relegation mire and while both St Peter's and Ballinabrackey have struggled this campaign they will be eager to head into the play-offs with a win under their belt. This will be close and while Ballinabrackey have a couple of serious attacking threats, St Peter's possess more danger men all over the field and should win this one in Trim on Sunday, 4pm. Verdict - St Peter's.