The Sky Blues go to summit

North End United are certainly the team to beat in the Premier Division after picking up three wins in the past week to leave themselves nicely poised for the run-in.

They didn’t have it all their own way on Sunday as they edged out Courtown Hibs 3-2. Gary Delaney fired the champions ahead but Colum Kinsella drew Hibs level before the interval.

Kyle Dempsey converted a Paul ‘Spot’ Murphy cross to put the visitors back in front and the points looked to be in the bag when substitute Jason Murphy found the net after a shot from Paul Murphy (Kilmore) came back off the bar.

However, Graham Greene pulled a goal back for Courtown to make it a nervy finish for John Godkin’s men.

The Sky Blues picked up two impressive wins in midweek, first disposing of Bunclody 9-1 on Tuesday evening and following it up with a 4-0 triumph over Tombrack United on Thursday.

Paul Murphy (Kilmore) bagged a hat-trick against Bunclody, with Adam Beary adding a double and Gary Byrne, Lee Wadding, Ashley Houghton and Jason Murphy contributing a goal apiece.

Kyle Dempsey, Paul ‘Spot’ Murphy, Adam Beary and Dale Flynn got their goals against Tombrack.

Shamrock Rovers are still very much in the title race though and they eked out a vital 1-0 win over local rivals Moyne Rangers on Wednesday evening, before beating New Ross Celtic by the same scoreline on Sunday.

Eamonn O’Brien got the all-important goal in a dress rehearsal for their upcoming Wexford Volkswagen Cup semi-final and again got on the scoresheet against Ross Celtic.

Gorey Rangers haven’t gone away yet either and they picked up another three points on Sunday courtesy of a 3-1 win over Corach Ramblers. Niall Harney got the goal for the Danescastle-based outfit, with David Behan, Ryan Cullen and Adam Territ King scoring for Rangers.

Ramblers had moved clear of the drop zone with a 5-1 win over New Ross Celtic on Wednesday. Mark Sinnott and John Staples both bagged doubles for the winners, with Niall Harney grabbing their other goal.

Moyne Rangers overcame Gorey Celtic 4-1 on Sunday, with goals from Peter Marsden, Tomás Mahon and James Peare (two). Des Wolohan got the Celtic goal.