Athlone clubs lined up for senior division kick-off

IT'S only been a short break for local soccer players - but the Combined Counties League is back in action this weekend, as Willow Park bid for a fourth consecutive Senior Division crown. The 2009/10 season finished in most dramatic circumstances in May, with Willow sealing a third straight title in memorable fashion. Needing a win against close rivals St Peter's on the last day of the season, Mark McConnell's goal gave them the title, but not until St Peter's unfortunately missed a penalty kick with the very last kick of the season. Willow Park and St Peter's, the latter of whom are under new management, will be red-hot favourites again this season, while Monksland Utd are bidding to find their feet in the top flight after winning the Premier Division last season. St Peter's, who won the Combined Counties Cup last season, have this week appointed Tommy Hewitt as their new manager, after Mickey Collins joined Athlone Town's youth set-up as manager. Collins had guided St Peter's to two trophies and an FAI Junior Cup final during his two-year stint in charge at McCarthy Park, but Hewitt's main goal will be pipping fierce rivals Willow to the league title. Hewitt had been working as Jimmy Greene's assistant at Tullamore Town, but returns to McCarthy Park (where he played his schoolboy football) for a second spell as manager. Four years ago, Hewitt was in charge of St Peter's when they won the Combined Counties League and Paddy Cotter Cup. Speaking on Monday, ahead of their opening league fixture away to Killavilla Utd (Villa Park, Monastery Road, Roscrea, Saturday, 7.30pm), Hewitt said: "My first training session with the lads is on Tuesday, so I can't really say with accuracy what my squad will be. I've heard a few new lads are up training with them and I've one or two potential new additiions in mind. As far as I know, all last season's squad, apart from Mickey Collins, are still there." Among those training with St Peter's during pre-season has been former Athlone Town striker Noel McGee, and he's thought to be keen to play with Peter's this season, while Ian Coffey, another former Athlone forward, has also been training with the Newtowncarberry outfit. "I'm looking forward to the challenge and it's a fresh start for me and the club," added Hewitt. Willow Park, meanwhile, have added former Melville Utd midfielder Graham Whittaker to their ranks, while one or two other new signings could be made in the coming week, said manager Tony O'Sullivan, whose side also won the Leinster Junior Cup last season. However, Willow's pre-season build-up suffered a significant blow last week when midfielder Mark McConnell - who netted the title-winning goal last season - suffered a broken ankle. McConnell will probably be out until Christmas at least, said O'Sullivan, but that could give Whittaker an opportunity to establish himself in Willow's midfield. O'Sullivan said: "Losing Mark McConnell is a big blow but we've a good squad. Robbie Egan has left as well, he's joined Tullamore Town, but we're in very decent shape during pre-season." Experienced players like Ronan Frawley and Colin Fortune have re-signed for the club, and they kick-off the season at home to Mountmellick Utd on Sunday (2pm). "The league could've went either way last season but we're looking to retain out title, and hopefully do well in the national cups as well," said O'Sullivan. Monksland Utd go into the first season in the top division with the same squad that ensured promotion. And manager Philip Marshall is adamant his side need a good start if they're to establish themselves in the Senior Division. "We're looking to consolidate in what is a tough division," said Marshall. "It's a major step-up for us and we're looking to make a good start and pick up a few points from the opening few fixtures. There's a great spirit among the players and they've won two promotions in three years, so it's an exciting time for the club," he added. Monksland are hoping to avoid a similar fate to fellow Athlone club Melville Utd, who were relegated last season after just a year in the top division. Marshall said: "Melville had some really good players in their team, so it shows how tough the top division is. Willow Park and St Peter's have raised the standard in recent years and it's up to the likes of Monksland and others to follow suit." Only the top two divisions in the league kick-off this coming weekend, with Melville's Premier Division season due to begin at home to Clonaslee Utd at Sarsfield Park on Sunday (2pm), while Willow Park B play away to Arlington (Sunday, Castle Park, Portarlington, 2pm). The top division also has a full round of fixtures during the week, with Willow Park travelling to Gainstown to face Mullingar Athletic, St Peter's hosting CK Utd, and Monksland Utd going to Clara Town (all on Wednesday at 7pm).