WITH the fourth series of matches in the Insurance Corporation All Ireland League scheduled this weekend, there is still a long way to go in the competition. A pattern is, however, emerging and will be given added significance this afternoon as regards those in contention for honours and those who are likely to be engaged in a battle to avoid relegation.

Those in the fourth division can stand back today as there are no matches scheduled in that 10 club section.

In the first division there is now a six point gap between the two teams at the top and the two at the bottom, who have yet to gain even a point. In the second division there is also a six point gap between the two teams at the top and the three teams without points at the bottom. Exactly the same applies to division three.

When today's programme is completed, any club still in search of their first points will most certainly have problems in the days ahead.

It is a clear indication of the competitive nature of the competition that only two clubs in the top division, Lansdowne and St Mary's College, can claim 100 per cent records after three series, of matches. In division two, just Sunday's Well and Clontarf have the full quota of points. One other club Dolphin are unbeaten, but have drawn a match.

Two sides from the west, Buccaneers and Galwegians, lead the way with six points from three matches in the third division, while Bohemians have won their two matches.

Lansdowne and St Mary's both make the journey south this afternoon for difficult assignments. Lansdowne play the defending champions Shannon at Thomond Park, while St Mary's go to Temple Hill to take on Cork Constitution. If the joint leaders emerge from those encounters with their records intact, then they can seriously begin to harbour title ambitions.

The leadership of the second division is the prize at stake when Sunday's Well meet their co-tenants Dolphin at Musgrave Park. But that will not be determined until tomorrow as this match has been deferred. With Clontarf not engaged - they play Wanderers under lights at Lansdowne Road in midweek the week after next - Sunday's Well will go two points clear if they win. Victory for Dolphin, on five points, would, of course, put them in top spot.

Fourth placed Bective Rangers, on four points, will be at home to Monkstown, who have three. UCC and Skerries are both on four points, so there will be a lot at stake when they meet at the Mardyke today. DLSP, who have gained three points so far, will have Malone, who have one win, as visitors to Kilternan. Greystones, another club with one win, travel to City of Derry, who are one of three sides who are still in pursuit of their first dividend. Two clubs similarly placed are Highfield and NIFC, who meet at Woodleigh Park.

With Buccaneers not engaged, Galwegians have the opportunity to take over clear leadership at the top of the third division when they meet Collegians at Crowley Park. But Collegians will be nurturing some promotion ambitions, having gained two wins already.

Bohemians, who have won their two matches to date, are away to Waterpark, who are one of the three clubs who have yet to gain a point. Corinthians are similarly placed and visit UCD, who have one win.

Trinity are the third club in this division without a point and they will be at home to Bangor, who have had one win.