CCFL season kicks off this weekend with charity game
The Combined Counties Football League (CCFL) season starts this weekend with games scheduled in the Senior Division for Sunday.
Before the the league's official start this weekend, the CCFL has introduced a new novel cup game with the champions of the Senior Division, Willow Park, playing the Counties Cup winners, Clonaslee United in Stanley O'Hara Park, Clara, on Friday, September 4, at 7.30pm. The game will be used as a charity fundraiser for a specific cause nominated by the winning team.
There are 11 teams competing for the Senior Division title this season with the bottom two clubs from last year, Clonaslee Utd and Mullingar Athletic, who played in the Counties Cup final, both requesting to stay in the division.
All teams have been getting ready for the big kick-off on Sunday. A great season of football awaits with almost all of the teams capable of beating each other on any given day.
Willow Park
Willow Park are the defending champions and, no doubt, the Athlone side will be very competitive again this season with much of last season's year's team still in place with a few new additions. Under the management of Jimmy Greene and David McGuinness, they look certain be at the business end of proceedings and will accept nothing less than retaining their title.
St Peter's
St Peter's were very disappointed to lose their grip on the league title last year. They came second, but for them this was not where they wanted to be. A long run in the LFA Senior Cup and the loss of players to Defence Forces duty overseas certainly upset their season. Dermot Lennon was appointed as first team manager in the off season and he has been working hard on putting a team in place that are probably favourites at this time to regain the Senior Division title.
Monksland United
Monksland United went agonisingly close to winning the title a few years ago. A couple of wins in the Combined Counties Cup was their best showing during this time. Since then their fortunes have waned a bit and it is not clear how they will perform this season. They have appointed a new manager, Philly Reilly, and have been quietly preparing, but it may be a tough season for them.
Temple Villa
Temple Villa started the season last year in great form and for a while it seemed that they might mount a title challenge. However, their form fell away as the season progressed and they finished up in a mid-table position. Much depends on having a good start again and this time keeping that form going. Under the management duo of Eoin Fox and Damien Rushe, Temple Villa are another team that could be difficult to beat, but will probably be just off the top of the pile.
Ballymahon
Ballymahon are the very first team from Longford to play in the Senior Division. They qualified by virtue of finishing second in Division 1 last year. They have worked really hard on their facilities during the summer and are ready for the big kick-off. They are also working on their team and although they are expected to struggle, they are hoping to cause some surprises along the way.
Clara Town
Clara had an up and down season last time out. They struggled at times in the league and only moved away from the bottom of the table in the run in. However, they did win the Paddy Cotter Cup and with their mix of experienced players plus some new blood from their successful youths team, they will be always in contention and will not expect anything less than that.
Clonaslee United
Following their outstanding win in the Counties Cup last season, they are hoping that this season will see them improve their league position. They were always competitive last season, but often lost games by close margins. They will hope that the experience gained last year will stand them in good stead.
Coolraine
Last season was the first one for Coolraine to play in the Senior Division and while they were expected to struggle, they defied all the odds and finished in a very credible third place. They will be relying on pretty much the same line-up as last year and while the surprise element will no longer be there, they will hope to consolidate their position and finish in the top half of the table.
Killavilla United
It's a return to the top table for one of the traditional power houses of junior football in the Midlands. After spending many successful years in the North Tipperary league, they returned last year to the CCFL and easily won the Division 1 title. It is expected that they will be a team that will be very difficult to beat and on their day could beat any team in this division. A top half finish is the least they are hoping for.
Mountmellick United
Mountmellick Utd were very much a mid-table team last year. Like last year they will be competitive this time out, but a noticeable improvement in their consistency will be required if they are able to climb the table. They would not be expected to struggle this season, but they may not be expected to challenge at the top of the table either. Could be a good bet for a good cup run.
Mullingar Athletic
Last season's league campaign was very disappointing for Mullingar Athletic. They finished bottom of the Senior Division after a very bad start to the season. They did reach the finals of both the Paddy Cotter Cup and the Combined Counties Cup. They lost both narrowly, but showed that they can match anyone on their day. With a new coaching staff in place, they are hopeful of much better things this season.
CCFL fixtures
Friday, September 4
Combined Counties Charity Cup: Clonaslee Utd v Willow Park, 7.30pm, Stanley O’Hara Park, Clara.
Sunday, September 6
Senior Division: Coolraine v Monksland Utd, 11am, Durrow, Tullamore; Mountmellick Utd v St Peter’s, 11am, Conor Davis Park, Mountmellick; Killavilla Utd v Ballymahon, 2pm, Villa Park, Roscrea.