Maree Oranmore out of luck in top of table First Division fixture

Date Published: 20-Dec-2012

Mike Rafferty

TUAM Celtic took a firm grip in the title chase for First Division honours when they came from behind to defeat second placed Maree Oranmore by 4-3 on Sunday last and, in the process, got adequate revenge for the only league defeat they suffered to date when going down to the same opposition last October.

Though it was the visitors who made the better start as Declan McHugh fired them ahead, the opening half was really controlled by the home side as they responded well to lead by 3-1 at the break.

Anton Mannering levelled matters when he picked up a Lonan O’Farrell pass to open their account, before a John Latchford finish following a corner put Maree Oranmore ahead. They continued to build on that advantage when Mannering slotted home his second of the day from the penalty spot.

In total contrast, the second half was all about Tuam Celtic as they crashed home three goals without reply. From a Gavin O’Connell delivery, Ger Cuniffe started the recovery with a header before Aengus Tierney set up Ricky Kent to tuck the equaliser into the bottom corner.

Just when matters looked like they were going to finish all square, a long ball by David Kilkelly was picked up by McHugh and the ace predator calmly slotted home the fourth for the late winner.

The victory moves Tuam Celtic five points clear of Corrib Celtic, Maree Oranmore and Oughterard who all share joint second position as they chase the two promotion spots for the top flight next season.

PREMIER LEAGUE

St Bernard’s continue to take points from the top sides when they held joint leaders Mervue United to a scoreless draw in Abbeyknockmoy on Sunday.

A brilliant save by home custodian Denis Farragher to keep out a Stephen Larkin header was the highlight of an ordinary game as the visitors created the better chances. Daryl Finn failed to finish in the home side’s best opportunity after a defensive lapse set up the chance.

Athenry maintained their impressive recent form with a 1-0 home win over Hibernians. Chances were generally pretty scarce throughout, with the hosts Conor Cannon denied at one end, before a top class stop by Andrew Walsh kept out a Keith Ward free kick in the other goal.

The breakthrough arrived just after the hour mark when Stephen Rabbitte headed an Anthony O Conghaile free kick into the path of Cathal Fahy and the striker duly applied the close range finish for the winner.

Ray Moran, Gary O’Donnell and Cannon all had further second half opportunities to increase the margin, but failed to take them.

SECOND DIVISION

Two clubs who certainly have known better days played out a scoreless draw on Sunday morning as Renmore and Kiltullagh could not be separated in their Second Division contest.

The home side were picking up just their fourth point of the campaign as they prop up the table, while at least Kiltullagh’s form is a little more impressive as they inch their way out of the relegation area.

A smart early save by the visitors Aenais Lawless denied Ronan O Seanain as the midfielder broke through with just the goalkeeper to beat. Lawless and his opposite number Nigel Walsh certainly impressed as a number of smart saves thwarted Derek Talbot, John Finnegan, David Skehill and Tommy Madden. Madden when closest to a second half breakthrough, but was denied by a post.

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