IT’S getting tight at the top of the OBrienWaterServices.com Championship table.
League leaders heading into the latest round of action, Beara United dropped points at home to Castlelack following a goalless draw, and Bunratty United took full advantage with a thrilling 5-4 victory over Aultagh Celtic.
That win lifted Bunratty to 39 points, alongside Beara at the summit of the table. Both teams have played 16 games, with Beara holding a slightly better goal difference.
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Bay Rovers in third and Beamish Cup finalists Ardfield in fourth are also firmly involved in the title and promotion race. Remember, the top two teams will be promoted to next season’s Premier Division. Bay Rovers have 36 points after 17 games, while Ardfield are next on 31 points but have played only 13 games.
In Bunratty’s latest win, they led 4-2 at the break after a frantic first half. Eoin O’Brien opened the scoring for United after six minutes, but Aultagh’s Oisin Fergus O’Connell hit back almost immediately.
Anthony Howard then gave Aultagh a surprise lead, but goals from Conor Brosnan (2) and Ryan O’Neill ensured Bunratty went in front at half-time.
Andrew O’Sullivan pulled a goal back for Aultagh in the second half, but Milan Vearncombe replied to help Bunratty breathe a little easier. There was still time for O’Connell to grab a consolation goal for Aultagh, though it wasn’t enough to deny the hosts a crucial victory.
All four promotion-chasing teams are in action this Sunday, with Bunratty v Ardfield (11am) the standout fixture. Beara United host Skibbereen Celtic while Bay Rovers travel to Castlelack (both 2.30pm).
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The West Cork League U18 Division also kicked off with a thriller as Drinagh Rangers edged Castlelack 4-3, with Sam Mahon scoring a dramatic late winner.
Liam Ryan opened the scoring for Castlelack before Joseph McCarthy levelled to make it 1-1 at the break.
Rory Curtin restored Castlelack’s lead, but another McCarthy equaliser set up a grandstand finish. Three goals arrived in the dying minutes as William Doyle looked to have won it for Drinagh in the 89th minute.
However, Darren Kiely appeared to have rescued a point for Castlelack with an equaliser in the third minute of added time.
But one minute later Mahon emerged as Drinagh’s hero, striking a late, late match-winner.
