Tubberclair seek semi final spot

THE stakes are high as the 2009 Westmeath IFC group stages reach a conclusion this weekend, with neighbours Tang and Tubberclair both hoping to secure top spot in their respective sections and thus claim an automatic place in the semi-finals. Meanwhile, Moate All-Whites - who have so far lost all four group matches - need nothing less than victory over second from bottom Milltownpass on the last day in Division 1A to avoid a relegation play-off. Despite losing their most recent outing to Ballinagore, Tubberclair are already guaranteed a place in the knockout stages after accumulating six points from their opening three games. This weekend, Tom Lennon's charges face current Division 1B table toppers Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall in a winner-takes-all group decider at Lakepoint Park on Friday evening (8.15pm). Castletown F/C/W have won all four group matches to date and lead Tubberclair by two points, so even a draw for C-F/C/W would see them safely into the semi-finals. If Tubberclair can pull off a win though, they will go through to the semi-finals with C-F/C/W having to settle for a quarter-final place. Influential goalkeeper Gary Connaughton believes it will be a very tight contest against Castletown on Friday. "I suppose it's like a quarter-final for us and it's definitely Tubberclair's biggest game of the year," said Connaughton. "There's very little between teams at this level and you need a bit of luck on the day. Hopefully we can do the business on Friday evening. Tom Lennon has done a great job with us and is very enthusiastic. Obviously we're already assured of a place in the quarter-finals but we want to get straight through to the semi-finals, and the only way to do that is to beat Castletown-Finea," he added. Tubberclair missed a raft of players for their most recent outing, a one point defeat to Ballinagore, including Fergal Wilson. However, it seems likely that Wilson and David Ganly will both return to the side on Friday, but Peter Evans is a doubt. The likes of David Cassells, Jamie Farrell, Paul O'Brien and David O'Brien continue to miss out though. Elsewhere in Division 1B, Rosemount need at least a point from their outing against bottom side Ballymore to ensure intermediate status for another year. Rosemount, whose sole win in this year's competition came two weeks ago against Shandonagh, play winless neighbours Ballymore at Moate on Sunday (5.45pm). The other fixture in Division 1B this weekend sees relegation threatened Shandonagh meet an already qualified Ballinagore at Castletown on Sunday (5.45pm). The precursor for the Tubberclair and Castletown game at Lakepoint Park on Friday evening is the Division 1A relegation dogfight between Moate All-Whites and Milltownpass (7pm). A draw for Milltownpass would be enough to see them safe at intermediate level for another campaign but Moate - with a disappointing four defeats to their name - must win to avoid the relegation play-off. Moate manager Eamonn Mahon said: "We're obviously not too pleased with our form or performances to date. We have experienced a few injuries at vital times, most notably when Lar Gillivan got injured against Tang, but the reality is we haven't been clinical enough in most our games. That needs to change against Milltownpass because it's a must-win game for us. We are in a precarious position at the moment but it's not lost yet. You never give up the ghost and hopefully we can turn our season around on Friday." Moate are likely to have to cope without the injured Brendan Arigho, Eoin Dalton and Eamon McDermott. Milltownpass will probably have more confidence than Moate after winning their most recent game against Kilbeggan Shamrocks, who themselves will be looking to thwart Tang's bid for a quarter-final berth when the sides meet at Lakepoint Park on Sunday (1pm). Tang find themselves in a peculiar position going into the final round of matches. A win for Tang over Kilbeggan - coupled with victory for second placed St Mary's, Rochfortbridge over group leaders Ballynacargy at Lakepoint Park on Sunday (2.30pm) - would actually see Tang top the group and qualify for the semi-finals. On the other hand, defeat for Tang sees them exit the competition completely, with Kilbeggan taking their place in the knockout phase. A draw for Tang will be enough to guarantee them a quarter-final slot.