News
Thrilling victory for Town
Dunmanway Town secured a thrilling victory over local rivals Togher Celtic after an absorbing premier league game played in Droumleena Lawn last Sunday morning to enable them to move up two places to third in the league table.
Brian O’Sullivan opened the scoring for Togher in the fifth minute when the young ace got the final touch to the ball following a goalmouth scramble. Towering Dunmanway Town striker Daniel O’Donovan playing in only his second game since successfully undergoing knee surgery three months ago equalised after 15 minutes with a crisp low drive past the outstretched reach of Togher goalkeeper Darragh Farr.
Brian O’Sullivan re-instated Togher’s one goal lead with his second goal of the game after 42 minutes when he audaciously chipped Vincent Healy for a peach of a goal. Prior to this goal O’Sullivan was very unlucky with a snapshot which rebounded off the crossbar. Patrick McCarthy restored parity for Dunmanway Town shortly after the second half resumption when he got the merest touch to a pinpoint Alan Sheehan free kick. The afore-mentioned Alan Sheehan who plied his trade with Cork City Youths last season was in sensational form throughout.
All-time top Dunmanway Town goalscorer, Daniel O’Donovan struck the winning goal after 65 minutes with a well struck long range drive to seal a terrific comeback and signal their re-emergence as genuine contenders for the championship crown. Togher Celtic who have adapted seamlessly to life in the top flight remain in fourth place level on points with Dunmanway Town but have played two games more than their local rivals. The other two scheduled premier league games were postponed due to the inclement weather. Ballydehob still lead the premier league race by four points over nearest challengers Drinagh Rangers who possess two games in hand on the Hob with the race for the title increasing in the build up to the festive period.
Molaga Celtic leapfrogged above long term league leaders Rosscarbery courtesy of a narrow 1-0 home win against Clonakilty Town. Ace striker Noel Coomey was the hero with his solitary strike sealing the victory. This win enables Molaga to hold a one point lead at the top of the first division. Third placed Droumree Dynamos were held to a 1-1 draw against Lyre Rovers. Patrick Lynch struck for Dynamos with Michael Keohane netting for Lyre who have endured a dismal start to the season.
Castletown Celtic continued their recent spell of good form with a hard fought 2-1 away win against Riverside Athletic. Colin O’Leary grabbed a brace for Castletown to lift them five points clear of the drop zone and ensure they remain in the relative safety of mid-table. Brian McCarthy replied with a consolation goal for Riverside who have surprisingly had an indifferent start to the season. Aultagh Celtic emerged comfortable victors over Bantry Gunners on a 2-0 scoreline. Arthur Kuramsin from the penalty spot and Damien Donegan were on the scoresheet for Aultagh.
There were only two games played in the second division last Sunday due to the inclement weather. Baltimore Crabs’ recent stuttering league form continued as they failed to make the most of their game in hand on runaway league leaders Crookstown, having to settle for a disappointing 2-2 home draw against Castlelack. Indeed the Crabs were fortunate to escape with a draw as they were reliant on a last gasp goal to salvage a share of the spoils. Declan Casey and Brian Kearney were on target for Castlelack with prolific striker Paddy Bohane replying for Baltimore. Courtmacsherry remain in fourth place in the league table after being held to a 1-1 draw against Durrus. Kevin O’Driscoll struck for Courtmacsherry with Ciaran O’Donovan replying for Durrus.
Only one game survived the weather in the Ladies League with Dunmanway Town Ladies after an initial slow start to the season securing their second consecutive league victory courtesy of a stunning three-goal salvo from Ellen Healy against Knockavilla Ladies.
There were three local teams competing in the third round of the Umbro FAI Junior Cup over the weekend. On Saturday afternoon last Skibbereen narrowly overcame Greenmount by virtue of an early goal from John Paul Reen. Greenwood pressed hard in the second half but could not break down a resolute Skibbereen rearguard who held firm to secure their fourth round berth. Drinagh Rangers continued their bright start to the season with a 2-1 away win against Passage FC. Tomás Connolly and Barry O’Driscoll (Hawthorn) netted the crucial goals for Rangers. Kilmichael Rovers were emphatically crushed by prestigious AUL outfit Leeside 5-1. John O’Callaghan scored a consolation goal for Kilmichael.
The under-18 league resumes this week with league leaders Drinagh Rangers travelling to Kilmichael whilst fellow title rivals Lyre Rovers and Skibbereen currently level on points, are scheduled to meet in Knockskeagh. The results of these two games could even at this early stage in the season prove crucial in determining the destination of the league title this season.
There is a full complement of league fixtures down for decision this Sunday, with a plethora of crucial games which could have significant repercussions at either end of the league table for all the teams involved but potentially the biggest game of the weekend is the derby clash between two in-form teams Drinagh Rangers and Skibbereen in the Munster Junior Cup scheduled for Canon Crowley Park. This clash brings together two heavyweights who have enjoyed a bright start to the season. This game has all the ingredients to be a classic cup tie with the team who emerge triumphant from Sunday’s clash harbouring genuine aspirations of mounting a sustained challenge for cup and championship honours this season.
Bay Rovers are also in Munster Junior action when they entertain acclaimed city outfit Blarney United in Lisheens Kealkil. Rovers will start this game as overwhelming underdogs against the might of Blarney United but in cup games reputations count for nothing and form temporarily goes out the window. A potential upset may be on the horizon if Rovers stars Shane Drummey, Graham O’Leary and Philip Clifford can play to their full abilities.