Rangers crowned Division 2 champions

Conn Rangers have been crowned Division Two Masters champions while Ballyglass will have a second chance to win the Division One title after conceding a late equaliser to Iorras Aontaithe in a pulsating night of action in Milebush.

In Division One, Ballyglass missed the chance to win the title after a thrilling 5-5 draw against Iorras Aontaithe. A brace by Colm Boyle put the Swans ahead but Iorras were level as Mark Gilbert pulled one back before Anthony Mills and John Gaughan found the net after Alan Plunkett added a third for the red and white.

A great strike by Mills then put Iorras in front before Dermot Costello levelled it with a sweet strike from long range. JP Reilly’s header looked like it may have won Ballyglass the title but Liam Donoghue’s injury time goal means it all comes down to the final round of games.

A win for Ballyglass over Ballyvary Blue Bombers will see them crowned champions but if they lose, Ballina Town can snatch the title with victory over Iorras. A Ballina win, coupled with Ballyglass drawing their game against Ballyvary, will result in a playoff.

Ballyheane gave their chances of staying up a massive boost with a 6-5 victory over fellow strugglers Ballyvary Blue Bombers. Bombers led 5-4 with three minutes to play thanks to two goals each for Simon Cloherty and Mark Kilgallon with Colm Kelly also smashing one in. Arek Tobiasz had netted a hat-trick and John Kelly the opener for Ballyheane. Ashley Stevenson and Theron Coghill scored at the death to hand the three points to Ballyheane.

Three points were also handed to Ballina Town by Westport United, who conceded their tie and last season’s league and cup champions leave themselves facing the threat of relegation should they lose or fail to field a team against Ballyheane next week.

In Division Two, Conn Rangers sealed their first Masters title in style with a thumping 8-2 win over Fahy Rovers. James Noone, Shane Bourke and Kieran Herron all bagged a brace, while Alan Dempsey and Trevor Warde rounded off a memorable night and league campaign to date for the Knockmore men. Jonathon Beckett found the net for Fahy in the first half, with Eric Carney scoring a consolation in the second.

At the other end of the table, Straide & Foxford United enjoyed their first win of the season after beating Ballyhaunis Town 4-2. Cormac Healy found the net twice as well efforts by Michael Prendergast and David Timlin. Ballyhaunis found the net through Chris McTigue and Alan Canny.

Kiltimagh/Knock United edged out Killala 3-2. The sides were level at the break, Colm Garvey’s goal for KK cancelled out by David Cadden. Killala went ahead through an own goal but Conor Heneghan and Liam Lydon saw KK pick up their sixth win of the season.

In Division Three, Snugboro United picked up a 3-2 over Ballyglass ‘B’. There was little to play for in this game and Snugboro won it late. It was level at the break with goals from Jonathan Duffy for ‘Boro and Ciaran Heffron for Ballyglass. Duffy and Robbie Ehlert scored in the second half to give Snugboro the win while Alan Larkin netted from the spot for Ballyglass B.

There was no John Russell on the teamsheet for Partry on Wednesday, giving Bangor Hibs marksman Mikie Sweeney a golden opportunity to extend his lead in their fascinating golden boot race. He took his chance well, netting half his sides tally in a 10-3 win over Manulla ‘B’. Brian McHale also scored twice while Anthony Coyle, Shane Lindsay and Michael Doocey also found the back of the net. Keith Bourke, Gary Heneghan and Michael Cuffe netted for the Blues.

Despite the unavailability of John Russell, Partry Athletic eased past Castlebar Town 10-2. Mark Gibbons helped himself to a five-goal haul, with additional goals coming from Kevin Dolan (two), Brian Naughton (two) and Brendan Garry. Town’s goals were converted by Jarlath Coady and a Sean O’Malley penalty.

Player of the week: Mikie Sweeney (Bangor Hibs) has enjoyed a great season and boosted his golden boot credentials further with another five-goal haul, getting the nod. Colm Boyle (Ballyglass) was also outstanding, scoring two and assisting one, while.

Goalkeeper of the week: David Roughneen (Snugboro United) was a composed presence between the sticks.

Goal of the week: John Kelly (Ballyheane) had dancing feet as weaved back forth before launching a screamer into the top corner, a postage stamp finish for his team’s opener.