Premier title in Colga’s own hands
THE weekend Premier League action saw Colga move three points clear at the top of the table with an impressive 4-2 success away against Moyne Villa, but for Craughwell United a single goal defeat against Renmore leaves them struck at the foot of the table with just three games left to rescue their season in the top flight.
Unbeaten Colga were always facing a tricky assignment in Headford and so it proved against an understrength home side, before two late goals eventually gave them some breathing space.
Early goals from Ben Lalor and Liam Corcoran with the aid of a deflection had the visitors two up, before Kyle Greaney scored direct from a corner to leave matters at a competitive 2-1 at the interval.
Before the hour mark, Greaney was to add a second to level matters and tie up affairs, but a composed Colga upped their game in the latter stages and goals from Neil Greaney from a penalty and Joe Gaughan sealed the win and allowed them move three points clear of Salthill Devon at the top of the table.
Devon's scheduled outing against Maree-Oranmore was postponed due to a bereavement and both teams now have three games remaining.
The meeting of the bottom two teams in West Park on Saturday afternoon produced a competitive close contest that was settled by a Cian Specht opening half shot as Renmore eased their relegation worries somewhat with a 1-0 win over Craughwell United.
For the duration of the second half, the home side were back peddling as the likes of the impressive Kevin Molloy and Ross Whelton kept Craughwell on the front foot.
However, despite the added contributions of Thomas Pierce, Eoin Shiel and Alan Zimmerer they seldom looked like really threatening Josh Bullman in the Renmore goal as plenty of opportunities went a begging.
In the remaining game, courtesy of goals from Charlie Concannon (two), Mark O'Halloran, Kody McCann and Aaron Neary, Mervue United ran out 5-2 winners over Athenry for whom Sean McCoy was on the mark twice.
Showdown
They have already met on two occasions this season and each time nothing separated Colga and Salthill Devon as both contests ended in draws.
A league encounter in Clarinbridge finished at 1-1 in November, while a recent FAI Junior Cup tie finished scoreless, before Colga prevailed following a penalty shoot-out.
On Sunday in Drom at 2pm, another head to head takes place and where the destiny of the Premier League could be decided.
A draw or win for Colga would leave matters very much in their favour with two further games remaining. For Devon a win is really a must in order to level matters at the top of the table and maintain their interest in the league. It should be compulsive viewing.