Champions could face stern Stradbally test as Killeshin and Rosenallis battle for survival
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FRIDAY night brings another intriguing chapter in the Laois Shopping Centre Senior Football Championship as Portarlington take on Stradbally in Round 2 (W), while Killeshin and Rosenallis clash in a high-stakes Round 2 (Q) encounter. Both games throw in at 7.30pm and carry significant implications at opposite ends of the championship draw.
For Portarlington and Stradbally, the reward on offer is a place in the latter stages and a growing sense of momentum. For Killeshin and Rosenallis, the focus is on avoiding a second defeat and keeping clear of the relegation battle that looms large in a championship where three teams will drop down this year.
Defending champions Portarlington have looked every bit the team to beat so far. Their opening-round victory over The Heath was ruthless and efficient, with the reigning champions easing to a comfortable 2-18 to 0-11 win. Darragh Galvin, Jordan Fitzpatrick and Ronan Coffey were all influential as Portarlington immediately laid down a marker in their bid for another county title.
Stradbally, however, arrive in good spirits after an impressive 2-22 to 2-16 victory over Killeshin. Padraig Clancy's side produced an excellent attacking display, with Cillian Maher in sparkling form while David Donohue and Jack Deegan also impressed.
The challenge facing Stradbally is obvious. Portarlington remain the benchmark in Laois football and possess strength throughout the field. Their ability to convert goalscoring chances and control key moments of big games has been a hallmark of their recent success.
Yet Stradbally will travel believing they can cause problems. If Maher can continue the scoring form he showed in the opening round and midfield can secure enough possession, they have the quality to make this a real contest.
Stradbally are improving and full of confidence, but Portarlington's championship pedigree is difficult to ignore.
The second game may not have the glamour of the Portarlington clash, but it could prove every bit as important.
Both Killeshin and Rosenallis suffered narrow opening-round defeats and know that another loss would leave them in an uncomfortable position heading into the latter stages of the competition.
Killeshin were involved in one of the highest-scoring games of the opening weekend, eventually losing 2-22 to 2-16 to Stradbally. Despite the defeat there were positives, particularly in attack, and they will feel they created enough chances to have taken something from the game.
Rosenallis can consider themselves even more unfortunate. They pushed Arles Killeen all the way before falling two points short in a remarkable contest that finished 3-17 to 3-15. Jack Claffey, Jack Friel and Charlie Friel all contributed significantly in an attack that looked capable of troubling any defence in the championship.
The concern for both camps will be at the other end of the field. Between them they conceded ten goals in the first round, a statistic that neither management team can afford to ignore.
This has all the makings of the tightest game of the weekend. Rosenallis showed enough against Arles Killeen to suggest they can edge a thriller.
