Sheffield Thursday maintain 100% start
SHEFFIELD Thursday made it four wins from four in the Premier Division of the Sligo Rovers astro league on Monday last, as they defeated Forrest Celtic 2- 1.
This was a crucial win for Sheffield, who are being branded as the surprise package of the season.
In truth, the game could have went either way but in the end, Sheffield Thursday were more clinical in front of goal, and ultimately that’s what won the game for them.
Stephen McGurinn opened the scoring and their lead was doubled in the second half courtesy of centre half Anto Higgins. Forrest Celtic put the pressure on their opponents thereafter and were rewarded 10 minutes from time as Dan Hughes pulled one back.
From then it was backs to the walls for Sheffield Thursday, however they defended when required and threw their bodies at everything, which is what a title chasing side must do.
Sheffield Thursday are now three points clear of second, with a game in hand. They have six league games left and will be keen to continue their impressive run of form.
The Sally Gardens continued to mount the pressure at the top, as they somehow pulled off a scoreless draw against Strand Celtic.
Playing the game with only nine men, they showed unbelievable determination and desire to earn a share of the spoils. Strand dominated the vast majority of the game, however ironically enough it was the Sally Gardens who had the two best chances of the game but failed to capitalise.
As a result, the Sally Gardens sit third and are just five points off top spot with a game in hand, and they have to play top of the table Sheffield Thursday twice in the run in.
In the other game in the division, Ballyshannon were awarded a walkover over EJS.
Finally in the championship division, the Belfry extended their lead at the top to three points after they defeated Cash Savers Calcio 2- 0.
In truth, it could have been a lot more in what was a game that the Belfry dominated.
A bullet header from Jim Sheridan gave them a 1- 0 first half lead.
The Belfry wrapped up the points in the second half, 10 minutes from time through Kevin Egan.
Second place GSS were held to a 1- 1 draw by Borussia Teeth on the same night.
Rob Heelan opened the scoring for Borussia late in the second half and it looked to have secured the three points for his side.
However three minutes from time, Terry Farrelly struck an unstoppable half volley past Enda McGowan in the Borussia net to earn his side a deserved share of the spoils.
The other game in the division provided a 3- 1 victory for Upson Downs Utd over the Adelaide Casino.
Goals from Ryan Burns, Jamie Conlon and Seamie Cannon ensured they are still within touching distance of the top two. Paul Lynch got a consolation goal for the Adelaide Casino.
This week sees the open cup quarter finals taking centre stage and the fixtures are as follows:
Tuesday @ 9pm Forrest Celtic vs GSS
Wednesday @ 8pm Ballyshannon vs Sally Gardens
Wednesday @ 9pm Sheffield Thursday vs Adelaide Casino
Friday @ 9pm Strand Celtic vs EJs