Ballinrobe Town ‘B’ win League Two title

Ballinrobe Town ‘B’ were crowned McDonnell Construction League Two champions last Saturday evening following a 3-2 victory over Glenhest Rovers ‘B’.

Samba magic has been instrumental in the Robesiders run to the title and goals from Brazilian trio Kevin Tasca Dos Santos, and Rodrigo and Rafael Rosado da Costa, secured the title, having already confirmed their promotion to League One for next season in recent weeks.

The other promotion place looks set to go to the wire after Charlestown Athletic defeated promotion rivals Ballyvary Blue Bombers 4-2 to move within a point of Ballyvary, who have played a game more than Charlestown.

The east Mayo side, who are back in the Mayo League after a ten-year absence, can secure promotion to League One with victories in their final two games against Glenhest ‘B’ and Crossmolina ‘B’. 

In the Elverys Sports Super League, Westport United routed Ballyheane 6-1 in Pat Quigley Park. A brace from Dan O’Malley and Kevin Kitterick, as well as goals from Alex Halpin and Adam Nugent, saw the Coveys open up a six-point gap at the top over Castlebar Celtic, although the Hoops have two games in hand.

At the other end of the table, Ballinrobe Town face a nervous wait to see if they are relegated or enter a relegation playoff after their 3-0 defeat to Claremorris confirmed that the Robesiders will finish ninth.

The possibility of a playoff will depend on the promotion race in the CastleCourt Hotel Premier League. Crossmolina defeated Ballina Town ‘B’ 2-1 thanks to goals from Martin Deady and Richie Shelley and moved two points and remain two points clear of Castlebar Celtic ‘B’, who themselves came through with a 2-1 win in a tight local derby against Snugboro United thanks to a brace from Rhys Saville.

Crossmolina can confirm their promotion and Ballinrobe’s relegation from the Super League - as well as the Premier League title - should they win their final game, but it is a daunting one away to Iorras Aontaithe. The Barony men moved a step closer to the league title with a 4-0 win away against Swinford and know they will clinch the league title should they avoid defeat to Crossmolina.

A loss for Crossmolina will open the door for Celtic ‘B’ – who cannot get promoted as ‘B’ teams are prohibited from playing in the Super League – and should the Hoops defeat Swinford in their final game, it will force a promotion/relegation playoff between Crossmolina and Ballinrobe Town.

Elsewhere, Straide & Foxford United picked up their first win, and points, of the season with a 6-0 thumping of Ballyheane ‘B’, with both clubs already relegated to League One. The other game between Westport United ‘B’ and Ballyhaunis Town was postponed due to a bereavement.

In Killeen Sports Ground League One, there was further twists and turns at both ends of the table. Killala kept their promotion hopes alive, and left Kilmore hanging above the relegation trapdoor, with a 2-0 win. Bangor Hibs finished their season off in fourth place with a 4-3 win over Castlebar Town, Achill Rovers defeated Conn Rangers ‘B’ 2-1 while Fahy Rovers remain at the top of the table with a 6-2 victory over Claremorris ‘B’.

It sets up a fascinating final day. Fahy Rovers are top with 32 points, Achill are point behind on 31 and Killala are on 29, while at the other end, a point separates Partry Athletic and Kilmore.

The final round sees Castlebar Town host Achill, Partry play Killala while there is a massive showdown in Drum between Kilmore and Fahy, with the three games all potentially having major implications at both ends of the table.