Results will matter right from the outset in SFL Division Two this year as changes in the structures in the division will see the league split at the midway stage.

The ten sides in Division Two will all play each other once, which will consist of nine games, with the top five teams then forming Division 2A and the bottom five forming Division 2B.

As with Division One, placings in this year’s league will also decide on what championship a team plays in for the 1015 season. The Intermediate Championship in 2015 is going to consist of the next eight sides in the league who are not in the Senior Championship which means a mix of Division One and Division Two while the bottom four sides in Division Two when the league is concluded will contest the Junior Championship, which is to be re-introduced.

It means that teams will want to hit the ground running with every point vital in the race to secure a top five spot. And when the split occurs the five teams in each section will play each other home and away - a further eight games - starting that second section with a determined number of points dependent on where they finish at the split.

The goal therefore for any side in Division Two is to first and foremost, get into the top section after nine games and then try and push on for promotion.

Certainly, it would seem that the two relegated sides from Division One will be the two fancied to make a swift return to the top flight.

Lisnaskea and Kinawley are sure to be among the contenders, both looking well equipped to go back up. Kinawley have Brian Treacy at the helm once again this year and with a good mix of youth and experience at his disposal they should be there or thereabouts. The manner of the split should be a benefit to Kinawley as they are one of the teams who have been up and down in recent years and the more competitive strand to the second part of the league will stand whoever goes up in better stead to stay in Division One the following season.

Treacy will look to the Corrigan boys, Tomas and Ruairi, as well as the likes of Niall Bogue, Shaun Doherty and James Allen, to help with the push in the league.

Tony Collins has taken over the reins of home club Lisnaskea for the forthcoming season and they too should be battling it out around the top of the table. They have experience to call on in the shape of John Woods, Mark Little and Daniel Kille while some younger players have also been making their mark in recent seasons.

The make up of the remainder of the top five will be interesting. The three teams who will be fancied to complete the group are Maguiresbridge, Enniskillen and Irvinestown. Maguiresbridge have been making great strides over the last number of seasons and reached the Intermediate final last season. Progress is being made year on year and Collie Courtney will be hoping to build on the work that has gone on before him by not only ensuring that they are in the top group for the split but also in a position to challenge for a top two slot as the season draws to a close. Ryan Hyde, Sean Corrigan, Ciaran Corrigan and Daniel Teague will all be key men for the St. Mary’s outfit.

Enniskillen have appointed Warren Dixon as Ronan McCabe’s successor and although they won the Intermediate Championship last season the transition period is continuing for the Gaels. McCabe brought a number of younger players through and Dixon will look to continue that as some of the more experienced players are fazed out. They will still though have the likes of Ryan McCluskey and Chris Breen to call on for leadership while Niall Shannon and Richie O’Callaghan will also have big roles to play.

Irvinestown will also fancy their chances of making it into the top five. Mark Seaney is back in charge and he has some quality players in his squad in the shape of Ronan Ormsby, James Duffy and Stephen Sheridan. Getting into that top five has to be their primary target and then look to build on that.

If any of those five are not on their game there are a clutch of sides who will be more than capable of taking their spot. The key for the majority of these teams is getting their best players out on the pitch on a consistent basis. Belnaleck have a splattering of players who have gone on to represent Fermanagh in recent years including Che and Lee Cullen and Kane Connor while the likes of Duwayne McNulty and Lewsley brothers provide them with plenty of strength and power. On their day they are capable of competing with any side in the league but they now have to do that on a consistent level.

Coa had a disappointing season last time out and have named Mattie Keenan as their manager for the upcoming season. Keenan will feel that, like Belnaleck, if he can get everybody on board then there is only one way they can go from last year and that is up with the likes of Eoin Donnelly, Ryan Hanna and Darren McQuaid vital players for the O’Dwyers.

Aughadrumsee have been building slowly in recent years with a squad that includes a minor championship winning team. In Ciaran Carey and Phil Courtney they have a good management team and having taken good steps forward last year the aim will be to continue to improve on that.

Brookeboro have been hit by the loss of Tommy McElroy who has signed for Parnells in Dublin, where he is based, and while they will pick up points it is hard to see them forcing their way into the top five. And the same could well be the case for Derrylin who will find it difficult to get into the top sector. However, the season does not end if they don’t reach the top five as Division 2B will offer new challenges, not least this year where the side who finishes top of that sector will qualify for the Intermediate Championship with the next four in the Junior.