Ballina Town remain hot on Westport United’s heels thanks to a hard-fought 1-0 win over high-flying Manulla on Saturday night. A first half Dwayne Helly goal was crucial for the north Mayo men in a hugely competitive affair. Westport Utd picked up another three points to maintain their position at the summit of the league thanks to a 3-1 win at home to a stubborn Charlestown Athletic side. David Hoban scored twice with Mikey O'Brien grabbing the third goal for Westport. The only black-spot was the straight red card issued to goalkeeper Gary Cunningham in the 90th minute. Tom Towey tucked home the penalty and it was only a token gesture in the end. That loss also saw Charlestown's relegation to the Premier A for next season sealed.
Meanwhile Iorrais Aontaithe came from behind to defeat Ballyheane at the weekend. Ashley Jensen eased Ballyheane clear on 53 minutes before a late flourish by Iorrais Aontaithe was enough to see them home. Brendan Nallen scored direct from a corner in the 76th minute, before Jason Boylan nailed the winner after a mix-up in the Ballyheane defence.
Ballyglass and Straide and Foxford United remained inseparable on Sunday afternoon in a cracking 2-2 draw. Tomas Joyce and JP O’Gorman were both on target for Ballyglass, while Michael Guilfoyle and Micheal Smyth fired home for S&F. However that was not enough to keep Straide and Foxford's hopes of staying in the division alive as their relegation was confirmed at the conclusion of the weekend's round of fixtures. Conn Rangers picked up a massive thee points on Saturday night with a win over Castlebar Celtic and that win confirmed their survival in the Super League for next season.
Claremorris keep up promotion drive
Claremorris kept their promotion hopes alive with a comprehensive 4-1 win over Killala. With Glenhest Rovers also winning at the weekend it was crucial that the south Mayo men picked up the points. Goals from Simon Butler, Dean Roddy, Stephen McGowan and an unfortunate own goal was enough to put the seal on the three points. Shane Mulchrone grabbed the vital goal for Glenhest Rovers in their win over Westport Utd B.
Fahy Rovers recorded a stunning 6-0 win over Moy Villa with Tommy Gill grabbing a hat-trick along with efforts by Jonathan Concannon, John Cannon, and Pawel Wisniewski. Swinford and Kiltimagh/Knock Utd played out an enthralling 3-3 draw on Saturday night in the east Mayo derby. Brendan Burke, Liam Groarke, and Conal Mooney were on target for Kiltimagh/Knock Utd, while a Richard Dalton goal and a brace from Paddy O’Donnell was enough for Swinford in a cracking game. Partry Athletic defeated Castlebar Celtic B 3-2 on Sunday afternoon.
Hibs move closer to the title
Bangor Hibs fashioned a 5-4 win over Mulranny Utd on Saturday night in a ding-dong affair. Darren McManamon nailed a brace along with strikes by Brian McHale, Kyle Holmes and Declan King. That win leaves Hibs five points clear of Achill Rovers in second place, with just three games left to go in the league. In another high scoring contest Manulla B edged out Newport Town in a 5-3 win. It was delicately poised at the break as the sides remained deadlocked at 1-1. Kevin Noonan, Mark Gill and Declan McTigue fired home for Newport Town, while a Roger Clarke hat-trick along with efforts by Des Campbell and John Hennelly pushed the west Mayo men over the line. Ballyhaunis Town and Snugboro Utd remained inseparable in a 1-1 draw. Jamil Kezze gave Ballyhaunis the lead with a smashing goal from inside his half before Snugboro grabbed a share of the spoils with a late equaliser.
In yet another enthralling affair, Ballinrobe Town squeezed out Conn Rangers B in a 3-2 win. Ballinrobe Town came from behind after Danny Langdon had given Conn Rangers B a 2-1 lead. Gary Browne, Shane Ryan, and Shane Donnellan were on target for Ballinrobe Town and they can thank their goalkeeper Pat Delaney who pulled off an 83rd minute penalty save to ensure they went away with the three points.
Crossmolina keep up title push
Kilmore recorded a 3-1 win over Fahy Rovers B thanks to goals from Shane Kennedy (2 ) and Jamie Flannery, with Ray Grady on target for Fahy Rovers. Ballina Town were comprehensive 4-1 winners over Ballyglass B with Daniel Helly grabbing a brace to go with efforts by Shane Devers and Gavin Cording. Charlestown Athletic B defeated Ballyvary Blue Bombers 3-0 with Sean Quinn firing home along with a brace by veteran Billy Murphy who celebrated his 41st birthday at the weekend. Snugboro Utd B recorded a comfortable 5-2 win over Hollister with the goals coming from Stephen Boyle (2 ), Des Walsh, Enda Lavelle, and Stephen Clarke. Crossmolina kept their promotion to Premier B alive thanks to a 3-0 win over Kiltimagh/Knock Utd B that leaves them them six points clear of Ballina Town B, with Crossomlina having three league games left and Ballina Town B having four.
