Avonmore close in on a place in the top flight

AVONMORE FC closed in on a place in the top flight thanks to two wins in the past week.

The edged out Arklow Celtic 4-3 in a seven-goal thriller with goals from Fiachra O hAnnáin, Cian O hAnnáin, Eugene Dunne and James Byrne, with Brian Thompson (two) and Shane Walker replying for the Arklow outfit.

They also registered an important win against fellow high-flyers Park Celtic, with Cian O hAnnáin and Dean Gahan getting their goals in a 2-1 triumph.

Second-placed Rathnew are six points behind the pacesetters, but they have three games in hand on their rivals.

The Village were too good for Roundwood in midweek, running out 5-0 winners thanks to a hat-trick from Josh Graham, with Gary Byrne and Philly Murphy also getting on the scoresheet.

Rathnew picked up another three points against Shamrock Celtic on Sunday, winning 4-1 with goals from Dean Franey, Gary Byrne and Jordan Graham (two).

Carnew AFC are also in the mix after two victories during the week.

A Seán Kinsella goal was enough to beat Shamrock Celtic, while Kinsella again and James Behan hit the back of the net in a 2-1 victory against Roundwood AFC, with Kevin Lynch replying for Roundwood.

Lee Doyle was the star man for Arklow Celtic as they overcame Arklow United in their local derby clash.

Doyle netted all four goals for his side in a 4-1 triumph.