MAGPIES ON THE VERGE!
Newtown UTD closing in
NEWTOWN UNITED’S quest for glory could well be over by now, but, if not already, it will be very soon.
The Magpies hosted Rathnew AFC A last night (Tuesday) - the only side with a glimmer of hope of catching them – and anything but defeat would have wrapped up the title and seen United successfully defend their crown.
Should Rathnew have claimed victory, United will require just a point from their final two games to force a play-off against the Villagers, while anything more than a point would kill off Rathnew’s longshot challenge. If things did not go their way last night though, the Matt Kelly Memorial Grounds outfit should definitely have the title done and dusted on Sunday when they take on Arklow United A in Newtown.
Last night’s potential season-decider came about after the Magpies ended Arklow Town’s slim hopes last Tuesday evening. Dessie Waters and Shane Mooney both found the net to secure a 2-1 win for the Newtown men. Arklow Town will now have to make do with a third place fin- ish, provided they pick up a point in one of their last two outings. Should they accomplish that, Wicklow Town will drop down to fourth. The Finlay Park men finished their league campaign strongly, defeating Arklow United A on Sunday after being held to a draw by St. Fergal’s AFC A in the week.
Kevin Coady bagged Town’s goal in their 1-1 draw with the Bray outfit, while Ian Motten registered the visitors’ effort.
And they went out with a bang on Sunday; firing five past the Ferndale Park club. Eddie Kelly and Brendan Cox both helped themselves to doubles, while John Connors chipped in with a single as Town confirmed their place in next season’s Charlie Bishop Cup.
That defeat for United, combined with Ashford Rovers 2-6 success over Arklow Celtic B, leaves United’s Premier status looking ominous. They now need to defeat Newtown to have a chance of staying up.
Rovers meanwhile are on the cusp of safety following that facile victory. Brendan Manning, Paul Duffy, Dean Doyle and Craig Quinn all weighed in with singles to add to Dean Mooney’s brace for the Ballinalea Park side.