Killeavy United have moved to the top of the Carnbane League First Division after maintaining their unbeaten start, but the battle for top spot could hardly be tighter with just one point separating the leading four clubs.
Saturday 5 September saw only two First Division fixtures played, but both have had an impact at the top of the table.
Killeavy secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Newry Rovers, while an in-form Finn Harps produced another emphatic display to defeat Rockview United 6-1 at Derrybeg.
The results leave Killeavy top on eight points, but Finn Harps, Greenfield Park and Orchard United are all immediately behind on seven.
Killeavy take top spot
Killeavy’s victory over Newry Rovers means they remain unbeaten after four league matches.
Their season began with a 2-2 draw against Greenfield Park before an emphatic 5-0 victory over Ashgrove Rovers. Another 2-2 draw followed against Orchard United before Saturday’s 3-2 victory took them to eight points from a possible 12.
With a +6 goal difference, Killeavy now occupy first place.
Finn Harps surge into second
Perhaps the biggest movers in recent weeks have been Finn Harps.
Their 6-1 demolition of Rockview was their second huge victory in succession following last weekend’s 5-1 win over Newry Rovers.
That means Harps have scored an incredible 11 goals in their last two matches.
After taking just one point from their opening two fixtures, back-to-back victories have propelled Finn Harps into second place with seven points and a +7 goal difference – currently the best goal difference in the division.
Greenfield and Orchard have game in hand
However, the league table needs some context.
Both Greenfield Park and Orchard United sit on seven points having played only three matches, one fewer than Killeavy and Finn Harps.
Greenfield are third with a +5 goal difference, while Orchard sit fourth on +3.
Crucially, Killeavy, Greenfield and Orchard all remain unbeaten. It leaves the First Division remarkably tight at the top.
Carnbane First Division – Saturday 5 September
Finn Harps 6-1 Rockview United
Killeavy United 3-2 Newry Rovers
First Division Table
| Pos | Club | P | GD | Pts |
| 1 | Killeavy United | 4 | +6 | 8 |
| 2 | Finn Harps | 4 | +7 | 7 |
| 3 | Greenfield Park | 3 | +5 | 7 |
| 4 | Orchard United | 3 | +3 | 7 |
| 5 | Church Street | 3 | 0 | 4 |
| 6 | Cartwheel United | 2 | +1 | 3 |
| 7 | Rockview | 3 | -7 | 1 |
| 8 | Ashgrove Rovers | 3 | -7 | 1 |
| 9 | Newry Rovers | 3 | -8 | 0 |
Four teams, one point
Four weeks into the campaign, the First Division is developing into a fascinating contest.
Killeavy may have taken possession of top spot, but only one point separates the top four, while Greenfield and Orchard have the advantage of a game in hand.
Finn Harps, meanwhile, are suddenly the division’s form side after scoring 11 goals in two games.
With three unbeaten clubs and four teams packed together at the summit, the early First Division title race is wide open.
Clanrye News and Sport