Five-star Caldwell fires West United into next round of Cup

After an enforced two week break due to Storms Ciara and Dennis, action returned at the weekend in the Connacht Junior Cup and for the majority of Galway League sides there was a successful outcome.

Salthill Devon probably faced the biggest task where they came out on top in a seven-goal thriller against Ballina; while Ronan Caldwell took the main scoring honours as he hit five for West United as they came from behind to see off Ballyheane in a very comfortable success.

Lee Keogh struck for a hat-trick as Hibernians were also successful against Mayo opposition as they saw off Claremorris.

CONNACHT JUNIOR CUP

West United 8

Ballyheane 1

For the second game in succession Fahy’s Field has proved to be a happy hunting ground for West United, for following their surprise victory over Mervue United in the league a few weeks ago, they moved to the All Weather on this occasion and while it took them some time to find their feet they still ran out convincing winners in this Connacht Junior Cup fourth round tie.

The contest was a competitive encounter in the early exchanges and it was the Mayo side who took the lead on 18 minutes when Dara Ludden set up Nathan Doyle for the opener.

The advantage was rather short lived as Ronan Caldwell got on the end of a Nathan Ward cross to head home the equaliser. By now West had found their feet. Dominating possession as Ruairi Casserly and Barry McEntee ushered them forward from midfield, they continued to threaten Killian Redmond’s goal.

Ward had an effort taken off the line by Jack Jarlath O’Malley, before Caldwell was badly wide with a close-range header.

However, the Killannin native made no mistake on 44 minutes when he was first to a rebound, after Redmond kept out a Ward free-kick from outside the box to give the home side a 2-1 interval advantage.

For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.

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