As the FAI National League gets to the business end of the season, Round 7 of fixtures presents a huge opportunity for several clubs to take a step closer to November’s semi-final spots.

The three group winners and the best-placed runner-up will gain a place in the semi-finals and it’s still all to play for in each of the groups with perhaps Group 2 the most open field with three points separating Salthill Devon in first (8 pts) and St. Francis in fifth (5 pts).

Here are five things to look out for in this week’s FAI National League:

Munster Derby

UCC Soccer host Villa at the Mardyke Sports Grounds in a Saturday 2pm kick-off. The all-Munster affair will be a huge in terms of Group 3 with a win for Villa tightening their grip in top spot. However, UCC (7 pts) have a game in hand over Villa and two games in hand over second place CK United (11 pts) and go into the game knowing victory over the Waterford side would significantly boost their semi-final hopes.
 

High flying Flynn

Former Wexford striker Calum Flynn (pictured) has brought his League of Ireland quality into the National League and is the league’s current top scorer with five goals. The 21-year-old forward has registered a goal involvement in all but one of six games and has been in a huge reason behind the Waterford outfit’s progress this season. A hat-trick against CK United last month (the first ever in the National League) and another strike on Tuesday in a 4-0 win over the same opposition he’s set the pace early for marksmen this season.
 

The Group 2 Battle

This really is anyone’s group. By the end of Round 8, any of the five teams could finish in top place. First place, Salthill Hill Devon (8 pts); Second, Letterkenny Rovers (7 pts); Third, TU Dublin (5 pts); Fourth, Mayo (6 pts); Fifth, St. Francis (5 pts). 

Letterkenny Rovers host St. Francis on Saturday at Leckview Park in a 4pm kick-off with TU Dublin taking on Mayo in Blanchardstown at 5pm on the same day.
 

A case for Lucan’s defence

No team has a better defensive record than Lucan United who have conceded just four goals in the five league games. St. Francis have only conceded four too but have played a game fewer but Lucan have recorded three shutouts so far this season with only Home Farm DCU and Mervue United able to breach their defence. On Saturday they head to Buncrana in a 2pm kick-off against Cockhill Celtic where a win could point them joint top should results go their way.
 

A win for Killarney or Newbridge

Could we see a first victory for Killarney Celtic or Newbridge Town this weekend. Both teams have been unfortunate to be on the losing side in numerous games this season with the previous meeting between the sides ending in a 2-2 draw. Back by great support this season a win for either team would be a big boost to their season and give both teams’ communities something to cheer about.
 

Round 7

Saturday, October 10th 

Group 1 | Home Farm DCU v Bonagee United | Whitehall Stadium | KO 14:00 
Group 1 | Cockhill Celtic v Lucan United | Charlie O’Donnell Sports Grounds | KO 14:00 
Group 2 | TU Dublin v Mayo | TU Campus, Blanchardstown | KO 17:00 
Group 2 | Letterkenny Rovers v St. Francis | Leckview Park | KO 16:00 
Round 3 | Killarney Celtic v Newbridge Town | Celtic Park | KO 14:00 
Round 3 | UCC Soccer v Villa | Mardyke Sports Grounds | KO 14:00

Image by Noel Brown Photography