Soccer Wrap with Mike Rafferty

The chase for the Championship title appears to be a one-horse race as University of Galway enjoy an eight point advantage at the top of the table. They are the long-time leaders of the division, and having suffered just one defeat in their 16 games, they appear to be playing at a level above the rest of the challengers.

On Saturday in Dangan, two goals in the early exchanges saw them open up a gap on Tuam Celtic and by the end were comfortable 4-0 winners. An Eoin Fahy finish opened their account when he got on the end of a Josh Buckley cross, before they added the second from the penalty spot which Sheagh O’Connor converted after Buckley was fouled in the box.

A Jack Joyce strike from outside the area gave them a 3-0 interval advantage; while Dave Mooney got their fourth from another penalty after O’Connor was upended.

It was an occasion when home custodian Cian Basquille was rarely tested, as central defenders Aaron Laurence and Dave Feeney reigned supreme at the back against a Celtic side which seldom posed a threat to the College side.

Neither of their nearest challengers were in action as both Moyne Villa and West United had a free weekend, but neither can afford to drop points in the closing months of the season as they try to out-do one another for the second promotion spot.

In the only other game played in the division, Knocknacarra eased their relegation worries somewhat with a 4-2 away success over Corrib Rangers. Jack Flaherty scored both goals for the home side, while Andrew Dillon took the main scoring honours for the visitors with a hat trick, as a Josh Hickey free kick completed the Knocknacarra tally.

Pictured: Anna McGough will be on international duty next week.