There is a huge incentive for the combatants in the AIB League Division Three to produce a challenge of substance as there are five automatic places available for promotion to Division Two at the end of the season. Furthermore there is a further place at stake if the club that finishes sixth can overcome that which finishes last in the higher division by way of a play-off.
Ballynahinch's form in the Ulster League which includes victories over Malone, Dungannon and Portadown suggests that they may be the team to beat under new coach, former Ireland and Ulster centre Mark McCall. Bohemians, Midleton, Skerries, Old Wesley and Instonians shouldn't be far away.
In Division Four the top nine teams will make the new look Division Three for the following season: translated that means that all bar two of the clubs in the division will survive. The club that finishes last will be relegated but the club finishing 10th will be involved in a play-off with the Branch Qualifying League Round Robin winners.
I would like to correct an error in yesterday's Division Two preview in which it was stated that Belfast Harlequins were an amalgamation of Collegians and CIYMS. It should of course have been NIFC and Collegians.
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