SIS Pitches competitions yield a deluge of goals in first round

IT RAINED goals last Sunday as Junior soccer returned at venues throughout the county. The Sligo-Leitrim District Soccer League’s two SIS Pitches-sponsored competitions are bridging the gap between the 2020-21 season that was cancelled and the 2021-22 campaign that is coming down the track.

In the SIS Pitches Super League Cup, Carbury FC netted 14 times in their 14-1 defeat of Ballisodare United. There were five goals each from new signing Jason Lyons and Gary Armstrong.

Also scoring for the winners in this Group One fixture were Kaillum Burns (2), Tyler Stallard and Aaron Murrin.

Cartron United were 2-0 winners away to Arrow Harps in this section – thanks to goals from Donal Gallagher and Malachy Spratt, who converted a penalty.

Manorhamilton Rangers defeated Aughanagh Celtic 6-1 in Group Two. Robbie Cunningham was Manorhamilton’s hero – he netted four times. Cathal O’Connell and Kieran Brick were also on target. Aughanagh Celtic’s consolation came late on from Sean Bruen.

Ballymote Celtic won 5-2 at home against Merville United. Cian Kilcoyne was on fire – he scored five goals for the hosts. On target with two goals for Merville United was Ryan Hargadon. Elsewhere in Group Two, Strand Celtic won 3-2 away to MCR FC. The home side led 1-0 at halftime courtesy of Jordan Harte’s first-half goal – his first for his new club.

Strand Celtic turned things around to lead 2-1 by the 70th minute through a goal each from Dylan Martin and Daniel Gray-Hargadon. Bradley Fowley then equalised for MCR FC. A thrilling game was settled by a penalty after 87 minutes, a spot-kick converted by Strand Celtic’s Conor McKeon.

In the SIS Pitches Premier League Cup there were wins for Calry Bohs, who defeated Dromahair FC 6-3, and Carrick Town, who won 4-2 at west Sligo’s Kilglass-Enniscrone United. Joseph Farrell scored twice for Calry Bohs in a Group One game that saw them lead 5-0 at one stage. In Enniscrone, Ronan Martin and Lee Tuffy were on target for Kilglass-Enniscrone United but hopes of a Group Two win over Carrick Town were undone by the concession of four goals.