Previews: JTB and Moorefield aiming to stay on track for top spot in SFC Group C

Group C

Johnstownbridge v Raheens, St Conleth’s Park, 5.30pm

It was almost cruel on Raheens that their eventual losing margin stood at eight points against Moorefield in their first outing in the group stage. Last year’s Intermediate Championship winners were superb for long spells against the reigning senior champions, but they lacked the same impact that Moorefield could provide from the bench.

They didn’t disgrace themselves, and there is certainly plenty to build on going into their meeting with Johnstownbridge. They set up with Matthew Betts-Symonds playing in the sweeper role last time out, and that tactic will likely have to be repeated against a vibrant Johnstownbridge side who really should be aiming for a county title this year.

Despite missing county man Cathal McNally, Johnstownbridge smashed six goals past Clane in a rather merciless display. Daniel Flynn was immense as he helped himself to 2-3, and it’s hard to see who in the Raheens defence could give him any sort of physical challenge on Saturday. Sean Hurley is also in great form, and if Johnstownbridge can dominate the middle they should provide enough ammunition to what is potentially the best set of forwards in the county.

Verdict: Johnstownbridge

Clane v Moorefield, Manguard Plus CEO Hawkfield, 7pm

After shipping a hammering at the hands of Johnstownbridge last time out, things don’t get any easier for Clane this weekend.

The Lilywhites are unquestionably a coming team in Kildare club football, but the majority of their key players are all under the age of 22 and are not yet ready to physically dominate their opponents. That may come in time, but this weekend is a big ask for them.

They lost Danny Egan to injury against Johnstownbridge after 20 minutes when they were actually leading their opponents, and from there their challenge tailed off. They have the hallmarks of a young team at present; promising and threatening for spells without being able to do it consistently over 60-plus minutes.

Moorefield will be looking for a much improved performance this time around, even if an eight-point winning margin over Raheens doesn’t indicate the struggle that their first game became. Mark McDermott is threatening to be the breakout star in this year’s championship, while Adam Tyrrell is in fine form at half-forward.

With the likes of Eanna O’Connor, Ronan Sweeney and Ryan Moore all options to come into the starting XV, Moorefield’s attacking stocks are becoming more swelled too. They should have too much guile and experience for Clane on Saturday.

Verdict: Moorefield