Heavy defeats for bottom two in Premier Division

In a much-reduced Western Hygiene Supplies Premier Division weekend programme, the main emphasis was on the bottom half of the table and matters didn’t change an iota as the bottom two of OLBC and East United both slumped to heavy defeats against Corrib Rangers and St Patrick’s.

NUI Galway also went down to a first defeat of the season as second-placed St Bernard’s imposed themselves even further as potential title challengers to champions Mervue United with an impressive 2-1 win over the College side.

In the First Division, Shane Concannon scored in each half as First Division leaders Corrib Celtic increased their advantage at the top of the table following a 2-1 away win over bottom side Knocknacarra. The home side had just an opening half Peter Ferguson goal to show for their efforts.

Behind the Annaghdown side, all the chasing pack slipped up as West United, Salthill Devon and Corofin United all lost.

Loughrea continue to stride away at the top of the Second Division, as goals by Daniel Tully and Neil O’Leary helped them to a 2-0 home win over bottom side Cois Farraige.

Dynamo Blues came from behind to defeat Medtronic 5-2 at Roscam; David Mahon scored twice as Kinvara made it four wins on the trot with a 5-0 away success over Moyne Villa under lights in Headford; while Robert O’Grady scrambled home a late winner as Colga defeated MacDara 2-1. After an own-goal and a Conor Daly effort had put Kiltullagh two up, they looked to be well on the way to collecting the points on offer, but a spirited recovery by Craughwell saw them eventually level matters at 2-2 following finishes by Keelan Greene and Ian Daniels.

 New Third Division leaders East United B did things the hard way as they came from two down to eventually see off Bohemians 3-2 at Millar’s Lane.

Keith Fitzgerald got the opener for the home side with the aid of a deflection, before David Cubbard added the second. Lee Maxwell kick-started the East recovery with a smashing solo effort, before Sean Lydon completed the perfect comeback with two further goals.

Jack Byrne set up Tommy Ward for the equaliser as Bearna Na Forbacha came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw with West United B at South Park.

 NUI Galway B maintained their perfect start to the season when they made it three from three, as they came from behind to defeat Fourth Division leaders Loughrea B 3-2. Adam O’Riordan and Martin Gardiner (pen) were on the mark for the home side, while David Tierney made it seven goals in three games as he notched a brace. Tristan Ryder completed the Colts tally with the third.