Soccer Wrap with Mike Rafferty

The top three in the Championship continued on their winning ways at the weekend as University of Galway, Moyne Villa and West United all won comfortably without conceding a goal as they battle for the two promotion spots.

Mervue United B also won comfortably as they moved well clear of the relegation area, as Dynamo Blues and West Coast United remain in the bottom two.

Salthill Devon went back to the top of the table in the Premier Division with a come-from-behind win over Mervue United; and Maree-Oranmore claimed the honours in their local derby with Colga.

In Division One, Galway Bohs conceded late on to lose a vital relegation clash with Cregmore-Claregalway with the outcome that they remain second from bottom with games running out.

Championship

University of Galway have led the way in the Championship all season, and it is difficult to see them slipping up as they enjoy a five point advantage and also games in hand. On Tuesday evening they were comfortable 5-0 away winners over Corrib Rangers at Westside, as two opening-half goals were added to by three more on the resumption.

The Students made the perfect start when Evan Fahy applied the far post finish to a Josh Buckley cross; before Sheagh O’Connor added the second from the penalty spot after Eoin Dempsey was fouled in the box.

The visitors continued to do most of the pressing as the Rangers rearguard was under continuous pressure, but there was little Kevin Fitzpatrick, Evan Hudner, or Paddy Rock could do as Jack Joyce spotted goalkeeper Alan Ward well off his line as he chipped the custodian from 35 yards to make it 3-0.

With College doing the majority of the pressing, later goals by O’Connor with his second and Josh Buckley just confirmed the gulf in class between the sides as matters finished 5-0.

Second placed Moyne Villa eased past bottom side West Coast United on a 3-0 scoreline as Jason O’Reilly (two) and Colm Doherty found the net in Claddaghduff.

Meanwhile, third-placed West United were making it four games unbeaten with a 5-0 away success over Tuam Celtic. Michéal Lundy took most of the scoring honours with a hat-trick, while Darren Grealish and Davide also hit the target for the visitors.

Back-to-back wins by Mervue United B has moved them comfortably clear of the relegation zone as a 4-1 win over Dynamo Blues ensured the Tuam side remain second from bottom. An early goal by Adam Healy was a perfect boost for a home side facing into the considerable elements, before a Mikey Mannion finish levelled matters at 1-1.

Aided by an impressive performance by goalkeeper Gary Sullivan, Mervue United B stayed in the game as neither side added to their tally before the break. The home side made another quick breakthrough on the restart as Healy added a second from long range.

Pictured: Former Connacht rugby star, Niyi Adeolokun (centre) in action for Mervue United B in their Championship clash with Dynamo Blues in Fahy’s Field last weekend. Also pictured are his Mervue United team-mate, Sean Dipson; and Keith Fleming of Dynamo Blues. Photo: Joe O’Shaughnessy.