Favourites all advance in Junior Cup

Soccer Wrap with Mike Rafferty

The potential for surprise is always a possibility in cup action, but while the weekend’s FAI Junior Cup’s six games saw some competitive contests, there was no outcome that could be considered as a shock.

Athenry had a real battle on their hands before they saw off Tuam Celtic by the odd goal in seven, while it was equally competitive as Gort United came from two down to level matters with Mervue United B, before the city side secured an additional time winner in a 5-4 success.

The meeting of two Premier Division sides saw Loughrea and Maree/Oranmore A go head-to-head and it was the visitors who ran out impressive winners here.

However, there was no joy for the Maree/Oranmore B side for despite taking the lead at home against Hibernians, it was the Premier Division outfit who turned on the power in the closing stages to pull away for victory. Elsewhere Salthill Devon and Mervue United also advanced in relevant comfort; while Ballinasloe Town also advanced with a win over Dunmore Town.

Tuam Celtic’s promotion to the Premier Division this season has seen them struggle on occasions, but they have proved that they have the ability to test the best on occasions and on Friday night under lights in Clonthue Road, they made visitors Athenry work very hard for a 4-3 win.

Last season’s beaten semi-finalists displayed all their quality in the opening quarter as goals by Adam Duffy and Cole Connolly, with a deflected effort, had them two up. The home side were struggling to get to the pace of the game in the early exchanges, but once they pulled one back through Mike Swinhoe, matters got more competitive.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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