Arklow United rally to maintain their unbeaten start

Pat O’Toole Division 2

Leaders Arklow United maintained their unbeaten start to the campaign with a hard-fought 2-2 draw with Conary United at Rooster Park on Sunday.

The pacesetters trailed 2-0, with two goals late in the first-half from Andy Doyle and Dylan Doran seemingly putting the hosts in control, but the Arklow outfit rallied after the interval.

Jonny Quinn halved the deficit midway through the second period and Calem Devereux completed the fightback late on.

Aughrim Rangers continued their perfect start to the campaign with a 5-3 win over Arklow Celtic, with Daniel O’Hare helping himself to a hat-trick and Jason Doyle and Finn Frost also scoring for the winners.

Celtic replied with a David Kavanagh brace and an Edwin Walker strike.

Coolboy Rangers suffered their first defeat of the season when they were edged out 3-2 by Roundwood, who themselves made it three wins from three.

Damien Johnson (two) and Ryan Burke got their goals, with Paddy Dixon bagging a double for Coolboy.

Derry Rovers got another three points on the board with Cayo Devlin, Paul Nolan and Ian St Ledger getting their goals in a 3-1 triumph over Carnew, with Paddy Adair replying.

Shamrock Celtic picked up their first victory of the season in style, seeing off St Anthony’s 4-1, with goals from Eric Dunne (two), Kevin Coady and Paddy Clarke, with Eoin Keddy responding.

Elsewhere, Greystones United proved too strong for Avonmore B, winning 5-1 (see focus match).

Leinster Senior Cup

Newtown United bowed out of the Leinster Senior Cup at the preliminary round stage, losing out 2-0 to a strong Boyne Harps outfit in Drogheda.

The Wicklow side held out until the 65th minute, when Rob Cashman gave Boyne Harps the lead and Dale Harding smashed the ball to the net with ten minutes remaining to ensure their passage to the next round.