Premier SFC: Race for the Andy Scannell Cup hots up

Three tasty quarter-finals and a massive relegation play-off game taking place this weekend

The race for the Andy Scannell Cup hots up this weekend with decisive games in the McCarthy Insurance Group Premier SFC.

The second of the three quarter-finals is on in Charlie Hurley Park in Bandon on Sunday as Nemo Rangers face Clonakilty at 2.15pm. The teams met at the same stage 12 months ago when Nemo won 0-5 to 0-4 in the worst weather conditions imaginable.

It has been typical Nemo so far this season, three group wins over Ballincollig, Éire Óg and Newcestown respectively without ever getting out of second gear. This is normally the stage of the championship where the Trabeg side click into gear. Paul Kerrigan is still one of the main players in this Nemo team, with Mark Cronin and Ross Corkery supplying the bulk of the scores.

Clonakilty had stumbled in their first two group games this year, losing to Castlehaven and throwing away a six-point lead to draw with Carbery Rangers. Martin O’Brien’s side then hammered St Michael’s 2-18 to 1-6 in the final group game which should give them confidence going into this one. Goalkeeper Mark White, Dan Peet, Maurice Shanley, Conor Daly and Darragh Gough are all big players for Clon.