Roundup Wk 27
The prestigious Combined Counties Youths Cup got underway on Saturday last with a number of first and second round games played.
The pick of the first round games saw a youthful Birr Town team travcel to Athlone to take on Under 18 Divisional leaders Monksland United. In the end it was the Monksland lads who came out on top by four goals to two in a very enjoyable game. Rian McNair, Pierce Hanly Nolan, Martin Flannery and Shane Dunning finding the range for the victors.
Willow Park continued on their winning ways when they accounted for Derry Rovers in the C.C.F.L Cup. The Edenderry outfit proved to be a tough nut to crack before they eventually succumbed 4-0. Mark McConnell, Robbie Shine and a brace from Brian Frawley did the business for Willow.
In the Paddy Cotter Cup the penultimate quarter final place was decided when Arlington qualified to meet Mountmellick United thanks to a penalty shootout success over premier Division leaders Gallen United. The game ended one all, the Arlington goal coming from David Thorpe.
Division 1 Cup action saw Stradbally Town reach the last eight following an extra time victory over Inny FC. The Division 1 Saturday side put up stubborn opposition before goals from Derek Gorman and Damian Murphy edged the Laois men through.
In the same competition Ballinahown are also into the quarter finals thanks to a 2-1 win at home to Mostrim United. Damien Fox and a late winner from Ollie Nally were the scorers for Ballinahown.
In the Division 3 Cup Melville Celtic second team are through to the last eight thanks to an extra time success over Raharney. The winning goal came very late from the boot of Chris Conlon.
Abbeyleix Athletic second team have secured a quarter final place in the Division 4 Cup following a 4-0 win over St James FC. Abbeyleix were always in control of this game with the goals coming from Brian Bergin, Damien Fitzpatrick and a brialliant brace from Anthony Coffey.
In League action Abbeyleix Athletic look certain to be playing in the Premier Division next season and are now clear favourites to lift the Division 1 title thanks to a 5-2 win away to Clonmore United. The Abbeyleix target men were Joe Bergin (2), Scott Conroy, Conor Bergin and David Brennan.
In Division 3B, Gallen United enjoyed a clearcut 4-1 victory over Milnore Rovers. The Ferbane men controlled much of this game and took the points thanks to goals from Declan Conroy, Ed Healy and Declan Daly.
In Division 3 Saturday a great game of football in Mullingar say Mullingar Town overcome Newtown FC by two goals to nil. The Mullingar Town goals came from the hard working Joe Doyle and the opportunistic Lee Massey.
Division 4A action saw Stradbally Town earn a well deserved win away to Mountmellick United. Richie Oxley and John Murphy with two got the goals for Stradbally as it finished 3-1.
Also in Division 4A, Midlands Celtic inspired by the vastly experienced Brian Russell took all the points in a 3-1 win over Maryborough who gave the title challengers a good game with a determined performance.
Division 4B action saw East End get their title challenge back on track. Goals from James Carty and Chris Bryant gave the Tullamore men a 2-1 win in a game where Michael Stanbrook put in a masterful performance in midfield for the East End men.
St Carthages Athletic had to come from behind to earn a hard fought draw with Raharney B. Goals from Phil Gill and Roy Malone had kept Carthages in the game, but Raharney were still leading in injury time until Derek Dolan popped up to hit the equaliser.
