Illies Celtic can secure the North West Women’s Super League title when they travel to fellow title-hopefuls Bonagee United on Thursday evening.
John Doherty’s Illies, who won the inaugural North West Women’s Super League crown last year, will be crowned champions if they take victory at Dry Arch Park (kick-off 7.30pm).
The sides have already played out two pulsating League fixtures at Stranaclea, with Bonagee winning the first meeting 4-3 before Illies took a 2-0 win last month.
With Greencastle and Fanad still on the coat-tails, it makes for a cracking end to the season – with just two rounds of fixtures remaining.
However, the race will be run should Illies – who will again be spurred by the deadly goal-threat of Paula McGrory – claim a win at Dry Arch Park.
The much-improved Bonagee have put in a fine push for the honours and will hope to take their challenge into the final series of the campaign. A win for the Chris McNulty-managed outfit will set up a nail-biting last week of the season.
Bonagee go into the game on the back of two defeats, one in the League and the other in the Ulster Cup, at the hands of Greencastle. Despite being 2-0 up on Sunday in the Cup, Bonagee lost 5-2 after extra time and, on the home turf at Dry Arch, they will hope to tighten the lock on the gates for this one.
The likes of Kirsty Downey and Deirdre Grant are among the others who, like McGrory, have been in good form for the champions and who the Inishowen side will look to for the inspiration.
Bonagee top-scorer and captain Natalie McFadden has been aided by the form of the likes of Chantelle Grant, Alice Diver and Chantelle Grant of late and it’s a big night at the top of the standings.
Fanad United – who have been enjoying a superb return season back at senior level – play host to Greencastle at Traigh-A-Loch.
In the other game, Moville Celtic are at home to Lagan Harps in the second section.
Thursday, August 16, 7.30pm
Bonagee United v Illies Celtic
Fanad United v Greencatsle FC
Moville Celtic v Lagan Harps
