Junior soccer action.
STRAND Celtic moved into second place in the Sligo Southern Hotel Super League as they came from 2-0 down to win 7-2 against Aughanagh Celtic on Sunday.
Aughanagh Celtic were first out of the blocks and took a two-goal lead courtesy of sharp shooter Seamus Kane and the visitors continued to dominate.
But the hosts were thrown a lifeline two minutes before the break when Mark McCallion struck to bring Strand right back into the game.
The second half saw a reversal of fortunes with Strand coming more into the game as Fiachra Cogan netted a glorious equaliser.
Matthew Oates gave Strand the lead for the first time and this opened the floodgates for a now rampaging Strand Celtic.
Kaillum Burns added the fourth goal, Fiachra Cogan ‘s second made it five with Lee Wilson and Fergal O’Hara scoring to give Strand a huge 7-2 victory.
Ballisodare United continued their resurgence as they made the short journey to Brother Walfrid Park which proved to be a rewarding one, winning well against the home side Ballymote Celtic.
The first half was a close encounter with Andrew Patton scoring the only goal of the half.
Ballisodare United moved up through the gears after the re-start, Andrew Patton scored his second goal with brother Steven adding a third. Ballymote Celtic fought back with a goal each from Matthew Drew and Brendan Lowry but it was not enough.
Ballisodare struck hard and fast, Darragh Healy, Dylan Wimsey, Roland Anderson and Gary Cavanagh all scoring a goal each that wrapped up the points for a high scoring Ballisodare United. Ballymote Celtic were down to the bare bones on Sunday but now that Michael Flannery is back at the helm things can and will improve.
Cartron United lead the way in the Andrew Mullen Sligo Pallets Premier league and remain the only unbeaten side. They were away to the Riverstown Masters who they hit for six without reply. Donal Gallagher bagged two goals with one apiece for Ryan Lynch, Dylan Monaghan, Colin Feehily, and Nathan Hargadon ensuring top spot for the Cartron Boys.
Coolaney United stay in second spot and remain close to the leaders thanks to a superb goal from leading scorer Cathal Davey twenty minutes from time with an acrobatic effort putting a very impressive Chaffpool United to the sword.
Cliffoney Celtic hosted Arrow Harps at Mullaghmore and the home side were in fine form. Alan Harrison opened the account for Cliffoney Celtic on 21 minutes and three minutes later Christy Keaney added the second goal. Eoin Hever added a third before half-time to leave the hosts in control at the interval.
The second half was four minutes old when Alan Harrison struck his second goal to put Cliffoney Celtic four goals ahead. A minute later and Niall Whelan pulled a goal back for Arrow Harps but any thoughts of a comeback were short lived when Alan Gregg restored order with a superb strike. Joel Duddy netted on 65minutes and Alan Gregg added the final goal 17 minutes from time for a jubilant Cliffoney Celtic.
St Johns travelled to Grange for their encounter with Benbulben FC. And it was the visitors who struck first when Keith Lynch was on the mark after ten minutes. St Johns moved further ahead twelve minutes from the break when Conor Brennan netted a fine goal. Benbulben replied four minutes from halftime when Gavin Gilsenan fired home. But St Johns however were not to be outdone and Ryan Healy restored order two minutes later to leave St Johns 3-1 up at the break.
The Benbulben Young Guns lead by skipper Seanie O Flynn upped the tempo and were rewarded twenty minutes from time when once again Gavin Gilsenan hit the back of the St Johns net to set up a great finish to a brilliant game. Both sides continued to attack, Benbulben were searching for that elusive equaliser and St Johns looking for that killer goal. Fortune favours the brave and four minutes from the end it was Evan Davey who crashed home that precious goal that ensured all three points for the ever-improving St John’s.
In the FAI New Balance Junior Cup 3rd round a local derby seen Manor Rangers welcome Merville United to the Bee Park Manorhamilton. Manor emerged 2-1 winners. The home side took the lead on twenty minutes courtesy of an Alan Hickey strike and that was the only goal for all of 60 minutes with Merville well in contention. Then the visitors were awarded a penalty and Paul Lynch made no mistake from the penalty spot. It was nip and tuck with both sides looking for that elusive winner and the chance fell to Manor Rangers twelve minutes from time when Brian Mc Donald was needlessly taken down by the Merville Keeper. Aaron Hickey took responsibility for the spot kick and with aplomb dispatched it to fire Manorhamilton Rangers into the 4th round of the FAI New Balance Cup Draw.
Carbury faced a task away to St Peter’s of Athlone. But they went ahead after five minutes when Gary Armstrong gave them the lead. Darragh Concannon levelled matters with his penalty before half-time. Carbury’s task was made all the more difficult when substitute Steve Feeney, who came on in the 75th minute, was dismissed mere seconds after his introduction. Concannon netted his second of the game, and Carbury were trailing in injury time. With seconds left on the clock, Niall Brennan forced the game into extra-time as he scored to make it 2-2, with both sides now down to 10 with Mark McConnell sent off for St. Peter’s.
Carbury were down to nine when Gareth Kelly got his marching orders before Ibrahim Savage fired them into the lead from the penalty spot and shortly afterwards he too received his marching orders from a match official who was on the day extremely quick to produce cards to both sides. Carbury emerged victorious but at a heavy cost.