Win or draw would secure status

Cavan take on Roscommon today

Cavan host Roscommon in the final round of Division 2 of the National League today (Saturday, 2pm, live on TG4) in Kingspan Breffni, knowing that a win would secure their league status for next season.

A slim outside chance of promotion remains but it would need a series of results to fall Cavan’s way. If Kildare and Westmeath were to draw, Clare defeated Armagh and Cavan were to beat Roscommon, it would leave three teams – Cavan, Westmeath and Armagh – level on eight points.

Score difference would then come into play but Cavan’s current score difference of -2 is vastly inferior to Armagh’s +22 meaning Cavan and Clare would both likely need to win by double figures.

A more pressing concern for Mickey Graham and his men will be avoiding the drop. That remains in Cavan’s own hands; a win or a draw would guarantee survival.

However, if Cavan were to lose to Roscommon and Laois beat an already-relegated Fermanagh in Brewster Park, Cavan would go down.

Roscommon’s win over Armagh in the Athletic Grounds was highly impressive and guaranteed them a third promotion to the top flight in recent years. With elevation secured and a championship opener two weesk later against Leitrim or Mayo, the Rossies may not field their strongest side.

Then again, Cavan have also been hindered by the unavailability of players due to the impact of the pandemic so much remains up in the air.