Roundup Week 26
Friday night was a proud night for the Combined Counties Football League and for Willow Park when last years Senior Division Champions (which qualifies them to play in the LFA Senior Cup) took on the AUL’s finest Sheriff YC and beat them 2-1. Aidan Hyland and Brian Cauldwell were the goal scorers on the night against the team that only a few months ago beat League of Ireland side Shelbourne in the FAI Cup on the field of play, but lost the tie in the boardroom; and Shelbourne went on to reach the final only to loose out on penalties to Sligo Rovers.
This result sends out a clear message as to the ability of this Willow Park side and also the standard at the top end of our Senior Division.
In Underage action Newbridge Town got back to winning ways in the Under 17 Division courtesy of a 5-3 victory over Portlaoise. Darragh McHugh scored a hat-trick with Ciaran Glynn and Ryan dang adding further goals.
In the Under 19 Division Athy Town are back in contention following a thrilling 3-2 win over Abbeyleix. Podge Lawlor and Patrick O’Keefe were on the mark for Abbeyleix, but Kevin Moran, Nathan Robinson and Karl Foley swung it in favour of Athy.
In the same Division Tullamore Town continued their assault on the title with a solid 3-0 win away to Portlaoise, the goals coming from Aaron Hensey, Ted Conway and Gary Hutchinson.
In the Saturday Division Cup Melville Celtic B team are through to the last eight after Chris Conlon, Stephen Barr and Kevin Nugent fired them to victory over Carrickboy Celtic.
Boro Celtic returned to Division 1 action with a win over bottom side Longford Celtic. James Hanley, Henry Kenny, Mike Morrissey, Dean Murray and Declan McCormack were on the scoresheet as it finished 5-1 to keep the Boro lads outside title chances alive.
Spartak Granard are still well in the hunt in Division 3 Saturday thanks to a 2-1 win over Newtown. Liam O’Rourke and John Skelly were on the mark for Spartak while Ian Riley replied for Newtown.
There was a busy programme on Sunday with the pick of the games being the Counties Cup clash between Monksland and Killavilla. It was the Athlone lads who prevailed on a 3-0 scoreline. The O’Reilly boys Ian and Aidan scored the all- important Monksland goals.
In Shield action Clara Town’s strong second team continue to progress. A strong showing from Marius Stones with two goals thrown in for good measure helped them to a comfortable victory over Raharney B team.
In the Senior Division mid table sides Arlington and Clara played out a one all draw to consolidate their positions in the Division. The experienced Daryl Foy gave Arlington the lead before a late converted penalty saved a point for Clara.
In the Premier Division Derry Rovers eased their relegation worries with a solitary goal victory over Mullingar Town; Paul Foran shooting home the only goal of the game.
However the Premier title looks like it is on its way to Ferbane after Ciaran Kenny’s strike gave Gallen United a one goal win over Willow Park B to add to their advantage at the top of the table.
At the other end of the table Clonaslee United earned their first league win of the season when they beat local rivals Rosenallis 2-1. John Molloy and Daniel Larkin scored for the hosts and Darren McEvoy replied for Rosenallis. The result is unlikely to save Clonaslee from relegation, but Rosenallis are now back in trouble especially considering Derry Rovers victory.
In Division 1, Stradbally Town moved into clear second place with a straightforward victory over Clonmore. Alan Delaney, Alan Mulhall, Derek Gorman and Fergal Murray scored the goals as it finished 4-0.
Tullamore lost further ground when they were held by Ballinahown. Owen Doodey scored for Ballinahown, but Tullamore earned a point from the boot of Niall Kearns.
Gracefield Athletic continue to blaze a trail in Division 2 and must be firm favourites to lift the title thanks to a 4-0 win over bottom side Kilcormac. John Knight, Robbie Knight, Stephen Slattery and Richie Porter were all on the mark for a slick looking Gracefield side.
In Division 3A, Killeigh Ramblers are now the team to catch after they beat one of their nearest rivals Killavilla United B 3-1 in Roscrea. Diarmuid Horan and a brace from Nigel Cunningham saw the Offaly men extend their advantage at the top of the table.
In Division 4A another goal from the prolific Adrian Freeman saved a point for Abbeyleix B away to Portlaoise C, but Raheen are now in pole position following another clearcut victory, this time against Frankford.
JP O’Leary and Chris Bryant were on the mark for Division 4B leaders East End Celtic, but it wasn’t enough. They were soundly beaten by 5-2 Eagles FC, a result that puts a serious dent in their title aspirations.
In the same division St Carthages continue to show improvement with an easy win over Kilcormac. Carthages had impressive showings from Willie Clear, Barry Kelly, Wesley Rosney, Leon Looby, Packie Walsh and Ger Conroy.
