Time for Leitrim to make a big statement

All matches may be vitally important in the Allianz League Division 4 campaign but next Saturday's trip south to Kilmallock is a chance for Terry Hyland's high flying side to make a big statement in the race for promotion.

Unbeaten Leitrim top the League table on scoring difference from Derry and a win in Kilmallock (3pm throw-in) will go a long, long way to ending Leitrim's 11 year stint in Division 4.

Victory over the Treaty county would put Hyland's troops four points clear with three rounds left and the head to head victory. It would also keep Leitrim at least four points clear of Wicklow who take on the Oak Leaf county this weekend.

Victories for both Leitrim and Derry would leave both teams six points clear of their nearest rivals and, in Leitrim's case, they would also have the head to head records against Wicklow, Wexford and Limerick - a fact that would almost certainly guarantee promotion to Division 3.

Limerick, who suffered their first loss in the last round to Wicklow, could of course draw level with Leitrim were they to defeat the Green & Gold, only emphasising just how high the stakes are for this weekend's game.

Leitrim fans are expected to make the 147 mile journey from Carrick to Kilmallock in big numbers with Leitrim GAA running a supporters bus.