A NUMBER of unexpected results in the weekend's penultimate series of National Football League matches has set an interesting scene for the final Sunday of the regulation matches on March 2nd.

Division One looks more straightforward than usual in that three of the quarter finalists are already known with Cork, Kerry and Kildare playing for position in a fortnight. But all the other counties have an interest in either the knockout stages or the relegation battle.

No team is certain to drop although Cavan would still require a play off if they beat Tyrone and even victory might not suffice. Meath and Tyrone are in the unusual position of contending for both the quarter finals as well as relegation and both will be at home. Meath must beat Derry to ensure a play off for the last eight and Tyrone must beat Cavan.

Donegal travel to Kildare needing at least a point to have any chance of staying in the top flight whereas Kerry will host Cork in a relatively stress free encounter.

In Division Two, Laois took most people by surprise with their narrow win in Drogheda which guarantees them promotion and a place in the quarter finals. Louth should be fairly disappointed but with already relegated Monaghan to visit, they should still make the second berth and confound the long range shots at promotion from Dublin, Armagh and Clare.

Clare, improving but still not safe, are due the next day in Leitrim who are engaged in a relegation tussle. Also in difficulties are Mayo who face a home tie against Armagh whom they must beat if they are to keep alive chances of avoiding the drop.

Division Three is largely clearcut with Down definitely promoted but as their primary aim is to make the quarter finals, they still have work to do in Roscommon where the home side's defeat by Galway leaves them uncertain of even promotion.

In Division Four, Offaly's win over closest pursuers Fermanagh doesn't guarantee either the quarter final spot or promotion but with Limerick and Kilkenny to come, the leaders should wrap up both details. Fermanagh are best positioned to accompany them.