Castlebar Celtic returned to top spot in the Masters League division one on Wednesday night last following a dominant win over Fahy Rovers with Manulla and Ballina also impressing in victory. Manulla opened the evening still smarting from their round three defeat to Srtaide & Foxford United and took their anger out on Ballyhaunis Town. Five goals for Dessie Campbell, a hat-trick from Dermot McNicholas, including a brilliantly executed chip from the edge of the penalty area, and a further goal from Roger Clarke saw the blues run out 9-1 winners. John Guilfoyle grabbed Ballyhaunis only goal of the night.
Castlebar Celtic followed last week’s high scoring draw against Westport United with a comfortable win against Fahy Rovers. In what was a tight game for much of the opening half hour, Celtic’s efficiency in front of goal proved to be the telling difference. Kevin Malone, a Mark Rowland effort from the halfway line, Brian O’reilly and a Russell Gibbons Double overcame Tom Gill’s two goals to give Celtic a 5-2 victory.
The final game of the night in division one proved to be the best with rivals Ballina Town and Straide and Foxford United clashing in a tough encounter. Last year’s champions came out on top thanks to an Aiden O’Hora hat-trick and a further goal from the boot of Noelie Beattie to secure a 4-2 victory. Despite a good goalkeeping performance once again from John Brown, United were not able to keep up with their neighbours and goals from Michael Costello and Brendan McHugh proved scant consolation.
Swinford ‘A’ continue to dominate the division two standings after picking up their third win on the trot against Mulranny United in the opening match. In what was a dominant performance at times, goals from Michael Smyth, Kevin Crawley and a double each for Paul Halligan and Eoin Gallagher saw Swinford run out 6-2 winners. Michael O’Hora and Stephen Barrett with the goals for a Mulranny side who were unlucky in front of goal at times.
Swinford ‘B’ and Manulla ‘B’ played out an entertaining, high scoring game in the night’s second encounter. This was a real end to end game with both teams playing some good football and pushing for the win. Joe Monaghan, Darragh Lyons, Alan Rumley and Tom Brett hit the goals for Manulla but it wasn’t enough as Brian Regan, Paul Kenny, Jacob Gawalkiewicz and a Patrick McDonnell double handed Swinford a 5-4 victory.
Kiltimagh and Knock United picked up their first point of the season in the final game of the night with a 3-3 draw against a Con Rangers side who have found it hard to get their season motoring following an opening night walkover against Mulranny. Two fantastic Colm Kelly free-kicks, along with a Raf Zarycki effort, secured the point for United but Rangers will feel themselves unlucky not to hold on to a late 3-2 lead after a Trevor Ward penalty. Liam& Eanna McHale had earlier hit the net for the North Mayo side.
