Championship hots up in Rovers Astro League
GSS recorded an impressive 3- 1 victory last week, to keep themselves well in touch at the top of the Championship division, in the Sligo Rovers Astro league. They faced an Upson Downs Utd side, who were on a high after recording an emphatic 4- 1 victory the previous week over Cash Savers Calcio.
The tempo of the game was set from the start with GSS pressing Upson Downs on the ball and consistently putting their opponents under pressure. Their hunger was rewarded as early as the 10th minute as GSS pounced on a mistake at the back and were rewarded a penalty. Brendan Lowry calmly stepped up and put his side 1- 0 up. GSS continued to press and doubled their advantage before the half time break, this time through Kevin Donegan, after a magnificent assist from Mick Kelly.
The points were all but sealed when Ionut Oarabus struck a low drive from 20 yards out which sailed into the back of the net. To their credit, Upson Downs never gave up and got themselves back into the game with 15 minutes left as Ryan Burns pulled a goal back to make it a nervy finish for the men in blue.
However, GSS saw the game out to move top of the Championship division, albeit with a game extra played.
The Adelaide Casino registered the biggest victory of the season thus far, as they battered Cash Savers Calcio 8- 0.
This was an important win for the Adelaide Casino, who will have ambitions of lifting the championship crown at the end of April.
There were seven different goal scorers on the night which were Gary Fallon, Gary Rooney, Glen Hargadon, David Clark, Alan Henry, Andrew Tiernan and a brace from Ross Scanlon.
As a result the Adelaide Casino moved up to third in the league standings, while Cash Savers are still looking for their first point in the division.
Ballyshannon collected their first three points of the Premier Division, as they came from a goal down to defeat Forrest Celtic 2- 1.
Both sides entered the game without a win, so it was crucial for both to chase the victory.
Orange Ramzan, back from suspension, gave Forrest Celtic a 1- 0 lead early on in the second half. To their credit, it was much deserved and possibly could have been more.
They were left to rue some missed chances as Ballyshannon struck twice thereafter, with goals from the energetic Josh Ritchie and Val Harte.
The victory ensured Ballyshannon are now only three points off top spot, a testament to how competitive and tight the league is. THIS week’s fixtures: Tuesday, 9pm Adelaide Casino vs GSS; Wednesday, 8pm Upson Downs vs The Belfry, 9pm Sally Gardens vs Sheffield Thursday; Friday, 8pm EJs vs Forrest Celtic, 9pm Strand Celtic vs Ballyshannon.