By Mike Rafferty

COLEMANSTOWN United have found the return to the Premier Division challenging, but at the tenth time of asking they have secured their first league win of the season and, in the process, give themselves a fighting chance of survival in the top flight.

The meeting of the bottom two was crucial to both Colemanstown and St Bernard’s and in a contest where all the goals came in the opening half, it was the home side who eventually prevailed by 2-1. The win allowed them join their Abbeyknockmoy neighbours in joint bottom position, with the likes of Renmore and Loughrea just above them.

It was St Bernard’s who took an early advantage when Paddy Mullins slotted home from the penalty spot before goals from Kerrill Hardiman and Tomás Flannery ensured all the points stayed at home.

Maree-Oranmore sprung somewhat of a surprise with a 2-1 victory over Athenry in the FAI Junior Cup back in September and they were not far off repeating the feat on Saturday as they twice took the lead, before eventually having to settle for a share of the spoils in a 2-2 draw. With both sides having opportunities to win the game, it was Ben Costello and Aidan Coyle (pen) who exchanged the opening half goals, with Malachy Black and Cole Connolly doing likewise on the resumption.

The outcome sees Athenry fall four points behind defending champions and table toppers Salthill Devon after they made it nine league wins on the trot in a 5-2 success over Loughrea. Vinny Faherty (two), Matthew Barrett, Paul Scally and Jack Arra were all on the mark for the home side in a game that saw Mark Ludden make his debut for Devon. Thomas Hoban and Anthony Burns got the opening half goals for the visitors.

Pictured: Alfie Davies of Loughrea Rams tussling for possession with Mike Fox of Salthill Devon during the clubs’ Premier Division tie in Drom. Photos: Joe O’Shaughnessy.