Rathnew and St. Patrick’s face off
TONIGHT will go a long way to deciding the faith of the Pat O’Toole Division 2 crown.
At Shamrock Park, Rathnew AFC B and St. Patrick’s will go head-to-head any anything but victory for the hosts will virtually hand the title to the Saints.
Should Rathnew win though, both sides will be on the same number of points with one game remaining; Rathnew would host Saints FC and Pat’s travel to Newtown, with the Magpies needing a result if they want to play in the Charlie Bishop Cup next term.
But with Jody Merrigan in their ranks, nobody would bet against Rathnew. The striker scored an incredible nine goals in the past week to blast his side right back into title contention.
On Tuesday last, Merrigan et al travelled to the Vartry Grounds to take on Roundwood and a Merrigan treble earned his side a 0-3 win.
On Sunday morning, Gorey was Rathnew’s destination and this time, Merrigan went on a frenzy as he abused the Saints defence to rack up a six goal haul. Keith Quinn also managed two efforts, with Dean Franey and Richard Kavanagh also boasting singles to help Rathnew to a 2-10 win. Their message is loud and clear, they’re taking this title race right down to the wire.
There is no letting up for Rathnew though as this Sunday they take on Celtic Stars in the Division 2 Cup final. Stars warmed up for that one by awarding Roundwood a walkover in what would’ve been their final league match.
Seaview Wanderers also brought the curtain down on their season and they did so in style, doing the double over Glencormac United. In the week, they travelled to Kilmacanogue and cruised to a 0-4 win before going to battle again at the Bridgewater Centre Park, which saw them land a 4-2 triumph.
DIVISION 3 SOUTH: The WDFL might have another playoff on its hands to decide who takes the second promotion spot in Division 3 South.
Carnew United booked their spot many moons ago but it now looks like either Conary United or FC Laragh will be joining them, with Avonmore FC playing an agonising waiting game.
The stakes were extremely high at Ballinacor Park on Thursday evening as FC Laragh and Avonmore locked horns. And it was the hosts who emerged with their dreams more intact after a 2-2 draw.
Laragh’s promotion rivals Conary were also in action during the week as they recorded a 3-4 win over Arklow Celtic B. Just before half time, Stephen Roche broke the deadlock for the visitors. Roche added to his tally after the break and further goals from Andy Kennedy and Bobby Keeneghan guaranteed three points for United, who had to withstand a mini rally from the Celtic Park men. Jay Rowlands (2) and Joe McDonald netted for the hosts.
Conary United and FC Laragh will meet in their remaining fixtures. Victory for either side will make them hot favourites, while a draw will send Avonmore up.