Week 23 Roundup
Most of the action this weekend was concentrated on Saturday with some great games taking place in the underage League Divisions.
With Under 17 leaders Gracefield not playing on Saturday it gave the chasing two Killavilla United and Mullingar Athletic a chance to make up some ground when they faced each other in Gainstown. A top class game of football ended all square at a goal apiece which was not the result either team was looking for, but nevertheless keeps both of them well in the hunt for ultimate honours.
In the same division Portumna Town continued their recent good form with a well deserved 2-1 win away to Portlaoise. Max Parry and Christopher Fogarty were the goal scorers for a Portumna team who on this evidence will provide strong opposition for anybody in this division.
In the Under 18 division the only game played was the meeting of second placed Clongowes Wood and Rochfortbridge. This resulted in a comprehensive victory for the college team and keeps them well in the hunt for league honours this season. Their outstanding players on the day were Kyle Mullin, James Irwin and Bidemi Afalidi.
In the top of the table under 19 division game the honours went to Tullamore Town who put three early goals past Edenderry Town, the goals coming from Aaron Hensey and Ted Conway before eventually running out 3-1 winners over one of their rivals for the title.
Also in the under 19 division, Athy Town kept their outside chances of success alive when they defeated Mountmellick by five goals to two, the goals coming from Michael Iditogu, Kevin Moran, Malcolm Oteogu and Nathan Robinson with two.
In the Michael Ward Division 3 Cup Mullingar Town crashed out 4-1 away to fellow Saturday side Carrickboy Celtic. Tony Yorke grabbed the consolation goal for the Mullingar men.
Melville United B team advanced to the second round of the Saturday Division Cup following an extra time victory over Newtown FC. David Monahan and a last minute strike from Chris Conlon gave the Athlone lads a 2-1 win.
In the Division 4 Cup a very good Mountmellick United side were too strong for Monksland in Cushla Park. It finished 5-2 in favour of the visitors in spite of the best efforts of Damien McGovern and Shane Dunning who chipped in with a goal apiece for Monksland.