By Mike Rafferty

NEWLY promoted Moyne Villa are setting a decent standard for themselves in the Premier League and on Saturday in Dangan, they were worthy 3-0 winners over University of Galway and, in the process, moved to fourth position in the table. All the goals came in the opening half with striker Padraig Cunningham notching a hat-trick. Villa goalkeeper Luke Jennings also played a big part with a crucial penalty save to deny Leon Daly.

Maree-Oranmore appear to be putting their poor start to the campaign behind them as they registered their third league win in succession with a come from behind 3-2 success over Athenry. Goals by Adam Molloy and Ray Moran had the home side 2-1 up at the break, with Colm Whelan getting the visitors’ lone reward. On the resumption, two Liam McDonagh finishes secured all the points for Brendan O’Connor’s side.

For a long time Colga looked just as good as their hosts Mervue United in Fahy’s Field on Saturday evening, before a late winner from substitute Charlie Concannon gave the home side a 2-1 victory. It might not be a fair reflection on the game as the visitors gave as good as they got but were not able to take more of the many chances that came their way.

Colga hit the woodwork on a number of occasions as Jamie Cummins, Ben Lalor and Calum Browne were all thwarted. Tom Daly had an effort taken off the line, while Neil Greaney was denied by a smart Tom Meehan save.

Of course, the home side had their opportunities also, but Mark Greaney was alert to deny Adam Healy and Kody McCann, but there was little he could do as Healy set up Oisin Coyne to fire home from the edge of the box on 24 minutes for a 1-0 lead.

The equaliser quickly followed as Daly was upended in the box and Neil Greaney side footed home the resulting penalty to tie up matters. The second half wasn’t played at the same pace or intensity, but Daly had a great chance to put Colga ahead on 49 minutes when an excellent through ball from Browne put him through on goal, but Meehan advanced quickly to avert the danger.

The winner arrived late when Kacper Zatonski set up Concannon to fire home and, in the process, keep second placed Mervue hot on the heels of leaders Salthill Devon.

Indeed, the table toppers had little difficulty in seeing off Loughrea by 3-0 as goals from Timmy Molloy and Colin Kelly (two) eased them to a comfortable success. The remaining game saw Hibernians and Renmore share the spoils in a 1-1 draw.

After Harry Rogers had an early penalty saved by Cian Costello, Oisin Grant slotted the home side ahead. However, a late equaliser from Cian Specht ensured parity in a competitive encounter between two sides in the lower half of the table.

Pictured: The Moyne Villa team which defeated University of Galway in Saturday’s Premier League tie in Dangan. Back row, left to right: Luke Jennings, Josh Greaney, Sean Moran, Gusi Khumalo, Padraic Cunningham and Adam Barrett. Front row: Dara Forde, Aidan Coyle, Colin O’Reilly, Tomas Newell and Colm Doherty