Dylan Jinks, Monksland Utd, and Alex Hall, Clara Town, in action at the Paddy Cotter Cup Final in 2022, both sides are in contention in an exciting title race.

Race for CCFL Senior Division title enters final straight

Published: Tue 25 Apr 2023, 2:17 PM

Last updated: Tue 25 Apr 2023, 2:25 PM

The race for the CCFL Senior Division title is coming into the final straight, with three teams still in contention for honours in an exciting and potentially-dramatic conclusion

Clara Town and Mullingar Town have the edge, with the Offaly team and reigning champions having the title in their own hands, if they win all three of their remaining games, including a crunch game against Mullingar Town on Wednesday week, May 3 in Stanley O'Hara Park, Clara and another home game against the other title contenders, Monksland Utd.

If Mullingar Town overcome Clara Town in Mullingar's only remaining league fixture, then the North Westmeath team are guaranteed at least a play off for the league crown. Under CCFL rules, a play off, rather than goal difference, is used in the event of teams finishing level on points. It may even be better for the Dalton Park outfit, if Clara were to drop points in any of their other two remaining league games, against Willow Park (tonight in DPD Park, Athlone, at 6.45pm) and against Monksland (date to be confirmed).

Waiting in the wings is Monksland Utd, whose own title challenge was dented after their surprise home defeat to Mullingar Athletic recently. The Athlone side can win the league if they overcome Clara Town in their own final league game and there is a draw in the Mullingar Town and Clara Town game.

Alternatively, they can also prevail if they win their own final game, Clara overcome Mullingar Town, but fail to defeat Willow Park. However, with Monksland’s game against Clara likely to take place after Clara's other two games, the Athlone side can only wait and watch, for the moment.