Mixed fortunes for League's bottom two in weekend action

Marooned at the foot of the Western Hygiene Supplies Premier Division, Salthill Devon and Corrib Celtic had contrasting fortunes over the weekend as they attempted to kick start somewhat of a recovery for themselves.

For Devon, a cracking winner by Enda Cullen gave them a 2-1 home win over Oranmore in a very competitive contest. However Celtic got no reward for a spirited performance as they lost a two goal advantage when going down by 5-3 against Mervue United in Fahy’s Field.

Unsurprisingly the heavy pitches saw the postponement of a number of games, including the much anticipated First Division contest between St Patrick’s and OLBC.

Salthill Devon 2Oranmore 1

An early low lying fog in Drom didn’t hinder the participants in what was a very competitive affair on Sunday morning.

Oranmore were seemingly in mid-table comfort with a number of other clubs, but Devon were in trouble as they trailed third from bottom NUI Galway by eight points going into this contest.

This win certainly changes the outlook for all these sides as Devon’s victory closes the gap and a few more successes would certainly drag a number of teams into the relegation trap. The comfort zone for the likes of Athenry, East United and Oranmore is looking less emphatic now as they join NUI Galway in looking over their shoulders. 

Both sides struck early. On just nine minutes, Oranmore took lead when Mike Fahy cut in from the flank to finish well past Damien Flaherty.

The advantage was short lived as Ciaran Staunton bundled home a rebound following a corner to tie up matters at 1-1.

The visitors, with their five man midfield, generally held sway in the middle of the park and their supply kept impressive lone front runner Fahy busy. The young striker certainly put in a good shift, but hopefully a reluctance to lay off possession will be eroded from his game.  

The game continued to be fast and furious and the competitive instinct of both sides was very obvious as the challenges flew in.Oranmore were certainly the more threatening on the resumption and Ollie Keogh was twice just off target, before a Lonan O’Farrell free kick went just over Martin Mannion’s crossbar.

Very much against the run of play Devon struck for the winner on 53 minutes. Tommy Bradshaw slid a pass infield to Enda Cullen and the midfielder cut back before almost sliding a left footed effort from 30 yards into the bottom corner past a stranded Damien Flaherty.

Shane Browne then had a great opportunity to increase the advantage, but on this occasion the goalkeeper came out on top in a one on one situation.

Oranmore were denied a late equaliser when Alan Haugh was over stretching as he pushed an effort against a post.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.