Hibs stay in the hunt for promotion with late win

The ability of Galway Hibs to secure late winners and one-goal victories to advance their cause in securing promotion from the Championship has been a feature of their campaign to date.

On Sunday morning in Corofin they looked to be in trouble after going two down, but as ever, inspired by the contributions of Jason McDonagh they recovered to record a 3-2 success and in the process remain a point behind leaders St Bernard’s.

Goals each side of the break from Barry O’Donovan and Oisin Takaza had the home side in command, before a spot-kick converted by McDonagh pulled one back. He was to level matter with a close-range finish following a rebound; and then provided the set-piece delivery that was flashed to the net by Dan Duffy to give the city side a 3-2 recovery win.

Corrib Rangers lost a position in the table when they came out the wrong end of a 6-0 hammering by leaders St Bernard’s to drop to third in the table.

Ryan Nolan struck four for the home side, with Josh Price and Cuan Lennon also on the goal trail. Knocknacarra moved to third with a 2-0 home win over Salthill Devon B, with goals from Oriol Prat and Luc McHugh.

In the remaining game, Dynamo Blues moved out of the bottom two with a 3-1 away win over Colga B. Diarmuid Coen, Pete Finnerty and Ryan Keane were all on the mark for the Tuam side, as just Evan Martyn could find a response for the home outfit.

DIVISION ONE

The top two in Division One continue to pull away from the distant chasing pack as both recorded comfortable wins over the weekend.

With the race for the title between them, leaders Bearna Na Forbacha were 7-2 winners over Kiltullagh as Jordan Powell and Ronan Bates both scored twice for the home side, with Niall Rooney, Tadhg Flaherty and an own goal adding further efforts to ease them to victory. Adam Johnson and Ben Keane responded with efforts for the visitors.

Colemanstown United remain second, but with a game in hand following their 4-1 win over Cois Fharraige. Thomas Flannery and Mossy Carr both notched a brace for the winners, with Seamus De Burca getting the visitors’ lone reply.

At the lower end of the table, Athenry B picked up a first league win of the season with a 4-1 away success over Cregmore-Claregalway. Adam Pomphrett struck a hat-trick for the visitors, with Daragh Gilhooley getting their fourth. Meanwhile, the scheduled game between Mervue United B and Galway Bohs was postponed due to a bereavement.

Pictured: The Bearna Na Forbacha side that defeated Kiltullagh 7-2 in their Division One clash in Furbo last weekend. Back row, from left: Jordan Powell, Robert Talbot, Rian O’Shea, Camin Rooney, Martin Conneely, and Ross Corcoran. Front: Niall Rooney, Oisín Keane, Ronan Bates, Tadhg Faherty, and Ryan Folan. Photos: Iain McDonald.