In the outstanding games in Round two of the Connacht Cup Castlerea Celtic advanced to the next round writes Vincent Brooks.
Castlerea scoring a 3-2 win over Ballinrobe Town after extra-time at Ballinrobe. Oisin Ward scored two and Jarlath Geraghty one for Castlerea.
St Johns Athletic were beaten following a penalty shootout away University of Galway. Jamie Tiernan and Simon Leonard scored for a good St Johns side.
Ballinasloe Town had a difficult game away to the Sligo Super League side Carbury FC. While, Ballinasloe started well, Ryan Burke gave them a first-half lead. The second-half saw them crash out 4-1.
The Roscommon and District League Premier Division is finely balanced with just three points separating the top six teams. Four series of matches have being played.
Leaders Ballaghaderreen FC were involved in a seven goal thriller at home to the current League Champions Moore United.
Unfortunately for the hosts they found themselves a goal behind at the final whistle. Tom Ward opened the scoring for Ballaghaderreen after 21 minutes, but Charles Nevin replied for Moore shortly afterwards.
Ward scored his second following good work by Patrick Callaghan three minutes before half-time. However, Jack Nevin levelled the game early in the second-half.
With 20 minutes remaining, Shane Dunning gave Moore a 3–2 lead. Danny Browne levelled the game when he converted a penalty. Jack Nevin scored the winner for Moore in the first minute of additional time.
Shiven Rovers struggled early in the season but picked up three valuable points following a 1–0 win over Boyle Celtic at Newbridge. In a rather hectic game Rory Cunningham scored the winner for Shiven Rovers.
In Division 1 Northern section, Ballymoe FC are certain to gain promotion to the newly formed Division 1 following a 2–2 draw with Ballinagare/Manor at Ballymoe.
Promotion places up for grabs
Who will join Ballymoe is still up for grabs with the remaining teams all very close.
Ballinagare/Manor were the better side in the first-half, Aaron Dowd opening the scoring on 30 minutes, following a perfect cross from Jay McCarthy.
Ballymoe equalised with six minutes remaining in the first-half when James Connaughton scored following a corner-kick. Ballymoe started the second-half well, taking the lead through a fine Damien Goggins volley from the edge of the penalty area.
However, the ever reliable Gerry Ward equalised. While both teams had chances to take all three points a draw was a fair result.
The Glenamaddy side Glen Celtic had a 4–2 win over Cloonfad United at Cloonfad as both teams continue to battle for a promotion.
There was very little between the sides with Glen Celtic scoring two goals in the last couple of minutes.
Ryan McHugh gave Glen Celtic a 1–0 on 31 minutes. Sean Burke levelled the game two minutes before half-time.
Neill Morris gave the hosts a 2-1 lead on 75 minutes, but Ryan McHugh levelled the game with three minutes remaining. Cloonfad conceded an own goal and Ryan McHugh completed his hat-trick to secure all three points for Glen Celtic.
Dunmore Town beat Ballaghaderreen second side 2-0 at Dunmore. Shane Davis scored a great goal after a neat cross by Mark Connell. Seamus Culkeen added a second before half-time with a solo effort.
Reserve League
In the Reserve League, Shiven Rovers drew 2-2 with Moore United at Newbridge. Cian Traynor and Dan Brown gave Shiven Rovers a 2–0 half-time lead. Rory Ryan and Mark Lennon replied for Moore United in the last 15 minutes.
Boyle Celtic beat the Castleplunket side C.P Ajax 4–1 at Boyle. Kyle Sweeney, Colm Morris, Conor Tivnan and an own goal made up the Boyle Celtic total.
Dunmore Town beat Ballinagare/Manor United 6–3 at Ballinagare in a really sporting game. Young Barry Murphy scored three and Daithi Reddington two with Ben Glynn completing their scoring. Aaron Dowd, Martin Ward and John Stokes scored for the losers.
Roscommon United beat Skyvalley Rovers 5–2 at Roscommon. Shane Doolin and Zico Gomes scored two each and Caio Mulryan added a fifth for the winners.
Women's League Round-up
The Women’s League is really close with just five points separating the top five teams.
Boyle Celtic travelled to Shiven Rovers and came away with a hard earned 1–0 win over the table toppers. Niamh McNamara scored the only goal of the game after 20 minutes.
Castlerea Celtic beat bottom side St Cuans/Ahascragh United 6–0 at Castlerea. While Castlerea Celtic were the better side and were 3–0 up at half-time the losers were unlucky not to score a few goals.
Abi Flanagan, Rachel Gormley, Shannon Dowd, Chloe Donnellan, Reece Higgins and Aine Brennan scored their goals.
Ballaghaderreen beat Ballinasloe Town 6–0 at Ballaghaderreen. Allanah McGreal and Leanna Foley scored two each and Kayla O’Toole and Jessica Feeney got one each.
Kilkerrin United kept their title hopes very much alive with a 1-0 home win over Cam Celtic. Sarah Ward scored the only goal of the game in the first-half.
