Kiltullagh back in the groove after surprise win over Bohemians
WHEN Kiltullagh’s nine match unbeaten league run in the Second Division came to an end two weeks ago, their chances of promotion more or less disappeared as five of those games had ended as draws. However, they quickly put that defeat against leaders West Coast United behind them and, on Sunday last in Miller’s Lane, produced a big surprise when inflicting a 3-1 defeat on joint second placed Bohemians.
It was an occasion when the visitors always had an edge and they led at the break, courtesy of a Noel Kelly free kick that took a deflection off the defensive wall.
The city side were enjoying plenty of possession, but struggled in the last third of the park and although Sean Guinan missed a great opportunity to level matters, it was one of the few occasions when they got a clear sight of the visitors goal.
Kiltullagh were not as shy in the box and second half efforts by Kelly and Adrian Meskala extended their advantage, with just central defender Daniel Feeney striding forward to pull one back for the home side.
Bohemians loss has allowed Renmore to move into second position and they had to do it the hard way, when they came from behind to defeat West United B by 3-2. Dara Hynes, Coley Kelly and Lorcan Fox were all on the mark for the home side, with Sean Lydon responding with a brace in each half for the visitors.
Byrne Cup
Recent weeks have seen an upturn in the fortunes of St. Bernard’s and, on Sunday last, they registered a 2-0 home win over neighbours Athenry in the Michael Byrne Cup.
Jason Finn gave them the perfect start with a long range effort after just two minutes and the winger doubled his account on the half hour mark when Adrian Roche laid the foundation with a run from inside his own half. The home side had to sustain some late Athenry pressure, but goalkeeper Denis Farragher did all that was expected of him with some fine shot stopping.
Corrib Celtic had to come from behind at the break to see off Corofin United by 3-2, with goals by Shane Concannon, Chris Greaney and Laurence Forde, while Eamonn O’Donnell notched a second half winner for ten-man Knocknacarra as they shocked Premier Division Tuam Celtic by 1-0.
For the second week in succession, Mervue United were dumped out of a major cup on penalties as they lost by 5-4 against West United, after their contest finished level at 3-3 following extra time in South Park. Ollie Rafferty, Geoffrey Power and James Ryan were all on the mark for the home side, with Aaron Finnerty, Barry Moran and Alex Lee responding for the visitors.
In an all Premier clash, Corrib Rangers always had the edge as they saw off Hibernians by 4-2 in Bohermore. Brian Connolly (two), David Goldbey and Ger Bane all found the range for the Westside outfit, with Denis Lydon and Mixer Devanney responding for a disappointing home side.
Two games saw no action at all, as Salthill Devon got a walk over from Dynamo Blues, while Mervue United B and NUI Galway will have to do it all over again. Both sides turned up for their joust last Saturday, but the match official refused to play the game as both teams were togged out in the same colour socks . . . yes socks!
For more, read this week’s Galway City Tribune.