Askeaton finished the week where they started, but their form was somewhat less than compelling this week, although Mike Hunt must be wondering how that could be. A comfortable victory over (the improving) Kilkenny City FC was sandwiched between defeats to Lepers United (in a match they utterly dominated) and Irish wolfhounds :) in a match Fabian Derlicki will want to forget as soon as possible.

Lisburn City failed to capitalise on the opportunity, perhaps distracted by their all-conquering run in European competition (congratulations on that score) and Buggleskelly Swifts AFc took full advantage, racking up three impressive victories to find themselves second only on GD. So long as their Arsenal-esque injury list continues to shorten, what chance Old Big ‘Ead will keep them there?  Elland Rovers are keeping in touch with the leaders, and having gotten over the defeat to Buggleskelly Swifts they gained four points to keep there, although they’ll have to wait another week for a push to reclaim top spot.

The biggest movers this week had very different experiences on the pitch. Shamrock hoops haven’t been having as good a time in the Champions Cup as Lisburn but they amassed three wins out of three in domestic competitions to push up five spots in the table. They rode their luck at times, but took their chances and a Man Of The Match showing from reserve GK Marin Perić left Romero FC ruing their luck, as they finish the week with nothing to show and suddenly The ‘bies drop into the bottom six.

Of course, the by now traditional congestion throughout the division means any top half side could top the table next week, or drop into the relegation zone either but, in stark contrast to the reigning champions, some sides have shown some signs of getting bogged down where they don’t want to be.

The Smiley faced hounds have kept up their -much trumpeted- habit of winning against the bigger names in the LOI while simultaneously failing to get enough results against their closest rivals, which for a second season leaves them thankful to their attack for keeping them out of the bottom three, so far.

Below them, Le Sharks lofty ambitions are in danger of being shattered by the half-way point of the season. ‘The Knave’ has so far struggled with the weight of his price tag and his new sides fortunes have struggled accordingly. Luck wasn’t on their side this week but maybe the hard fought –and well earned- win over Celtic Bhoys could prove to be the needed fillip for them.

However, Cavan Celtic fans are having a harder time. Three defeats on the bounce leave them rooted to the foot of the table as Paul Martin struggles to spend some of the money burning a hole in his pocket (although Elland Rovers Jim Trigg looks set to complete a move) has left The Holla’s in dire need of some good news. There is still time but it looks like it could well be a long hard season for them.

Tune in next week to see who gets the best and worst of the news…

Game of the Week – Na Fianna vs. Cavan Celtic – M. Knight Shyamalan doesn’t do TM matches but if he did they wouldn’t be have as entertaining as this cracker with some great twists.

Player of the Week – Joseph Casey(Shamrock hoops) A rock for his team-mates, he made the difference.