SFC Round 3 Preview: All eyes will be on the Carlow border clubs in O’Moore Park today
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THE final two SFC Round 3 ties both promise plenty of intrigue. With quarter-final places on the line and the spectre of the Senior 'B' championship awaiting the losers, there is little margin for error.
Of today's two games, this has the potential to be the most open contest.
Arles Killeen began their championship campaign with an impressive five-point victory over Park/Ratheniska before running into a rampant Portlaoise side in Round 2. While the 11-point defeat was a setback, there is little shame in losing to one of the championship favourites and they will feel they remain well capable of reaching the last eight.
O'Dempsey's arrive with renewed confidence after producing one of the standout performances of Round 2. Following their opening-round defeat to Courtwood, they responded in emphatic fashion by dismantling Emo, hitting 5-13 in a powerful attacking display.
Momentum appears to be with the Killenard side, but Arles Killeen possess plenty of championship pedigree and have consistently proven difficult to beat when the stakes are highest. Their defensive organisation and ability to grind out results could be crucial against an O'Dempsey's attack that will be looking to play on the front foot.
A key factor may be whether O'Dempsey's can reproduce the scoring threat they showed against Emo. If they do, they will take some stopping. However, Arles Killeen have already shown in their victory over Park/Ratheniska that they know how to manage knockout-style encounters.
This tie has all the hallmarks of a championship classic.
Graiguecullen have become more consistent over recent seasons and their performances so far have underlined that status. They comfortably accounted for Emo in Round 1 before pushing St Joseph's all the way in Round 2, eventually losing by the minimum margin.
Killeshin's championship has followed a similar pattern. After losing a high-scoring encounter with Stradbally in Round 1, they bounced back impressively to defeat Rosenallis and keep their season alive.
There is very little between these sides on paper. Graiguecullen perhaps possess greater experience at the business end of the championship, while Killeshin have shown throughout the year that they carry a significant attacking threat and are capable of matching the county's stronger teams.
The challenge for Killeshin will be dealing with Graiguecullen's physicality and game management. Graiguecullen rarely allow opponents to dictate the tempo and their narrow loss to St Joseph's suggested they remain genuine contenders if they can negotiate this hurdle.
Expect this to be tense throughout, with neither side likely to establish a decisive lead.
