Time running out at top and bottom

NFL PERMUTATIONS:WITH JUST two rounds of matches left in the 2009 National Football League, nothing has yet been settled in any of the four divisions, but the picture is becoming clearer.

Only three teams can now win the title – holders Derry, last year’s finalists Kerry and Galway. The latter two have to be fancied, as there is a two-point gap between Galway in second and Derry in third.

Such an outcome would be awkward, as Kerry and Galway are scheduled to meet on the last day of the regulation season and would then meet in the final a couple of weeks later.

Westmeath need to win both their remaining matches to have a chance of staying in Division One with Dublin or Donegal looking most likely to join them on the way down.

Cork are clear front runners in Division Two, although next week’s trip to Monaghan, along with Kildare the most likely challengers, will clarify that situation.

It’s looking grim for Wexford at the bottom, as they are four points adrift of safety and have the worst scoring difference, -50, in the NFL apart from Kilkenny. Fermanagh, promoted with them last year, are next in line for the drop.

The biggest surprise in the league is Tipperary, fortunate to secure promotion last year, and now top of Division Three, the most competitive division with every team having something to play for.

Antrim and Sligo lead the way in Division Four and play each other in a vital match at the weekend.