By Mike Rafferty

ATHENRY slipped up for the first time this season in the Premier Division when they lost a two goal advantage as Mervue United came from behind to grab a share of the spoils in a entertaining  contest at Fahy’s Field on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Salthill Devon made the most of a good start as they just hung on to see off Colemanstown United by the odd goal in five and, in the process, moved two points clear at the top of the table, while a Ben Costello hat-trick helped fourth placed Maree-Oranmore come from behind to see off Loughrea.

In the Championship, Moyne Villa took full advantage of the top two slipping up as University of Galway and West United shared the spoils, while Padraig Cunningham scored four as the Headford side comfortably saw off Corrib Rangers.

In ther lower Divisions, Craughwell United required a late Adon McFarlane equaliser as they grabbed a share of the spoils with Oughterard in Division One. However, behind them Mac Dara, Salthill Devon B and Cois Fharraige all picked up points to keep the pressure on, while in Division Two, Athenry B have taken over top spot following a win over neighbours Kiltullagh.

PREMIER DIVISION

Mervue United 3

Athenry 3

When Athenry scored two goals in quick succession just before the break to give themselves a comfortable interval margin, they looked home and hosed against a Mervue side that has stuttered in every second game as three wins and three losses from their six previous contests would indicate.

Now it’s questionable if the home side deserved to be two in arrears at the break, but what is certain is that they merited a reward from this contest and goals early and late in the second half ensure a deserved share of the spoils in a competitive Premier Division clash.

Pictured:  Gavin Gilmore of Athenry FC is chased by Mervue United’s Darren Collins during Saturday’s Premier Division encounter at Fahy’s Field. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.