Premier Division race hots up as Oranmore close gap

Mike Rafferty

First it was Mervue United that slipped up as they collected just a point from two recent outings, but on Sunday last it was the turn of Athenry as they were beaten at home by Hibernians. The outcome is that the chase for the Western Hygiene Supplies Premier Division title has certainly opened up as Oranmore are now in pole position if one allows for points gathered and games in hand.

Life was made a little easier for the second placed side when Ollie Neary’s charges were given a walkover by West United as manager William Grant had just seven players at his disposal for the Saturday afternoon tie.

With Dynamo Blues doomed to relegation it appears that they will be joined in the First Division next season by either West or Salthill Devon. One or the other will really have to win a number of games if they are to avoid the drop and the likelihood is that either would have to win at least three times from their remaining five games if either are to save themselves.

In the First Division, East United and Corrib Celtic continue to stride away at the top and look the likely duo to go up.

Nearer the bottom Bohemians are another City side with a rich tradition who have fallen on difficult times in recent years. Poor early season form has seen them struggle but two recent wins have thrown them a lifeline as five clubs are separated by just four points in the lower half of the table.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.