Killavilla remind rivals of title credentials

By Gary Culbert

PREMIER DIVISION

Killavilla United 1-0 BT Harps

Killavilla United’s title hopes were given new life on Sunday as Ruairi Murphy scored the only goal of the game in Villa Park against the joint league-leaders, BT Harps.

Michael Lynch made a couple of personnel changes to match BT’s athleticism, having played ninety minutes in the loss to Borroway a week prior, the experienced and physical duo of Roddy Teehan and David McNamara started while Josh Wynne got a rare start up top alongside Michael Fitzgerald.

Murphy had the home side deservedly one goal up at half time. The Roscrea men were good value for their lead in the first half, but the second half was all Harps after manager Henry Newman had seen enough by 55 minutes and introduced Szymon Popiela and Stevie Nolan from the bench.

The hosts rode their luck at times throughout the second period and had young goalkeeper Aaron Mulready to thank for a clean-sheet in this season-defining game. Harps hit the woodwork on more than one occasion, but their best chance came right at the death but unfortunately for them it fell to a defender instead of a striker.

In the end, Borroway Rovers were the big winners from the result, despite not kicking a ball. They sit joint top with BT Harps and crucially now have a game in hand on their neighbours from Templemore. However, that game can be cancelled out by Harps, as one of their remaining three games is away to Borroway.

In theory the only team who has the fate of the title in their own hands is actually fifth placed Killavilla, despite sitting closer to the bottom of the table than the top. However, if the Roscrea outfit win their four games in hand on Borroway, they actually go a point clear at the top, but that is quite simply easier said than done.

That being said Villa’s run-in is actually favourable enough, consisting of home games against Ardcroney, Arra Rovers, Rearcross, Ballymackey and Clodiagh Rangers; and away games against Rearcross and Arra Rovers.

Outside of their meeting against each other, Borroway have to play Rearcross, home and away, while BT Harps have one game left at home to bottom side Clodiagh Rangers.

It is very hard to call the title race at this stage, Borroway are statistically in the best position, although Harps are arguably the strongest team of the three teams on their day, while ‘Villa have a lot of work to do but are the team least affected by external factors such as competing sports. Whatever happens it is refreshing to have such a tight title race in the premier.

Rearcross 3-1 Ballymackey

The only other game in the premier division last weekend saw Rearcross all but relegate Ballymackey thanks to a 3-1 win on Friday night.

The visitors took the lead against the run of play when a looping ball to the back post evaded the Rearcross defence and found its way to the back of the net, Damien Bergin getting the credit for that one.

Rearcross moved the ball well at times and were rewarded with an equalising goal in the first half through Patrick Dawson, who cut inside before rifling the ball into the top corner of the net from outside the box after some good build up play from Brian Nolan on the wing.

Rea’ took the lead in the second half when James Deegan stroked the ball home after Patrick Dawson whipped a dangerous cross into the six-yard box. Rearcross deserved their second goal at this stage having had the majority of possession.

Stephen Rochford, Tommy Lyons, and Brian Nolan kept the Ballymackey rearguard guessing with attacking runs into the final third all throughout the game. Robert Harrington converted a James Deegan cross to seal the tie for Rearcross in the dying embers of the game.

Best for the home side were Kieran Devitt and Paul Nolan, who both proved to be a thorn in the Ballymackey side, not allowing their attack to gain momentum. Phillip Deegan in midfield also ensured that Rearcross retained possession when needed.

Ballymackey tried their best to break down the resilient Rea’ backline, but in truth they were limited to a couple of half chances, and with that it looks as though their time in the premier division will be coming to an end for now.

Stability within the line-up throughout the season has been a real issue for Ballymackey in recent years. Promising talents leaving the club just as they were coming good did not help the situation either. But never fear, the structure at the club is so strong that we will without doubt see a Ballymackey side back in the premier soon.

Division 1

Holycross secured promotion to the premier division thanks to a last gasp 2-1 win at home to Cloughjordan on Sunday.

The hosts were well supported and had eleven subs to choose from, whilst Clough travelled with just the two.

Young Jack Quinlisk lashed home a breaking ball to give Clough the lead with his first touch of the game, having come off the bench midway through the second half.

Young keeper Johnny Naughnane had to leave the field after sustaining an injury from a late tackle, and this would prove to be an important moment in the story of the game.

Ben Slattery evaded Martin Grace to equalize late on. There was a significant amount of injury time added on due to the injury, and it is in this time that Ben Slattery turned on the flair with an all-important winner that secures promotion and keeps the title dream alive.

Diego Galera and Kevin Kennedy linked up well for Clough, but the player of the match award goes to the same man as it did in the reverse fixture, Ben Slattery.

Moneygall played on the double on Friday night and Monday afternoon, securing the maximum six points that were up for grabs.

Sean Moroney hit his first brace of the weekend on Friday night at home to Shinrone in a 3-1 win, whilst Niall Maher was also on target. Ray Cordial netted Shinrone’s only reply.

Sean Moroney hit a brace on Monday away to Birdhill in a 4-1 win, whilst Niall Maher and Darragh Murray were also on target. Brian Tobin scored Birdhill’s only goal.

Division 2

Borrisoleigh were 5-1 winners away to Ballymackey ‘B’ on Sunday thanks to goals from Patrick O’Connell, Mikey Kennedy, Dan Ryan, and an Eddie Ryan double. Craig Kenneally got Bally’s sole reply.

Grange United continued their title quest with another high-scoring win, this time Killavilla United ‘B’ were the victims of a 5-2 scoreline on Monday. Jason McCormack netted a hat-trick for the hosts, whilst Tommy Brophy and an own goal finished the scoring.

Division 2A

Sallypark ‘B’ were 8-1 winners at home to Cloughjordan thanks to a brace each for David Young and Ruadhri O'Brien, whilst Aidan Murray, Paddy Ronan, Eric Odoom, and Jack Hogan. Alex Wade netted Clough’s only reply, whilst Jack Hogan was the player of the match having racked up an impressive tally of five assists on the day.