THIS IS far more to Mayo's taste than Clare's as John O'Keeffe's team looked to have made a decisive burst for safety after Christmas, but now face - the prospect of successive drops from the top to the third division.

This is not to say that Mayo's late pegging back by Armagh wasn't a frustration, but this fixture will help John Maughan focus his team's mind on their early but crucial champion debut against Galway. The fact that the match is to be played at today's venue where Mayo haven't won a championship match in over 40 year is a further benefit.

The recent disclosures of non serviam from Knockmore players deprives Mayo of some undoubted talent, but absolves Maughan from any culpability for the continuing stand off.

Mayo did well for themselves from a Division Three base last year, but they left it behind at that stage and completed a useful League run. Relegation would be a depressing prelude to championship preparation. The AN Other in the right corner of the attack may be David Nestor or PJ Loftus. Either way, the quickening rhythm of the year is more likely to excite urgency in Mayo.