By Mike Rafferty                      

RELEGATED from the top flight at the end of last season, Loughrea are making a serious effort to go straight back up and they maintained their advantage at the top of the Championship with a hard earned 2-0 away win over Mervue United B in Fahy’s Field on Sunday.

Though the City side might be stuck in the relegation zone with just one win, they certainly made this contest competitive and it was only after a scoreless opening half that Loughrea struck twice to win. 17-year-old Daire Crowe, along with his twin brother Aaron, who plays at left full, is one of the next generation youngsters making an impression with the side and it was striker Daire who opened their account with a fine finish.

A Mikie Lynch assist help set up the second for Thomas Hoban. Striker Bruno Henriques is into double figures in the scoring stakes for the season and Marcus Vasconcelos, who was denied by a post in the opening half, were a constant threat. Substitutes Alfie Davies and Kieran Bane made a big contribution on their introduction, while Christian Dunham was another of the younger brigade who played a significant part in this success. This Saturday, Loughrea host neighbours Craughwell United as they look to maintain their top spot in the table.

University of Galway maintained their second position following a 3-1 win over Colemanstown United in Dangan. Stephen Gilmore struck a hat trick for the students, while Jason Finn got the visitors’ lone reply. They now lie two points behind Loughrea, but enjoy a game in hand.

After slipping up against Loughrea the previous week, third placed Dynamo Blues got back to winning ways with a comfortable 3-1 home victory over Knocknacarra. Pete Finnerty struck for a hat trick for the Tuam side, while Eamonn O’Donnell got the lone reply for the City outfit.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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