Soccer Wrap with Mike Rafferty

The Connacht Junior Cup and Shield contests played over the weekend generally proved to be rewarding for Galway League clubs where between the two competitions a total of 14 clubs advanced to the Last 16 draws, which will take place today (Friday).

In league action, Salthill Devon moved four points clear at the top of the Premier League following a comfortable success over University of Galway; while in the Championship, Mervue United B picked up their first win in 11 games as they moved off the foot of the table, and in the process damaged the prospects of Knocknacarra getting into the promotion race.

Meanwhile, Galway Bohs moved into the top four in Division One with an away success over St Patrick’s.

In the Women’s Premier League, Mervue United maintained their perfect record at the top of the table with a comfortable success over Corrib Celtic; while in the Connacht Cup, Salthill Devon registered an away win over Westport United.

CONNACHT JUNIOR CUP

Mervue United 4

Cloonfad United 0

For the opening 45 minutes of this Connacht Junior Cup Second Round tie in Fahy’s Field on Sunday, Mervue United dominated both possession and territory, but for no reward.

However, it took them just five minutes on the resumption to make a breakthrough, and as opposed to the first-half, there was more of a cutting edge about them as three further goals eased them to a merited and comfortable success.

They were on the front foot straight from the kick-off in the second-half, and Jason Molloy was central to all that was good about them. The ability and skill he possesses remain the same as down the years and while he might not be an automatic starter these days, his contributions are always worthy.

He provided assists for their first three goals, with Aaron Neary heading in their opener from close range on 50 minutes. Moments later, Molloy flung in another deep left wing cross and Kacper Zatonski was all alone to finish at the far post.

They made it 3-0 on 77 minutes with another goal similar to the second as Adam Healy applied the finish on this occasion; and the home side notched their fourth goal from inside the six yard box in the closing minutes when Charlie Concannon and Lewis Waweru provided the assists as substitute Kieran O’Connor nodded past the unprotected PJ Donnellon.

Numerous other opportunities were created and spurned, and while Cloonfad were competitive and honest, they were just not at the level of the home side who advanced with ease.

Mervue United: Healy, Brennan, Zatonski, McGrath, Coyne (Filipe 69), B O’Gorman (Waweru 57), O’Halloran (K O’Connor 69), Molloy, L O’Gorman, Neary (Concannon 57), Healy.

Referee: Niall Crossby.

Pictured: The Knocknacarra squad that beat Maree/Oranmore 5-1 in the U-15 Girls Premier Division to make it seven wins from seven this season. Back row, from left: Eabha Dankart, Tilly McDonnell, Amy McCallig, Niamh McGauran, Lola Mae McCormack, Emily Nyakimbiri, Kayla McDonnell, Neasa Garvey, and Anna McInerney. Front: Rachel O’Grady, Emma Regan, Saorla Crowe, Danielle Early, Cliona Martin, Kassie Glennon, and Jenny Rose Carroll. Photos: Iain McDonald.