Willow strive for three in a row

IT seems only a short time ago since the Combined Counties Football League reached a thrilling finale last May. But it's back again this coming weekend with 79 teams entered across nine divisions, including champions Willow Park and fellow Athlone-based sides St Peter's and Melville Utd, in the top flight (Senior Division). On a tense evening at Lissywoollen last May, Willow Park sealed the league's top prize for a second year running after a 1-1 draw and subsequent penalty shoot-out win over local rivals St Peter's in a title deciding play-off. Both sides had finished on the same number of points throughout a gripping season in which there was very little to separate two very good sides. The Senior Division has further added spice this season with the addition of Melville Utd, who were promoted from Division 1 last year. This weekend, both the Senior Division and Premier Division (formerly Division 1) begin, with Willow Park's title defence kicking off away to Portlaoise on Saturday evening (Rossleighan Park, 7.30pm). St Peter's campaign starts at home in McCarthy Park against Killavilla Utd on Sunday, while life in the top flight begins for Melville Utd against CK Utd (Blue Sky Park, 2pm). The first all-Athlone derby of the season takes place at Athlone IT next Wednesday evening when Melville Utd entertain St Peter's (7pm) on the same night Willow Park play their first home game of the campaign against Mullingar Athletic (6.45pm). The other four teams in the top division are newly promoted Birr Town, Clara Town (who have Martin Devine returning as manager), Mountmellick Utd and Mullingar Athletic. After claiming the league and cup double last season, Willow Park will try to repeat that success. Manager Tony O'Sullivan said: "I suppose everyone will be out to have a go at us but our pre-season has been fine and we're aiming to have an even better season this time around. Our start is okay. Portlaoise finished around mid-table last season and we managed to beat them twice, so hopefully we can repeat that again on Saturday." "I know Portlaoise had an under-20 team in the League of Ireland last season, so maybe they'll have a few of them back on board, but I think we've enough about us to get off to a good start." To aid Willow's campaign, they have added former Athlone Town youngsters Robbie Egan and Craig Tone to the squad, while experienced right back Gareth Gaffey has also joined from rivals St Peter's. They also managed to keep hold of their key players despite some interest from Athlone Town in the likes of Aidan Hyland and Gary McHugh. The highlight of last season for St Peter's was reaching the FAI Junior Cup final but also came very close to winning the local league title. They led Willow Park with just eight minutes remaining in the title deciding play-off, before Michael Harney's header drew the sides level and forced extra-time. Assistant manager and centre back Tom Silke wants his side to go one better this season. "We were unfortunate to lose out narrowly in the league and it was difficult to take at the time, but we've regrouped and will give it a fair go again. I think the league will be tight again and I hear Mullingar Athletic have improved and possibly CK Utd too. We start with a home fixture against Killavilla Utd and they are a tough side to play against, but you expect to win your home matches if you're going to win the league," Silke said. Silke was another player strongly linked with Athlone Town during the close season but decided to stay in junior football. However, St Peter's have to cope without his regular central defensive partner from last season Rory McGowan, who is now living and working in London. A Polish goalkeeper has been drafted in to provide competition to Keith Hynes and Philip Dully, while former Athlone Town winger Eric Molloy and a left sided Slovakian player have also signed. Melville Utd are under new management this season with Derek Hussey and Davy Dowling in line to take charge. Last season's squad has remained intact but Kevin Hogan and Garry O'Connor are away with the Defence Forces and will miss the beginning of the season. Gary Quinn and Mickey Greene are also unavailable while Athlone are involved in the Westmeath Senior Football Championship. Chairperson Anthony Rafferty believes consolidation in the top division is Melville's main aim this season. "We're excited about the season. We waited a few years to reach the top division so we're looking forward to it. Unfortunately, league regulations mean we have to play our home matches in Athlone IT and there's no doubt we'll miss playing at Sarsfield Park. That definitely gave us an advantage at times in the past. We have a tough opening couple of matches against CK Utd and St Peter's but we look forward to it," said Rafferty. Also beginning this weekend is the Premier Division (second tier) and Monksland Utd start their campaign at home to Derry Rovers on Sunday (Cushla Park, 11am), while Willow Park B start against Hayward Celtic in Mountmellick (Sunday, 11am). SENIOR DIVISION TEAMS Birr Town, CK Utd, Clara Town, Killavilla Utd, Melville Utd, Mountmellick Utd, Mullingar Athletic, Portlaoise AFC, St Peter's, Willow Park. PREMIER DIVISION TEAMS Clonaslee Utd, Derry Rovers, Edenderry Town, Hayward Celtic, Highfield Utd, Monksland Utd A, Mullingar Town, Stradbally Town, Temple Villa, Willow Park B