The Shamrocks first team returns to CSL action this weekend after two weeks without a Division 1 game due to a bye week and a big State Cup first round success earlier this month.

Their opponents Zum Schneider, meanwhile, have won two league games in a row – against Lansdowne and Doxa – an uptick in form which has ensured that Kevin Grogan will be priming his team for a tough Saturday evening.

“Biggest game of the season for us by far,” is how the gaffer has described this encounter for the fourth-placed Rocks.

Reserves boss Dan Meola is equally ready for a clash which will see him try to prevent his Zum counterparts from pulling level in the standings.

“They are an organized side,” said Meola who enjoyed a good win at Pancyprians last Sunday evening.

“They have only lost once this season to a tough Cedar Stars team. We are in good form ourselves and are coming off our best attacking performance to date. We trained well during the week and are looking to build some real momentum.”

On Sunday, women’s league leading Shamrocks Green will be at St Michaels to play last-placed Fuel FC who lost 2-0 to Shamrocks White on Sunday morning.

“They haven’t had a great start to the season but they’ll be more dangerous because they are desperate for points,” said coach Paddy Geraghty. “If our attitude is right we can build on last week and stay top.”

Meanwhile at East 6th St, Division B champions Shamrocks White will take on CPR White at 1pm.

“We will be looking to continue our winning ways this weekend against CPR White,” said coach Keith Perez.

“We had a good training session on Tuesday and we will find success if we are able to translate that to the game on Sunday.”

Back in the CSL, it will be another big showdown for Shamrocks 1960 as they look to stave off the challenge of second-placed FC Sandzak when they take to the field at Con Edison in the Lower East Side (kick-off, 9am).

“We’re looking forward to another top-of-the-table clash this weekend,” said Robbie O’Neill. “We’re missing a good few guys through injury and vacation but we expect a great game and a positive result.”

The Over 30s will face league champions Greek Americans at the Met Oval on Sunday at 6pm and coach Sean Mc Mullan has warned his players to be ready for a tough challenge.

“The Greeks always give us a good battle so our players will be ready,” said Mc Mullan.

“We have a bigger squad this weekend with some of the lads coming back to be in contention. We’re confident but it will be a tough 90 minutes.”

In the Over 39 Division, it will be third in the standings visiting second as the Shamrocks Legends take on Manhattan Kickers at Bush Terminal Piers Park (4pm).

“Their results have been very impressive so this is by far our toughest game yet,” said player-coach John Riordan.

“We can be under no illusions about how a big a challenge this will be. We rarely, if ever, have the upper hand against Kickers so if we go into this one thinking our league form means anything, we are at a huge disadvantage.”