East Utd finally make it to the promised land

Date Published: 12-Apr-2011

Mike Rafferty

After years of gradual building, East United have qualified to play Premier Division football next season as an away win over Colga at the weekend moved them seven points clear at the top of the Western Hygiene Supplies First Division table and at this stage they can’t be denied their chance to make the top flight.

The Mike Lydon and John Tierney managed side are unbeaten in league action all season, but on Sunday had to work hard for a 4-3 victory. They took the lead on three occasions, only to be pegged back on each occasion by a spirited home side, and it was only when Kenny Lydon notched his second of the day in the closing stages that they eventually held on.

Sean Lydon and Daniel Delaney direct from a corner put East ahead twice in the opening half, but strikes by Barry McGann and Kevin Donoghue levelled matters as the contest was tied at the break. The resumption saw Kenny Lydon fire home a Martin McDonagh pass, before Richie Donoghue kept Colga in the game with their third equaliser.

However the Castle Park-based side were not to be denied as Lydon sealed the win with the fourth.

Corrib Celtic almost certainly sealed the second promotion spot with a 4-1 home win over MacDara as goals by Shane Concannon (2), Fred Lecroux and Chris Greaney eased them to a comfortable victory.

Despite an opening half goal by Donie Giblin, Bohemians remain in relegation trouble as they had to settle for a 1-1 draw away to St Patrick’s as the home side secured a second half equaliser through Martin Burke.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Sentinel.