Friday, March 13, 2009

Division Two preview

Suttonians hopes of closing the gap on Clontarf were dealt a big blow midweek as coach Nasir Munir told the club's management he would be stepping down as boss of the North Dublin club.

He leaves the job after two seasons in charge which has seen the club on the cusp of promotion to division one for the first time, only missing out last year by virtue of penalty strokes.

They take champions-elect Clontarf at the Bull Ring hoping to break their rivals from down the Howth Road's long unbeaten run.

Elsewhere, second placed Bray could receive a boost if they can get former Irish U-21 Cliff Bailey back in action. The midfielder returned from Australia, where he played with Freemantle, a couple of weeks ago but was coy, when speaking to the Hook this week, about the possibility of returning to club action before the end of the season.

The Garden County side have emerged from the pack in the past month, with Belgian David Bronner impressing, and currently look the most likely to take the play-off spot, especially if they add three points at home against Weston.

Simon Cox - like his Swindon namesake - has been the leading light up front and would certainly benefit from Bailey's guile.

Avoca will hope to keep their aspirations on track in Naas while Skerries are keen to get revenge for defeat earlier this term against Navan.

Division 2: Clontarf v Suttonians, 3pm, Mount Temple; Naas vs Avoca, 2.30pm, Caragh Road; Skerries vs Navan, 1pm, Skerries; Bray vs Weston, 2pm, Loreto Bray

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Bailey is too good to be playing Division 2 hockey. One of the Div 1clubs in need of a good centre mid should be knocking on his door!!

Anonymous said...

Go on mario