Rangers stretch lead as Mervue slip-up

By Mike Rafferty

League action continues to be decimated by ongoing weather issues as yet another weekend of action was almost totally wiped out by unplayable pitches. While just three games survived in the top three divisions, there were two crucial results in the Western Hygiene Supplies Premier League.

Corrib Rangers strengthened their position at the top of the table with two second-half goals from David Smith in a hard-earned win over Corrib Celtic; while second placed Mervue United slipped up when losing to a special Keith Ward free-kick as Hibernians prevailed on the all-weather pitch at Fahy’s Field.

It was also a pretty remarkable weekend for four different Mervue United schoolboy sides as all were successful in the last 16 of the various SFAI Skechers Cups as they qualified for the quarter-final stages of their respective age groups.

Corrib Celtic       0

Corrib Rangers   2

Life for newly-promoted Corrib Celtic in the top flight started with three draws, but since then matters have become much more difficult, as they went down to their third defeat in succession in Annaghadown on Sunday.

However, it could have been all so different for the home side if they just took some of the many opportunities that came their way. They should have taken an early lead, but Shane Concannon could just find the side netting from close range.

Duggan and Coen were later denied by smart Conor Sweeney saves, as the home team tried to take advantage of the elements in the opening half. Rangers seriously threatened just once, when David Smith missed the target badly after getting on the end of a Ronan Sweeney cross.

Celtic almost broke the deadlock on the resumption when Concannon got on the end of a Keady free kick, but his effort struck the crossbar before going over.

In contrast, when chances came the way of Rangers they took them as Smith scored twice in the space of 12 minutes. The opener on the hour mark was created by a delivery from goalkeeper Sweeney and Smith displayed his prowess in the finishing stakes to make it 1-0. They quickly added a second when the striker volleyed home a Kevin Fitzpatrick cross.

Celtic still offered a threat and Enda Mullarkey should have pulled one back, but somehow he directed a Keady corner over the crossbar from very close range.

The win moves Corrib Rangers seven points clear at the top of the table, but second placed Mervue United enjoy two games in hand. Indeed, most of the chasing pack enjoy games in hand on the leaders. In contrast, Corrib Celtic find themselves second from bottom of the table, but having played just six games, they have both the ability and games to play their way out of trouble.

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