Rathnew return to the top

RATHNEW AFC B took full advantage of Seaview Wanderers’ stumble this week to return to the top of the Pat O’Toole Division 2A table.

Rathnew managed a victory on their travels, something Wanderers couldn’t do, as they dropped two points against foot of the table Glencormac United.

The Villagers’ destination was Ferndale Park as they got to grips with Arklow United A.

Their hosts had yet to taste defeat but some Merrigan magic and a John Sayer double brought that run to an end.

Sayer struck twice, while brothers Jody and Paul Merrigan also hit the back of the net once apiece to earn their side a 2-4 victory.

Gary Byrne and youngster Cian Li found a way through the Rathnew defence but couldn’t help their side avoid kissing goodbye to their unbeaten tag.

And that victory became all the sweeter as the Shamrock Park men discovered that they’d be returning to pole position thanks to Seaview’s slip-up at Ryder’s Field.

A Colm Nolan brace had the Glens two goals to the good but Wanderers netted twice inside the final 13 minutes, with the second of those coming on 89 minutes.

Michael Healy and Ian Bracken were the men who rescued a point for the Arklow men.

Carnew United’s last match ended in abandonment but thankfully they fared much better on Sunday as they took three points from the Matt Kelly Memorial Grounds. It was a family affair for the Back Alley men who travelled to Newtown with just 11 men.

Brendan McCrea landed a double, with Conall McCrea and JJ McCrea adding singles.

Thomas Nolan managed a goal for the Magpies as they lost 3-1 and are overtaken by Carnew as a result.