Soccer briefs: Manulla joy and Connacht Cup fever
Manulla advanced to the next round of the Connacht Women’s Senior Cup last Sunday afternoon when they emerged victorious from a Round 2 encounter with Gurteen Celtic that was tougher than the 5-0 scoreline might indicate.
A strong defensive display from Gurteen, who were in the game well into the second-half, and then having a penalty to halve their arrears when the game was at 2-0, it looked like Manulla might be about to come under some serious pressure. However, goalkeeper Lisa Nally stood tall between the posts to save the Sligo side’s spot-kick and maintain the home’s side’s two-goal advantage.
Jess Nolan was to add a further goal to complete her hat-trick for Manulla on the day after Niamh Flannery had already converted to make the game secure.
Captain Aoife Freyne was on hand to complete the scoring after she tapped in following a brilliant save from a Lauren McClennand corner-kick.
5-0 and on to the next round.
There’s a bumper Sunday of Connacht Cup action in store this weekend, with an army of Mayo teams involved in Round 2 of the Connacht Junior Cup.
Ballina Town are among the sides who will enjoy home advantage as they face Corrib Celtic in Belleek (ref: Damien McGrath). Iorras Aontaithe host Colemanstown United (ref: Jon Mulroe), Kiltimagh/Knock United entertain Maree/Oranmore (ref: Jimmy Cawley), S&F United welcome Mayo rivals Ballyheane to Green Road (ref: Mick Regan) and Ballyvary Blue Bombers host MCR of Sligo (ref: Ann Sweeney), while the ‘B’ teams of Westport United and Ballyheane are at home to West Coast United and Athenry ‘B’ respectively. Referees for those latter two fixtures are Tom Jennings and Alan English.
Those Mayo teams on the road next Sunday include Ballinrobe Town who visit Castlerea Celtic and Conn Rangers who are away to Corofin United. Castlebar Celtic travel to Galway Hibs, Claremorris are heading to play Shiven Rovers, Manulla visit Ballisodare United while Castlebar Celtic ‘B’ make the journey to St Bernard’s.
There is, however, also one Round 2 fixture taking place next Saturday instead, with Westport United ‘A’ travelling to play Colga FC.
All matches across both days are to kick-off at 2pm.
Castlebar Celtic are flying the flag for Mayo in the FAI Youth Cup at present, with the Hoops set to enjoy home advantage for their third round clash against Askeaton/Kilcornan FC from Limerick this Saturday, November 18. Kick-off at Celtic Park is at 2pm and referee is Eric Eaton.
