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With thanks to Michael Gorman…
Nationalist Premier Division
St Patrick’s Boys 0
Crettyard United 2
Goals in either half from Adam O’Rourke and Sean O’Shea saw United record a ninth straight league win on a day when the League effectively became a two horse race between leaders Crettyard and second placed Hanover.
With the top two winning and defeats for St Pat’s here and New Oak at Castle Rangers the gap from second to third increased to eight points with United a further three points ahead. Boys started well and had the first sight on goal when Bobby Doogue headed Gearoid Cuddihy’s cross narrowly wide on 15 minutes. Midway through the half Brain Maguire almost had the hosts in front but his header came back off the post. With ten minutes left in the half Crettyard pounced for the opening goal, Adam O’Rourke was left unmarked at the back post as St Pat’s defended a corner and when the ball broke his way the striker made no mistake in finding the net to put the champions 1-0 up at the interval.
The second half started with the Boys on the front foot but despite plenty of possession they struggled in front of goal, Dominic Byrne saw their best chance come back off the crossbar just after the hour mark and shortly afterwards Crettyard struck for the all-important second goal. With Crettyard’s back four coming under increased pressure the visitors turned defence into attack as they broke with Seamus Dowling finding O’Rourke with a super 40 yards pass which was flicked over the defender allowing Sean O’Shea to race through and cut inside to fire Crettyard 2-0 up and seal the points.
Mikey Byrne, Jason Kealy and Adam O’Rourke were best for United while Bobby Doogue, Conor Byrne and Conor Clack impressed for the hosts.
Hanover Harps 2
St Fiacc’s 0
Hanover remain just three points behind in second place after this win on Sunday.
Goals in the first and last ten minutes proving the difference between the teams. Hanover were on the front foot from the off and Niall Swan was denied the opening goal on five minutes by an excellent save before Kevin Power’s cross from the right was brilliantly controlled by Majid Omeara before he coolly slotted Harps in front on 10 minutes. The hosts went on to dominate the possession but were guilty of a series of missed chances as the half progressed, the worst of them coming midway through the half when Omeara and Alan Shaw somehow managed to miss an open goal after Shaw had rounded the keeper. As the opening period drew to a close Saints almost made the hosts pay for their wastefulness in front of goal when Barry Murphy fired just inches wide in the last action of the half.
The visitors began the second half well as they went in search of an equaliser but despite forcing a number of corners and gaining free kicks in good areas they couldn’t get a clear sight of Jamie Hennessy’s goal. Hanover introduced Cathal Coughlan, Colin Nolan and Mark Davis around the hour mark and the substitutions had the desired effect, Coughlan and Nolan began to dominate midfield and Davis set up Niall Swan for the hosts second goal, his cross from the left finding the head of the inrushing Swan who made no mistake from eight yards to finish the game as a contest.
Sean Kavanagh, Daryl Hayden and Phil Neenan were best for Harps. St Fiacc’s best included Matthew Power, Bobby Dowling and Bob Nolan.
Castle Rangers 3
New Oak Boys 1
A hat trick from Peter Fagan did the damage in the Youth Centre as Castle Rangers produced the result of the day by beating third placed New Oak, a result that that sees them out of the bottom two and gives their survival hopes a massive boost.
Rangers settled into their game early on but couldn’t convert chances into goals as Conor Byrne and Fagan both passed up good opportunities to open the scoring before New Oak caught them on the break to go 1-0 ahead midway through the half. Rangers were level within five minutes, Danny O’Boyle’s pass split the Boys defence for Fagan as the forward bagged the first of his goals to send the teams into the break at 1-1.
After a quiet start to the second half Rangers struck for their second on the hour mark, Joe Lee dispossessed the Boys full back before crossing for Fagan to score again. Not content to sit on their lead Rangers went in search of a third to put the game beyond the visitors and it duly arrived ten minutes from time, Lee again the provider as Fagan complete his hat trick against his old club to secure a vital three points for Rangers and reward the efforts of Paddy O’Brien, Niall Davis and Richie Mahon.
Parkville United 4
Killeshin 0
A dominant first half display saw Parkville run out comfortable winners as Killeshin remain bottom of the division.
United dominated from the first whistle and Conor McCarney had already blazed over an inviting goal before United hit the front on ten minutes, Donal Smithers teeing up Emre Yilmaz to make it 1-0. The lead was doubled soon afterwards as Yilmaz grabbed his second of the game, Smithers again the provider as Yilmaz out jumped the Killeshin defence to powerfully head home on 20 minutes. Ian Brennan and Shane Coakley both had chances for Killeshin but it was the hosts that struck again on the half hour, McCarney was given time and space on the edge of the Killeshin penalty area to turn and shot into the bottom corner. It got worse for the visitors just on half time as Will Doran unleashed a thunderbolt from 30 yards to give United a 4-0 half time lead.
The game could have turned into a rout in the second half but Killeshin dug deep and took the game to United but unlike their hosts they couldn’t take the chances when they were presented as Michael McCartney, Barry Ryan and Enda O’Rourke all passed up good opportunities to get on the scoresheet. United also passed up a couple of good openings Nick Nolan and Yilmaz but with a four goal cushion it mattered little in the end.
Donal Smithers, Robbie Sheridan and Nick Nolan were best for United. Killeshin’s best included Gavin Brennan, Brian Lawlor and Enda O’Rourke.
Herald Striker Division One
Vale Wanderers 0
Celtic Stars 1
A single second half goal saw league leaders Celtic Stars pick up the points in Leighlinbridge.
It was a very evenly fought out first half with both sides coming close to opening the scoring. Jason Cush for Stars saw his effort pushed onto the post by Zak Yongram, while Trevor Nolan came close for Vale and John Miley hit the upright with the Stars keeper beaten, but the half ended scoreless.
The deadlock was broken midway through the second half when Robert Ryan swung over a brilliant cross and substitute Lukasz headed home. Vale rallied and had a late chance, but Trevor Nolan headed against the post and the honours went to the Stars.
For the winners Mark Egan, Robert Ryan and Lukasz starred. For Vale Dinny Byrne, Jordan Doyle and Kieran Casey done well.
Crettyard United 2
Nurney Villa 3
Three goals in the last quarter gave Nurney victory on Sunday in Crettyard.
The home side were well on top in the first half and well deserving of their 2-0 half-time lead. An excellent strike from Pa O’Reilly put them ahead early on and just on half-time a defensive error let in Philip Brennan to double the lead.
The game turned on 65 minutes when a Crettyard defender was dismissed for a second yellow card offence and Nurney took advantage of their numerical advantage to punish the Laois side. Jason McAssey notched the first goal for Villa before turning the provider for Joe Byrne to equalise. Then with minutes left to go in the game Nurney struck for the winner when Philip Murphy struck a pile driver to the United net to grab all three points.
Stars for Nurney were Gary Dillon, Pakie Fleming and Peter Abbey. For Cretty David Maher, Keith Purcell and Pa O’Reilly were best.
Palatine Celtic 5
New Oak Boys 0
Palatine easily overcame an under strength Boys side at the VEC grounds on Sunday.
Celtic were 2-0 up after four minutes, the opening score came in the first minute when a vicious in swinging corner from Chris Parle was headed in by Niall Prendergast. Three minutes later great work from Jason Kane set up Billy McDonald to score from close range to make it 2-0. A shell shocked Boys fought to get a grip on proceedings and managed to keep Pal on the back foot for the remainder of the half. although their keeper had to make three great saves from Kane McDonald and Gary Murphy to ensure his side went in only 2-0 down at half-time.
Boys opened the second half on the front foot, but it was Pal who made it 3-0 when Jason Kane beat the offside trap to finish well. A powerful finish from Kane soon had it 4-0 and the scoring was completed with the goal of the game when after a slick passing movement Kane unselfishly set up Gary Murphy to score.
For an improving Pal side man of the match was Ken McDonald with Ricardo Tavolieri, Lorcan Carroll and Jason Kane also impressive
White’s Pharmacy Division Two
Hacketstown United 0
Ballymurphy Celtic 11
The Bally Boys closed in on the league leaders with victory in a tough encounter in Hacketstown.
Openings were at a premium in the first half, the closest either side came to scoring was when Mikey Whelan volleyed over for Celtic after 34 minutes. Celtic suffered a serious blow to their hopes when Darren Foley received a serious knee injury just before half-time, which saw him take no further part in the game.
Celtic pushed hard in the third quarter, but could not break down the United defence until 74 minutes. A Ger Foley free kick was flicked on by Kevin Foley for Thomas Doyle to lift his shot over the Utd keeper into the net. Hacketstown laid siege on the Celtic goal in the closing stages, but could find no way past an inspired Chris Coleman in the Bally goal and the spoils went to the South County side.
For Celtic Ger Foley, Mikey Whelan and Thomas Doyle stood out. For Hacketstown Bobby Rooney, Jordan Kane and Shane Murphy were best.
Burrin Celtic 1
Kilree Celtic 6
Kilree had a big win in this battle of the Celts in Ballon.
The first half was even enough and ended with the sides tied 1-1. David McDonald put the Bagenalstown side ahead before Matty Dowling levelled things just on half-time.
It was all one-way traffic towards the Burrin goal in the second half and Kilree proceeded to run in five goals. First Alan Salter put them 1-2 up on 63 minutes and then Blaine Dwyer notched a hat trick of goals with strikes on 70, 77 and 82 minutes. The scoring was closed by David McDonald with his second goal of the game on 86 minutes.
Outstanding for the winners were Jonny Dowling, Eddie Doran and Blaine Dwyer. For Burrin Anto Moran, Martin Cummins and Darragh Quinn tried hard.
Parkville United 4
St. Joseph’s 7
A high scoring game in Tullow went the way of the visitors from Tinryland.
The opening quarter was evenly played out, but then two goals in quick succession from David Townsend put the Saints two up. Brian Mullins added a third goal for Joey’s before half-time to leave his side 3-0 up at the break.
The home side rallied in the third quarter and notched two goals to leave Joey’s reeling. However, they steadied the ship and goals from Dean Farrell, Brian Mullin and two more from David Townsend for a personal four goals put the visitors 2-7 up. A couple of lapse of concentration let in the home side for a few consolation goals before the end, but Joseph’s were never in trouble of letting the points slip.
Ian Malone, Dean Farrell and David Townsend stood out for the winners.
Burger King Carlow Division 3
St. Joseph’s 4
Nurney Villa 7
Goals aplenty in Tinryland in this Division 3 tie.
The visitors hit the ground running and went ahead when Colin Townsend was taken down in the area and John Stringer put away the resultant penalty after four minutes. Four minutes later Stringer struck number two when a Colin Townsend taken corner broke to him six yards out. Adam Kenny put Nurney 3-0 up after 20 minutes when he was put through on goal by Christian O’Riordan. The complexion of the game changed two minutes later when Eoin Fields netted for Joey’s. The home side pressed for the remainder of the half without looking like scoring as Nurney led 1-3 at half-time.
The third quarter turned into the Adam Kenny show as he ran in three goals to put Nurney in a match winning position. The Villa defence then proceeded to concede two penalties which were converted by James Brennan and Shane O’Neill to reduce arrears. Anthony Hogan put Nurney 3-7 up and Shane O’Neill closed the scoring with probably the best goal of the game.
Best for Nurney were John Stringer, Colin Townsend and Anthony Hogan. For Joey’s Brendan Perry, Paul Higgins and Shane O’Neill impressed.
Village FC 3
Killeshin 1
Village had a hard earned win in Old Leighlin on Sunday.
The home side took an early lead with a Thomas Lynch goal after nine minutes. Despite openings for both sides Lynch’s goal divided the sides at half-time.
Killeshin managed to draw level early in the second half when Aaron Gavin scored direct from a corner kick. The sides were level for only four minutes before David Dowling put village 2-1 up. Dowling was again on the mark twenty minutes from the end to double the advantage for Village. There was no response from the visitors and Village went on to complete are hard fought win.
Martin and Thomas Lynch with David Dowling shone for the winners. With Declan Bolton, Keelan Galligan and Keane Nolan best for Killeshin.
New Oak Boys 3
Hanover Harps 3
This was a thrilling tie between both clubs third string sides.
Hanover opened the better and were out of luck as they struck the Boys woodwork on no less than three occasions, but they finally managed to find the net when Chris Bermingham headed home a Gavin Glover corner after 32 minutes. Two minutes later Dillon Murphy was fouled in the Boys area and Bermingham put away the spot kick and leave it 0-2 at the break.
The second half saw a determined Boys side fight their way back into the game and Danny Thompson with a neat finish reduced arrears early in play. However, Hanover soon restored their two goal advantage with a Dillon Murphy goal. New Oak proceeded to dig deep in search of something from the game and Hanover’s cause was not helped when they suffered the loss of three players through injury. John Nangle with a close range goal reduced arrears to the minimum. Then in the 90th minute James Williamson put over a cross and Michael Byrne headed in the equaliser.
It was an excellent team show from Boys. David Delaney, Dillon Murphy and Chris Bermingham were best for Hanover.
FAI Youths Cup
Parkville United 1
Finglas United 2
By Darragh Bermingham
Finglas needed extra time to dispatch of a stubborn Parkville side who, despite going ahead early in the game, had to defend with their backs against the wall for much of the game.
When Finglas’ Jordan Byrne struck for the equaliser, it looked only a matter of time before the Dublin side took the lead, particularly when Parkville’s Bob Gahan was dismissed for a second yellow card. However, the home side defended well, forcing extra time. With penalties fasts approaching as the second half of extra time ticked down, Parkville lost the ball in midfield and Finglas struck with Byrne finding substitute Luke Somers who slotted home past home ‘keeper Alan Maher-Broderick to seal the win and break Parkville hearts.
Parkville began the game the better of the two sides, passing the ball well as Finglas were forced to defend early on. Parkville went ahead within minutes, John Byrne nicking the ball in midfield and slipping it through for Ross Hanley who finished well for the perfect start for the home side. Finglas tried to push back but Parkville kept the pressure on with Byrne and Emre Yilmaz threatening down either side. While Finglas were unable to break out of defence, the few set pieces they earned further up the pitch caused some nervy moments for the home side.
The away side also went close when Jack Heffernan picked up the ball almost 40 yards out and struck a fierce shot towards the Parkville goal. Maher-Broderick scrambled and got a fingertip to it, forcing the ball onto the crossbar. Parkville began to carve some real openings in the Finglas defence and they will regret not being further ahead when the Dublin side began to control the game. Ryan Clarke and Sam Sheppard linked up well on the left hand side and when Sheppard found Yilmaz in the box, he was disappointed to see his shot well saved by Aaron Carty.
As the first half drew to a close, Finglas began to threaten the home goal with more consistency, Byrne going close after good play from Shane Dixon. While Sheppard and Yilmaz were linking well and looking a threat down the left, it was clear to see Finglas were growing into this game with Craig Forster and Heffernan beginning to take control of the midfield. The first half ended 1-0 to the home side.
Finglas began to pile the pressure onto the Parkville goal early in the second half with Byrne looking a constant threat. However, the home side defended well with Sam Meaney at centre half and Bob Gahan in midfield snuffing out Finglas attacks. Byrne missed a great chance for the Dublin side as the second half wore on but when a free kick fell to the striker, he made no mistake. Finglas went on to take the lead in extra time, despite also being down to ten men when Daniel Howard was dismissed. After Somers struck for the eventual winner, Parkville went agonisingly close late on with John Byrne, who was a constant menace, slipping the ball through for Ryan Clarke but he fired just over minutes before the final whistle blew.
SuperValu U18’s Division.
Mill Celtic 1
St Patrick’s Boys 3
Mill started brightly against St Pat’s, the undefeated League leaders and they were unlucky not to go ahead when Brian Mackey struck a post with a fine shot.
St Pat’s took the lead when they were awarded a penalty and it was coolly converted for a 0-1 lead and they took this score to the interval.
In the early second-half, brilliant inter-play between Kevin Kelly and Shane Quirke ended with Quirke finishing with a composed shot, past the St Pat’s keeper to equalise at 1-1 and it was all to play for. St Pat’s went back in front following a rebound off a Mill defender and shortly afterwards, they scrambled in another for 1-3. Dylan Wynne for Mill went close with a free-kick, but they just couldn’t break down the St Pat’s defence and they claimed all three points and retain their leadership of the Division.
Best for Mill Celtic were Ryan Cullen, Adam Byrne and Jack Dargan, whilst it was polished team performance by St Pat’s.
Palatine Celtic 2
Crettyard United 3
Both teams started brightly in what was a very tightly contested game but after 15 minutes Palatine went 1-0 up after some sloppy defending by Crettyard. This set-back sparked Crettyard into life and on 21 minutes, Michael Doran equalised for them for a 1-1 score line. Half-chances fell to both sides but on 39 minutes Adam O’Grady got on the end of a great Paul O’Neill cross to put Crettyard 1-2 up. On 43 minutes Palatine were awarded a dubious penalty which they converted and the interval came with a 2-2 score line.
The second-half was a terrific battle between two really well-matched sides. On 60 minutes Ciaran Bolton picked up the ball out wide cut inside and from 25 yards curled a brilliant shot into the top corner for 2-3 to Crettyard in what turned out to be the game’s decisive moment. Crettyard had a couple of great chances to seal the game, but they were spurned and but for a brilliant save by Kevin Young, in Crettyard’s goal, near the end, they would have surrendered two points. Instead they claimed all three points and their second win of the season, in what was a very good game, played in an excellent spirit.
Best for Crettyard were Ben Hamilton, Paul O’Neill and Kevin Young, whilst it was a hard-working team performance from Palatine.
St Anne’s 2
Nurney Villa 3
Third-bottom St Anne’s met third-top Nurney Villa and it was a great display from both teams. St Anne’s started the game the better and put Nurney under great pressure and it was only some really strong defending that kept the home side at bay. 20 minutes in and very much against the run of play Nurney’s Dylan Kavanagh broke down the right and his whipped-in cross was put into the net by a St Anne’s defender for an own goal and a 0-1 lead to Nurney. St Anne’s heads dropped after this reversal and Nurney capitalised and scored two more goals through Dylan Kavanagh on 23 minutes after great wing-play by Sean Taylor and then on 40 minutes Christian O’Riordan getting on the end of a Sean Taylor’s corner to head firmly home, for a comfortable 0-3 lead, which they took to the interval.
The second-half started with both sides battling hard to gain the upper hand and in the early stages, it was Nurney who were dominating, but St Anne’s dug deep and showed marked determination, to get back into the game. St Anne’s perseverance finally paid off when on 84 minutes Marek Kurmer pulled a goal back for 1-3 and in the final few minutes St Anne’s pressed and pressed and they scored a second by Jamie Kirwan following a corner, for 2-3.
It was Nurney who took the three points on offer and in doing so, they leap-frogged Parkville into second-place as they were involved in a Cup-tie.
St Anne’s ‘man of the match’ was Jack Gorman, with Dean Brennan, Jack Rowan, Neil Martin and David Lillis impressing for Nurney.
Women’s League
St Fiacc’s 5
Village 0
Fiacc’s started positive with a lot of possession when Sandra Watchorn hit the net to put the home side ahead, Saints continued to dominate and Mary Anne O’Neill got their second Courtney Forbes followed with the third just before half time.
The home side got their forth when Isobel Humpreys scored shortly into the second half, Village had a few chances in the second half but Fiacc’s defence held strong to keep a clean sheet. Courtney Forbes got her second from a free kick to finish it 5-0.
Both teams had a good overall team performance.
Mill Celtic 1
Crettyard United 9
The heavy weather of late provided slippery underfoot conditions in this mid table clash, but that didn’t stop the Crettyard Ladies from putting in an excellent performance. The first fifteen minutes remained relatively calm, both sides pushing deep into the others half. The stalemate was broken by Crettyard however and they went on to score five in the first half from Aisling Behan (4) and Marian Maher. The home side did manage to pull one back before the break when Lorraine Bowes scored.
During the second half, the away side added four more to their tally, two coming from Behan and one from Marian Maher.
Best for the home side were Lorraine Bowes, Katie O’Carroll and Helen Mackey. Best for Crettyard were Aisling Behan, Ciara Moore and Marian Maher.
Kilree Celtic 0
Parkville United 10
From the start the Kilree ladies knew they would have a battle on their hands and after six minutes they were 1-0 behind. Kilree battled hard from end to end. Parkville had a free kick from outside the box and Kelly Nolan struck it perfect into the back of the net. Half time score was 4-0.
When the second half started the Tullow side pressed hard with Leanne Tumelty scoring with very good finishes. It was all over for Kilree ladies but they never dropped their heads and battled on to the final whistle.
Best for Parkville were Kelly Nolan, Leanne Tumelty and Sarah Kirwan. Great team performance from Kilree ladies.
Newpark FC 6
Slaney Rovers 0
It was a tough encounter for Newpark today. A great battle with some end to end stuff. Newpark came out in top punishing Slaney Rovers with counter attacking football. Slaney had chances but the Newpark defence stood strong snuffing out most of their opportunities and even when they got in Jayne Meagher was in fine form.
Demi Donovan continued with her goal scoring with four more goals today. Denise Doyle and Lisa Middleton added a goal apiece.
Best for Slaney were Catherine Donovan, Mary Cunningham, Elishe Ryan and Courtney Gahan.