Soccer Wrap Up with Mike Rafferty

HAVING failed to get a win from their opening 11 games of the season, Corrib Celtic finally got off the mark when they recorded a 3-1 Connacht Junior Cup 3rd round win over Loughrea on Sunday in Annaghdown. Marooned at the foot of the Premier Division table, they required a confidence boost from somewhere and no doubt the outcome here will help in that regard.

With teenagers Dara McNamara and Ryan Sheridan making a important contribution, the home side took a firm grip on the game in the opening half as they enjoyed a 2-0 advantage at the break. They opened their account when Keith Greaney slotted home a penalty, after McNamara was fouled in the box and McNamara continued to have an influence as he added the second before the break.

Though Loughrea were relegated from the top flight last season, they have enjoyed a good campaign back in the First Division and lie joint second in the table. They pulled a goal back through leading scorer Bruno Henrique, but were not able to breach the home defence again and when Cian O’Neill set up Shane Concannon, the striker slotted home as Corrib Celtic scored three goals in a match for the first time this season.

Moyne Villa looked like they had the potential to cause an upset when they twice took the lead against Carbury FC, but a late winner from the Sligo visitors ruined their day in a 3-2 win. Scoreless at the break, Villa twice took the lead courtesy of a Padraig Cunningham penalty and a Niall Mullin header. Ironically, it was Barna native Jason Lyons who responded on each occasion to level matters before Chris Kelly secured the winner for the Sligo/Leitrim Super League champions.

While they trailed to a Reece Conway goal at the break, Maree/Oranmore did all their best work in the second half as they eventually ran out 3-1 away winners against Boyle Celtic. Eoghan McDonagh levelled matters from the penalty spot, before the same player added the second. A Cody McCann goal eventually sealed an impressive win.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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