Premier League table already taking shape ahead of week three

THE PREMIER League moves into its third weekend of action on Sunday with six games and, already, the early shape of the title race is beginning to emerge.

Geraldines lead the way after three games and they have made an emphatic statement with 15 goals scored. Their latest outing, a 5-1 win over Athlunkard Villa, followed wins over Nenagh and Moyross and leaves the Garryowen side sitting proudly at the top of the table.

They now face perhaps their biggest test so far when they travel to meet reigning champions Fairview Rangers. Fairview have won both of their opening games and remain unbeaten, with victories over Moyross and Regional United.

Geraldines may have the league's most potent attack at present, but Fairview's defensive strength will provide a much sterner examination.

It is an intriguing meeting between the current leaders and the champions and could provide an early indication of whether Geraldines are genuine title contenders.

Aisling Annacotty are another side with a perfect record and they entertain newly promoted Kilmallock.

Aisling have impressed from the opening whistle, beating Ballynanty and then producing arguably the performance of the season so far in their 7-1 destruction of Janesboro.

Conor Coughlan has returned from injury in spectacular fashion and Aisling have plenty of attacking options around him.

Kilmallock, however, have already shown they are capable of competing at this level and will not want to be overawed by the occasion.

Janesboro will be anxious to respond when they welcome Moyross. The Boro began with a draw against Athlunkard before hammering Nenagh 6-1, only to suffer that extraordinary 7-1 defeat to Aisling. They now have an opportunity to put that result behind them.

Moyross, meanwhile, are still searching for their first points after four defeats. They showed plenty of spirit despite losing heavily to Fairview and Geraldines but still have nothing to show for their efforts

Ballynanty Rovers will want to get their challenge back on track against Nenagh. Balla lost narrowly to Aisling on the opening night but responded with a convincing win at Athlunkard.

Nenagh finally opened their account on Sunday with a 4-1 victory over Moyross and will arrive with renewed confidence.

Mungret have played only once beating Regional United and they host Athlunkard Villa who will be smarting after conceding three goals in injury time against Geraldines last Sunday.

Finally, Pike Rovers host Regional United. Pike have played only once but impressed in beating Athlunkard 5-0. Regional have already played three games and Adam Castle's side will need to find greater consistency after victories over Kilmallock and defeats to Fairview and Mungret.

There is a fascinating battle developing in the Premier A, with Newport, Hyde Rangers A and Corbally United all on six points.

Newport have suffered their first defeat, going down 2-1 to Corbally, and will be keen to respond when they face Star Rovers at Pearse Stadium.

Hyde Rangers A, meanwhile, have recovered impressively from their opening defeat and followed it with wins over Corbally and Summerville.

They now visit Shelbourne, who will be looking to bounce back after defeats to Summerville and Regional B. Regional United B v Caherdavin Celtic is another meeting involving sides near the top.

Also, Prospect Priory v Corbally United pits two teams with plenty of attacking ability against each other. Elsewhere, Charleville face Herbertstown, while Carew Park entertain Summerville Rovers in another game which could have a major bearing on the early promotion picture.