CLARE District Soccer League (CDSL) PRO Jim Madden is looking forward to an exiting conclusion to the season with action resuming this weekend, writes Ivan Smyth.

Newmarket Celtic sit on top of the Premier Division table with 18 points after seven games while Shannon Town have the same poinst total having played a game more. Avenue meanwhile sit on 16 points but have a game in hand on Newmarket and two on Shannon Town.

With Newmarket facing Shannon Olympic, Avenue coming up against Lifford AFC and Town playing off against Sporting Ennistymon this Sunday, Madden is looking forward to seeing how the title race unfolds in the coming months.

“There is a lot to play for. In the Premier Division you have three teams there going for the title. I reckon this weekend there may not be much change to the table. However, Shannon Town are away to Sporting and that won’t be an easy game. Sporting tend to play a direct style and can cause problems for most teams so nothing is guaranteed.”

Madden believes Avenue are ideally placed to maintain their league form having not lost a game so far this season. However, their involvement in both the FAI and Munster Junior Cup competitions could challenge the depth of their squad.

“They have a fairly good squad and committed lads. The result against Courtown Hibs (in the FAI Junior Cup) could be a turning point for Avenue. Courtown are one of the better teams in the Wexford league and have a strong Dublin influence.

“They are a seriously physical side who can play so for Avenue to go up there and get a win as a big statement.”

“The cup competitions are not back until February so they can get some momentum in the league but it could test their squad. I like James Tierney in goal for Avenue while Mark Roche has as good a left foot as I’ve seen in a long time. I feel they have good players in vital positions and will be heard to beat.”

Although the CDSL PRO admits that Newmarket Celtic are not the all conquering side they once were, he acknowledges that they are still formidable opposition and will not relinquish their league title without a fight.

Madden believes their manager Donal Magee’s proven track record could help Newmarket in the second half of the season although he feels they will need to beat Avenue away from home if they are to retain the title for the fourth season running.

“They are an outfit that when they want to put their heads down they will. Shane Cusack is a solid ‘keeper while Dave McCarthy has a real footballing brain. Eoin Hayes will want to keep himself on the junior international scene so he could have a point to prove in the league. If Stephen Kelly is back to what he was then he will bolster the centre of their defence.”

“Donal Magee won the league with Shannon Town and Bunratty so he has pedigree. He is someone who thinks a lot about the game.

“I do feel they will need to overturn Avenue in Roslevin after they lost to Avenue at home earlier in the season. It is up to them to keep their name on the trophy.”

Meanwhile, Madden feels that Shannon Town possess a squad capable of scoring goals but does admit to some concerns over the balance of their squad.

“Derek Byrne is a very good manager. They do have a big squad but may lack a little bit of balance. They have a very good right winger in Brian Monaghan while Gary O’Connell scores regularly which is great for any team going for the title. Darren Whelan is a steady ‘keeper so I certainly wouldn’t rule them out but that loss to Newmarket before Christmas was a big blow.”

This season the bottom two teams will be relegated from the Premier Division with Shannon Hibs currently bottom as they are yet to pick up a point this season. Bridge United are second from bottom but they have played two games less than Shannon Olympic, who sit three points ahead of them. Meanwhile, Mountshannon Celtic, Sporting Ennistymon and Lifford AFC all sit on seven points with Ennis Town on 10 points.

The team that finishes third from bottom will play off against the third placed team in the First Division. Madden expects a tight relegation battle with the potential for sides to get dragged in to the mix should they experience a poor run of results.

“Bridge will hope to get three points against Shannon Hibs this weekend and if that’s the case then that puts pressure on Olympic and Mountshannon. Mountshannon have (William) Glass who I think is a cracking player. He can help get them out of any danger. The teams mid table and even Ennis Town need to keep winning to avoid being dragged in to that battle.”

Madden is looking forward to watching Avenue and Ennis Town in the Last 32 of the FAI Junior Cup while those two sides alongside Shannon Town will fly the flag for Clare in the Munster Junior Cup Last 16.

“Avenue will feel they can get a run going in both competitions. I’m told Yellowstone (FAI Junior Cup opponents) are a good side but Avenue will fear nobody. Ennis worked hard to see off Star Rovers in the FAI Junior Cup. They move the ball well and won’t fear nobody either. Shannon Town will want to go deep in the Munster Junior Cup to show what they can do. There should be some cracking games.”

Although much of the focus will drift towards the Premier Division, Newmarket Celtic B, Tulla United and Coole FC are locked in battle to win the First Division. Meanwhile, Kilrush Rangers sit just three points off top spot in fourth place. In the Second Division Rhine Rovers and Connolly Celtic look set to battle it out for the title.

Madden believes Clare soccer is in a healthy place due to the competitiveness of the leagues.

“If you look at it, the Premier Division is competitive and so too is the First Division. There is a good spread of teams who have something to play for across the divisions. Even in the Second Division I’m looking forward to games such as Rhine Rovers v Kilkishen.”

“There’s a good local rivalry there and I feel even in the First Division we will see can Tulla handle the pressure, will Coole be able to push on or will Newmarket’s experience of winning get them over the line?”

“Even with the U-19s, Newmarket and Shannon Town are always good while you have a lot of decent teams at that grade.

“The aim is to see the younger players come through and get game time with the senior squads which will only make them better long term.

“There is real talent there across the teams.”

“There is a lot of football to be played yet. The Clare Cup is still around the corner. There are some very competitive games while some fierce local derbies.

“What we are hoping for now is that we get a clear run until the end of the season and that we aren’t calling games off.

“We are hoping that people will go to the games because there is a lot to be decided yet.”