Soccer Wrap with Mike Rafferty

When West United were relegated from the Premier Division at the end of last season, no doubt the only thoughts in their mind was an immediate return to the top flight. However, after winning just half of their 14 games in the Championship, nothing is certain at this stage as they vie with Moyne Villa for the second position and in the process the other promotion spot.

University of Galway appear to have taken a firm grip on the division and barring an almighty collapse should claim top spot, but West can make it a city one-two in terms of promotion over the coming weeks.

They were the only one of the top three in action over the weekend and thanks to a Sean Keogh rebound that was set up by Ciaran Foley, they defeated Mervue United B with a second-half goal in a 1-0 success on Sunday. That leaves them four points adrift of Moyne Villa, but the city side do enjoy two games in hand.

Knocknacarra came from two down to score three late goals and see off Maree-Oranmore B 4-3 in Oranmore and in the process moved into the top-half of the table. The home side were 3-1 ahead, before a late recovery by the visitors as Rory Knight, Aaron Mannion, Julio Moroso, and Eoin Coyne all found the net.

In a game played in midweek, Corofin United also gave themselves some breathing space as they moved further away from the relegation zone, as goals from Aaron Molloy, Gerry Coen and Barry O’Donovan eased them to a 3-1 win over Maree-Oranmore B.

In the only other game played, Conor Higgins and Gavin Geoghegan found the net for Tuam Celtic as they saw off West Coast United 2-0 in Claddaghduff.

Pictured: Piotrek Szymanski of Salthill Devon B challenges Joe Jackson of Craughwell United in the Division 1 clash between the sides in Drom last weekend. Photos: Joe O’Shaughnessy.