The novel experiment that is being trialled in the minor league reaches the knockout stages with all twenty clubs contesting semi finals spread over five divisions. Thus all the teams have, at the end of the initial qualifying campaign comprised of at five to six games, still everything to play and this can only be of benefit to all the players.

FIRST DIVISION

Irvinestown v Tempo

Irvinestown have established themselves as the team showing most potential and they will be fancied to win out in the top division. They have a side laced with a lot of talent, Liam Murphy orchestrating the middle of the park for them, Paul Leonard and Tiarnan Daly manning the defence and Ronan Ormsby leading the attack. Tempo, who had been the leading minor outfit for the past two seasons have not been quite the formidable force they once were, too many of their strongest players now ineligible. But they still are a side to be reckoned with, Oisin McCann, PJ Rodgers, Niall McCusker and Ryan Ingram all capable of fashioning a determined challenge. Irvinestown to squeeze through however.

Belcoo v Erne Gaels

Belcoo will go into this game as the slightly more fancied side but they have some problem in maintaining consistency. Leading their effort will be the Leonard twins, Gavin and Ryan who can be guaranteed to produce fireworks and they will be admirably supported by midfielder Brian Cox and Jonathan Feely.

Erne Gaels have also chalked up some encouraging wins on their passage through to this top four grade. Defensively they are well served by Paul McCaffrey and Oran McCann while further up the park Sean Sands is a proven scoretaker. Very little to separate this duo, Belcoo perhaps to shade a tight contest.

SECOND DIVISION

Devenish v Belnaleck

Devenish appear to hold the aces here. County minors Chris and Joe O'Brien form a potent attacking threat with Caolan Woods also a lively force. Gavin Gallagher has also delivered a string of steady display for the Blues and having already accounted for Belnaleck by a four point margin they should be reasonably confident that they can again come out on top. As for Belnaleck, they opened the season on a bright and breezy note with a fine win over Tempo. But despite the sturdy efforts of Kane Connors, Martin Quigley and Matthew McCauley they have been a lacklustre presence since then. Devenish to come through.

Enniskillen v Roslea

Enniskillen will be a shade disappointed that they failed to make the first division set up but they paid the price for some indifferent performances. They now take on a Roslea side who campaigned in division two and are obviously a team of substance to have topped that grade. For Roslea, Sean Quigley appears to be the main driving force and solid support has been forthcoming from Danny Mohan in the middle of the park. For Enniskillen have Richard O'Callaghan as their pivotal figure in the centre and others who have been working hard for them include Conal Smyth, Liam Lindsay, Jason Hanley and Eddie Roofe. Because they have been operating in the first division it may help Enniskillen but they will have their hands full here. A hesitant vote for the Gaels.

THIRD DIVISION

Maguiresbridge v Derrygonnelly

In their initial meeting several weeks ago it was to be runaway victory for Maguiresbridge, a winning margin that was well into double figures. Derrygonnelly had no answer on that occasion but since then the Harps have pulled themselves together and should be able to make it considerably tougher for the 'Bridge this time around.

Ryan Jones is a vital asset to the Harps and much will be looked to from him to engineer what would be a major turnaround.

For Maguiresbridge, David Johnson has hit a rich seam of form and first class support has been served up by John Duffy, Sean Logan, Eoin Markey and Barry Bannon. Jones missing for the big Derrygonnelly defeat, will make a difference this time but the 'Bridge look a better balanced side. Win for Maguiresbridge.

Lisnaskea v St Josephs

A patchy second division run from these two teams which subsequently ruled them out of the running for qualification for a higher grade.

Lisnaskea have Ryan O'Keefe, Francis Maguire and John Rice as their leading lights while the St Josephs charge will be centred around the contributions of Declan McCusker, Finbarr Gillen and Michael McAleer. The Ederney outfit look to have just the neater balance with McCusker and McAleer both dominating figures for them. A narrow success for the North Fermanagh club.

FOURTH DIVISION

Derrylin v Kinawley

Derby flavour here with Derrylin who played in division two taking on division three side Kinawley.

But it will be the third division side who will be regarded as warm favourites. They have been much too strong for the company they have been keeping so far, a series of comfortable wins with the Corrigan brothers much to the fore. Derrylin have struggled badly in their grade, failed to complete the programme and it will be a surprise if they can master a vibrant Kinawley. Solid win for the Brian Boru's.

St Patricks v Newtownbutler

Another derby clash but this promises to be a tighter affair. Big performers for the Donagh team are Sean Montgomery, Conor Cadden, Louis Maguire and Phillip Mulligan. For Newtownbutler Adam Cartwright is the top player and he should give his side an impetus around the middle of the park. Brian Fitzpatrick and Niall Mohan are two others who feature brightly for the First Fermanagh's. Newtown to scramble out a close win.

FIFTH DIVISION

Brookeboro v Teemore

Victory went to Brookeboro a few weeks back but it was a tight squeeze, just two points separating the sides. So another close call here second time around. For Brookeboro, Niall Moane and Ryan Toye with John Boyle adding support have been much to the fore for them so far.

For Teemore Niall Lunney, Kealan Barratt and Niall Curry are the figures on whom much will depend. Past form indicates a slender Brookeboro win.

Coa v Aughdrumsee

Here again previous form comes to the fore in predicting an outcome. First meeting between the duo saw Aughdrumsee score a massive win, well into double figures and on that occasion, Coa had simply no answer to a much superior opposition.

Lloyd Harte and Nicky Dunbar have been the stronger Coa players this season but support has been moderate. For Aughdrumsee, Damian Flanagan, Jason Crudden and Shane McKenna have delivered the goods and should do so again. Aughdrumsee to win well.