Combined Counties Football League Roundup Week 34
It was another big weekend in the C.C.F.L as the season rapidly moves towards an exciting climax with trophies now been handed out every week.
Dynamo Town were the big winners this weekend when they clinched the Division 2 League title following a 3-1 win away to Coolraine a result which sees them leapfrog Killeigh to win it with a single point to spare at the top of the table.
In Cup action, it was mostly semi final action with several final line-ups decided. There was one outstanding Combined Counties Cup quarter final played where as expected Willow Park qualified for a semi final match up with C.K United following a clearcut 5-0 win away to Rosenallis.
There was a bit of a surprise in the first semi final of the Paddy Cotter Cup where Arlington repeated their League success over Mullingar Athletic in windy Edenderry on Sunday afternoon. The Portarlington men raced into a three goal first half lead thanks to a penalty from Dave Thorpe and a brace of goals from Barry Kenny. Mullingar, with the elements in their favour fought back strongly in the second half to make it 3-2, but a determined rearguard action by Arlington secured their second successive final in this competition.
The Division 3 Cup final will see Division 3 Saturday outfit Colmcille Celtic take on Clara Town B from Division 3B after the Longford men edged out Clonown Rovers by the odd goal in three, but Clara had to rely on penalties to progress following a two all draw with Melville Celtic in the other semi final.
The final of the Under 17 Cup will be between Willow Park who convincingly defeated Portlaoise and Rosenallis who with C.C.F.L interleague player Cillian Calally in inspirational form came from behind to knock out Longford Town by three goals to one after extra time.
Mullingar Athletic completed the semi final lineup in the Under 19 Cup by knocking out Clongowes Wood in an extraordinary game. It finished one all after extra time with Mullingar prevailing by 12 penalties to 11 as every player on the pitch took at least one spot kick.
In other League action, Derry Rovers edged ever closer to the Division 4B title after they beat St James 2-0 and Longford Wanderers have the finishing line in their sights in Division 3 Saturday following a 4-0 win over Ballymahon.
Division 1 however is still very much up in the air with five teams still in with a mathematical chance of claiming the honours. On Sunday Shinrone had a very good victory over fellow hopefuls Temple Villa, while Clonbonny kept their slim hopes of a playoff alive with a 3-2 win over Highfield. Tullamore are in the strongest position however as a win over Temple Villa in their last game next Sunday will guarantee them the title. Any other result in this game though could open up a variety of possibilities where Clonaslee or Shinrone could snatch it, or there could also be several different playoff permutations.
