Killavilla have one hand on Premier Division title

By Padraig Ryan

 

Killavilla United took a huge step towards securing their first North Tipperary & District League Premier Division title on Sunday with a stunning 7-1 win away at closest rivals Nenagh Celtic.

These sides had met twice over the previous few weekends in cup competitions and there had been very little to separate them in either game. However, an under-strength Celtic side, coupled with an exhibition on goal scoring from Villa’s star striker Paul Kirwan, killed any hopes of the home side staying in the title race.

Kirwan scored the first of his five goals with ten minutes played but Szymon Popiela pulled Celtic level almost immediately. That reprieve was short-lived however as Kirwan added two more first half goals to give the Roscrea side a degree of comfort at the break.

Two more goals from Kirwan, the division’s top scorer and standout player, within ten minutes of the restart ended the game as a contest before Shane Moloney and Joe Moloney added gloss to the scoreline with a goal apiece for Villa.

The tireless Szymon Popiela pulled a consolation back for his side ten minutes from the end to continue his fine season but this result marks a disappointing end to an inconsistent season for this fine Celtic side.

Killavilla now move seven points clear at the top of the table with only BT Harps maintaining any mathematical hope of catching them. Villa welcome division strugglers Holycross to Villa Park on Saturday night and a win there, which looks extremely likely given their current form, will see them clinch their first ever NT&DL Premier Division title in what has been an outstanding league campaign.

 

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