Soccer Wrap with Mike Rafferty

Neighbours Mervue United and Renmore have qualified for the last eight of the Connacht Junior Cup, where they are joined by Moyne Villa. West United slipped to an unexpected defeat at home against Oughterard in the Connacht Shield: the Connemara side are joined by Maree-Oranmore B, Corofin United and Dynamo Blues in the last eight.

In league action, for two sides involved at opposite ends of the table, Salthill Devon must have felt uncomfortable as Hibernians really made them work very hard for a late two goal victory in the Premier League.

In the Championship, Corrib Rangers and Knocknacarra proved that they are very much part of the promotion mix with impressive wins as competition is tight in the top half of the table.

CONNACHT JUNIOR CUP

The outcome was never in doubt as Mervue United comfortably saw off Conn Rangers 5-1 and in the process advanced to the last eight.

Four opening half goals laid the foundation for the win as Lewis Waweru (2), Dara McGrath, and Aaron Neary (pen) found the net, with an Adam Healy finish completing the task on the resumption as they maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

For Renmore, matters were somewhat more difficult as their last 16 encounter with Castlerea Celtic finished level at 1-1 following extra time, with the city side winning 5-4 on penalties.

A cracking goal by Niall Martyn put them ahead, but the home side levelled matters before the break. With matters competitive for the remainder of the tie, it took spot-kicks to sort matters and with goalkeeper Cian Costello playing his part with two saves, it eventually paved the way for the win and a place in the last eight draw at the beginning of March.

Luke Byrnes, Paddy McKernon, Sammy Omokua, Conor Murray, and Padraig Corcoran all converted their penalties to secure a crucial win for Stuart Donoghue’s side and in the process extend their unbeaten run to eight games.

There was no joy for last season’s beaten finalists as Maree-Oranmore fell to a 3-2 defeat against the holders Castlebar Celtic, as Adam Lavelle and Colm Whelan took the scoring honours for the Galway side.

Moyne Villa goalkeeper Luke Jennings proved to be the hero as last season’s Connacht Shield champions advanced with a 3-2 shoot-out win over Colemanstown United, after the sides had finished level at 2-2 following extra time. Boyle Celtic from Roscommon, St John’s Athletic from Sligo, and Mayo sides Westport United and Manulla complete the last eight.

CONNACHT SHIELD

Ronan Caldwell returned to his old stomping ground at South Park and scored twice for his new club Oughterard – including the winner – as the visitors caused somewhat of an upset by recording a 4-3 win over West United.

Oughterard laid the foundation for their success with an impressive opening half, as Cailim McDonagh also found the net twice. Michéal Lundy, Davide Lavecca and Darren Grealish responded with the goals for the city outfit.

Maree-Oranmore B had little difficulty in seeing off visitors Kilmore as the home side recorded a 5-0 win with Lewis Dolan (2), Kevin Horgan, Seamie Fallon and Steve Matthews all finding the net.

Dynamo Blues also advanced with a bit to spare following a 4-1 away success over Coolaney United in Sligo; Moyne Villa B to a 2-0 away defeat against Iorras Aontaithe; Corofin United required extra time before seeing off Corrib Celtic B 3-2; while the game between Corrib Celtic and Tuam Celtic was called off due to an unplayable pitch, with the fixture rescheduled for the Tuam venue this Sunday.

Pictured: The Corrib Rangers squad pictured ahead of their Championship clash with Craughwell United in Westside last weekend, which the home side won 4-2. Back row, from left: Ollie Rafferty (manager), Kevin Fitzpatrick, Geoff Power, Tabiso Duba, Eoin McLoughlin, Nazim Ishmolov, Cian Boggan, Alan Ward (coach), and Andrew Rabbitte. Front: James Nolan, Shane Rafferty, Matthew Rafferty, Johnny O’Brien, David McDonagh, Paddy Rock, Colm Carroll, and John Reynolds. In front is team mascot Johnny Ward. Photos: Joe O’Shaughnessy.