Nibbs strike sees MCR through
MCR continue to lead the way in the Andrew Mullen Premier League dispatching Cartron United by three goals to nil at Sean Fallon Park. Fatih Hamiani gave MCR a one goal lead in the first half and Cartron were well in the game at this stage. However, that changed dramatically in the second half when Junior International Keith Nibbs struck a volley from 30 yards that was so perfect in execution that Cartron net minder Ali Alniyadi only seen the ball as it came back out of the net such was the power and perfection of the strike.
This also brings Keith to his 20 goal league tally for the season. Cartron continued to do battle with the big man Kevin Buckley leading the line but MCR had a solid backline in Jim Cullen, Barry O’Sullivan, Gary Funston and John McLoughlin.
Cartron fell further behind when Ciaran Coyne in attempting to cut out a dangerous cross in the penalty area was unlucky to deflect the ball into his own net. This was a game that both sides gave everything. Cartron had Justin Curran, Colm Feehily, Wes Mc Gowan and Mark Hughes some outstanding players but the biggest talking point that was a game changer in every sense of the word was the Keith Nibbs goal.
Merville United seem to be frightening off the opposition, Chaffpool United failed to field against them giving them a threenil victory when manager Darren Kelly would have preferred a game.
Real Tubber were in fine form at IT Sligo against a strong Gurteen Celtic side.
Eimhin Killoran opened Tubber’s account on 12 minutes and young Eoin Walsh made it two on 30 minutes.
Gurteen Celtic kept attacking and were rewarded a minute from half time when Tony Taylor fired home a tremendous free kick to leave it all to play for in the second half.
Five minutes into the second half and Real Tubber struck again this time older brother Jack Walsh finding the net and not to be outdone on 70 minutes Eoin Walsh struck his second goal that wrapped up all the points for the Tubber Boys.
North Sligo side Benbulben wel- comed Dromore Villa to Grange and the home side were in winning form.
Raymond Hamilton opened his account on 10 minutes and the Villa levelled matters on the half hour when Steve Feeney fired home from the penalty spot.
Benbulben restored their authority five minutes from half time when Raymond Hamilton was again on the mark with his second goal.
Anthony Moylette found the back of the Villa net on 60 minutes and with five minutes remaining last week’s hero in the goals Aaron McElligott came on as substitute and he cracked home the fourth goal sees Benbulben move up the table.
There was one game in the Sligo Southern Super League as Ballisodare United were at home to Arrow Harps.
The game came to life after 55 minutes when Andrew Patton scored to give Ballisodare the lead.
Arrow Harps seemed to have blown any chance they may have harboured of a comeback when eight minutes later Conor Davey broke through their defence to have a one on one with Arrow Harps goal keeper Ultan McKenna.
McKenna in an effort to save a certain goal clashed strongly with Conor Davey with referee Ray Flynn immediately pointing to the spot.
He then dismissed McKenna from the field of play. Andrew Patton stepped up to the spot and it looked curtains for Arrow Harps but as often happens the penalty kick flew high over the bar and Ballisodare playing now against ten men retained just a one goal lead.
Harps despite their lack of numbers continued to attack and were rewarded near the end when Conor Davey scored a screamer of a header into his own net that gave the Riverstown Boys a great point on the day.
Oscar Traynor manager John Loftus brings the leagues representative squad to the Showgrounds on Saturday night next the 3rd of March KO 7.45pm.
They will play the Kerry DSL in the Quarter Finals of the All Ireland Oscar Traynor Competition.
This is a massive opportunity for the Sligo Leitrim DSL to advance to an All-Ireland Semi Final with home advantage and thanks to the Sligo Rovers Management Committee they are playing at a top Premier League of Ireland grounds. It is hoped that everyone who enjoys the game will come and support their local league on the night. Admission is only €5 with OAPs and children free.
The Sligo Leitrim DSL Squad are Carbury’s Danny O’Leary, Mark Rooney, Steve Feeney, Aaron Murren, Ross McLoughlin, Barry O’Mahony, Mark McGoldrick, Ibrahim Savage, Chris Kelly and Gary Finan. From Strand Celtic Shay Doherty, Mark McCallion, Aaron O’Boyle, Damien Scanlon and Kyle Harrigan. From MCR Tony Clarke and Keith Nibbs and Conor Griffin of Calry Bohs is also included.
St John’s players Stephen Armstrong and Killian Sweeney are part of the team along with Ryan McManus from Merville and Ballisodare’s Darragh Healy.
Local Cup Draws will take place in the coming weeks all clubs will be entered in the draws unless written confirmation is received by the league Secretary no later than next Saturday the 3rd March stating otherwise.