Soccer Wrap with Mike Rafferty

Eight FAI Junior Cup First rounds ties were down for decision over the weekend with the performance and victory of Mervue United over Colga the most eye-catching as Colin Kelly scored twice for the visitors.

Harry Rogers got the winner for Renmore as they saw off fellow city side, Corrib Rangers; while Josh Hickey got both goals for Knocknacarra as they got the better of Bearna Na Forbacha.

Maree/Oranmore appeared to be coasting to victory as they enjoyed a three-goal interval advantage at home to Galway Bohemians. However, the visitors levelled matters in a spirited comeback, before Aaron Molloy struck a late winner for the home side as they eventually prevailed in a best of nine goals contest.

Elsewhere there were wins for Athenry, Moyne Villa, Dynamo Blues and Colemanstown United as all advanced to the second round.

In the one Premier Division game played, table toppers Salthill Devon left it very late to get the winner in a 2-1 success over Hibernians as they extended their lead at the top of the table. In the lower divisions, wins for University of Galway, Craughwell United and Kiltullagh saw them go clear at the top of their respective leagues.

After a spell in the wilderness, this season sees the return of the Oscar Traynor Cup and this Sunday the Galway League travel to meet the Roscommon League.

FAI JUNIOR CUP

Predictions of a Mervue United win over Colga in the FAI Junior Cup would have been a long shot, but that is exactly what happened in Kilcornan on Saturday afternoon as the visitors ran out merited 3-1 winners.

When the sides met in league action a month ago, Colga ran out 3-2 winners and based on the form of both teams a similar outcome was envisaged. Mervue United were pretty poor and flat in their last game when they lost 3-1 at home against Maree/Oranmore and no doubt some harsh words were issued afterwards and a fresh thought process put in place for this game.

Pictured: Knocknacarra’s Malcolm Lally and Ben McDonald of Bearna Na Forbacha battle for possession in the FAI Cup clash between the sides in Cappagh Park last weekend. Photos: Joe O’Shaughnessy.