Draw specialists East Utd come from behind for share of spoils

East United came from behind twice as the Premier Division draw specialists made it seven draws from 11 games as they shared the spoils with St Bernard’s on Sunday. The outcome consolidated the mid-table position of both teams.

The result also opens the gap to those at the foot of the table to six points as the outcome leaves West United, NUI Galway and Salthill Devon even more marooned and it will require a strong winning run by any of this trio to escape the lower regions.

With a number of games postponed in a much-reduced league programme over the weekend, Knocknacarra played out their second scoreless draw in succession when holding First Division leaders Tuam Celtic, while Corrib Rangers B moved into a promotion position in the Second Division following a home success over Kiltullagh.

St Bernard’s 2East United 2

Kevin Curran’s team’s ability to grind out results is remarkable and on Sunday last they came from behind twice to rescue a point in Abbeyknockmoy.

The contest was only minutes old when JP Keary fired the home side ahead, and Bernard’s deserved a greater reward as they enjoyed the better of the exchanges. However just before the break, the visitors struck for the equaliser when Denis Lydon headed home a Ruben Cullinane free-kick.

Keary was again the marksman when firing the home side ahead, after goalkeeper Anthony Ryan was beaten rather easily for the second time.

The home side were in command at this stage and Kevin Ruane had a close range header saved, before Jason Finn failed to test the goalkeeper when a good opportunity presented itself. The misses were eventually put in perspective when East struck for a late equaliser.

Aidan Naughton proved the cross that was finished at close range by Martin McDonagh.

FIRST DIVISIONKnocknacarra 0Tuam Celtic 0

Home custodian Leigh Ralph was the star performer as Knocknacarra held on for a draw and in the process prevented the First Division leaders extending their top-of-the-table advantage even further.

Tuam were the more threatening side throughout and only a post denied Declan McHugh firing them ahead on 18 minutes.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.