Brave Ballisodare earn big win
WEATHER once again took its toll on fixtures throughout the league but two games survived in the Sligo Southern Super League. In the morning game St John’s welcomed high flyers Aughanagh Celtic to the Astro at Cleveragh. A win here for Aughanagh would see them move into second place on the leader board. However someone forgot to mention that to St Johns they took the lead just of the half hour mark with a brilliant chip from Conor Brennan giving the keeper no chance. The second half was more of the same and 20 minutes remaining Brendan Fitzsimmons cracked home the all-important second goal for St Johns. Aughanagh Celtic upped their game and with ten minutes left Liam O’Connell crashed home a great goal. St Johns defence were now on overtime with Aughanagh Celtic coming at them in waves and were so unlucky with a brilliant effort from Darragh Hailstones had beaten St Johns Keeper Conor McGovern all ends up only to come back off the crossbar. Full credit to both sides for a great game of football and it also moves St Johns two places up on the leader board.
Manor Rangers had a 4pm kick off on the Astro at Cleveragh against Ballygawley Celtic. The Leitrim Kingpins proved the stronger despite Ballygawley Celtic taking the lead through Brian Boyd. Manor levelled through Paul Clancy and Seamus Ryder gave Manor the lead before half time. The next second again saw Manor on the attack and Seamus Ryder netted his second goal of the game and just before full time Vincent Sweeney put the cherry of the cake with a fine goal to leave Manor Rangers flying high in second spot on the leader board.
MCR were at home to Coolaney United at Sean Fallon Park and MCR would not be taking this game lightly after Coolaney showed what they could do last weekend beating Cartron United in the Andrew Mullen Premier League. Ciaran Harvey opened the account for MCR on ten minutes beating Conor McCormack in the Coolaney goals. But Coolaney showed great composure and continued to play an open attacking game. MCR were finding the rejuvenated Coolaney hard to break down and it took a special effort on 65 minutes when Stephen Hallahan hit a glorious free kick to the back of the Coolaney net. This was a vital result for MCR who now move into second place behind leaders Cartron United but MCR have six games in hand. Coolaney despite losing this will take great heart form their vastly improved performances and should it continue they will be a force to be reckoned with.
MCR are riding high but it could all change again next Sunday with the clash of the Titans when the only two unbeaten sides face each other Merville United v MCR not a game for the faint of heart.
Cartron United welcomed Dromore Villa to the Institute of Technology Sligo Astro pitch in what looked on paper to be a banker for them. However, the young guns of Villa gave the league leaders a run for their money and once again it was the Big Man and league leading scorer Kevin Buckley who headed the only goal of the game 14 minutes from time to give Cartron victory. This was a great three points for Cartron but make no mistake the Villa pushed them all the way.
In the T P Brennan Connacht Cup 3rd Round big game of the day was Ballisodare United taking on Mayo side Ballyheane at the Astro in Cleveragh. Ballisodare United made hard work of this one scoring two own to leave them in deep trouble after 67 minutes. Nine minutes later matters got even worse when referee Owen McLoughlin gave Stephen Fallon his marching orders courtesy of a second yellow card. It looked game over but eight minutes from time and Darragh Healy hit a bullet of a header to fire life back into Ballisodare United. Andrew Patton equalised four minutes from time to draw the sides level and bring the game into extra time. Nine minutes from time and an acrobatic effort from Darren Sommers gave ten-man Ballisodare United the lead and they fought a great rearguard action to contain Ballyheane which they did to advance to the fourth round.
Real Tubber took on Athenry FC B in the 2nd Round of the T P Brennan Connacht Shield. This was a massive game for both sides and Real Tubber with a full squad have a great opportunity of going far in this competition providing they’re at full strength. Jack was the hero of the day for Real Tubber claiming a glorious hat trick. His first goal came on 20 minutes and he added his second after 60 minutes. Five minutes later and Athenry were back in the game when Padraig Corcoran pulled a goal back. Real Tubber stayed solid and three minutes from time Jack Walsh put the game away with his third goal.
Results
Sligo Southern Hotel Super League Manor Rangers 4 - 1 Ballygawley Celtic
Ballymote CelticP - P Strand Celtic St Johns FC2 - 1 Aughanagh Celtic Carbury FCP - P Calry Bohs
Sligo Pallets Premier League
MCR FC2 - 0 Coolaney Utd Chaffpool Utd P - P Merville Utd Cartron Utd1 - 0 Dromore Villa Cliffoney Celtic P - P Glenview Stars
T P Brennan Connacht Cup 3rd Round
Ballisodare Utd3 - 2 Ballyheane After Extra Time
Connacht Shield 2nd Round Real Tubber3 - 1 Athenry FC B Benbulben FCP - P Corrib Celtic B Fixture Saturday 27th January 2018 Sligo Southern Hotel Super League K O 7.45pm
Strand Celticv Aughanagh Celtic