Roundup Week 20
The second half of the CCFL season got underway at the weekend and although the weather did its best to be a spoilsport again, there were several important games played nonetheless.
In the Under 19 Division Abbeyleix got their title challenge right back on track with a superb 2-1 win overAthyTown. The Laois lads had to come from behind after Anthony Meade had given Athy the lead, but well taken goals from Ben Conroy and Podge Lawlor saw Abbeyleix over the line.
There were a number of games in the second round of the Counties Cup where the first big shock of the competition saw Newtown from Division 3 Saturday defeat last years semi finalists Mullingar Town.
Previous winners CK United are also safely through, but they needed extra time to see off Division 1 Saturday leaders Grange United. It finished 4-1 in the end with Trevor Wright and Brendan Bracken among the goals for the Tullamore based side.
In the Shield Melville Celtic’s second team enjoyed a very good victory over Eagles FC with Paul Warby, Calvin Payne and Alan Nugent getting the goals in a 3-1 victory.
In League actionWillowParkstay top of the Senior Division after a solid 4-1 win over mid tableArlington. Aidan Hyland and Mark McConnell each hit a brace as the Athlone men show no sign of easing off on their push to retain their title.
Shinrone continued their good form of late with an excellent 3-1 success over Mullingar Athletic.PaulLakewas the star turn with two goals for the south Offaly men with Derek McLoughlan getting the other.
A stunning hat-trick from Derek Gorman ensuredStradballyTownwill have a big say in the destination of the Division 1 title this year when they defeated challengers Tullamore by three goals to two.
A Robbie Knight inspired Gracefield continue to set the pace in Division 2. They defeated Portlaoise 3-0 in Portarlington with Knight hitting two and Jason Knight also getting on to the score sheet.
In Division 4A Mountmellick United suffered a fatal blow to their aspirations when they fell 3-0 away to Abbeyleix. Adrian Freeman rolled back the years with two excellent strikes for Abbeyleix. Mark Fitzgerald added the third.
East Endlost their one hundred percent record in Division 4B when they were shocked by Derry Rovers 2-1. The goals came from Michael Foran and Ger Hanlon with Chris Bryant replying for the league leaders.
Monksland made their visit to Kilcormac well worthwhile as they defeated the local lads 5-0. Niall McCann, Cathal Ryan, Alan Cormican and two from Stephen Flynn gave the Athlone men the victory they deserved.
