Ballydehob remain top of premier league

Ballydehob maintained their recent run of impressive league form with a thrilling 4-3 home win over title rivals Skibbereen at Rathravane last Sunday morning, to regain top spot in the premier league.

Skibb playing with the aid of the strong wind started the game in blistering fashion storming into a three goal lead within the opening nineteen minutes following goals from John Hodnett, Alan Tanner and J.P. Reen. Ballydehob pulled a goal back on 21 minutes when Mark Cronin availed of good approach work from Colm O’Donovan and Colin O’Brien. The afore-mentioned Colin O’Brien further reduced the deficit after 60 minutes to set up a grandstand finale.

Ballydehob restored parity in fortuitous circumstances when long serving Skibbereen full back James Reen put through his own goal after a defensive mix-up with a header on 68 minutes. Ballydehob clinched a terrific comeback when a long range Mark Cronin free kick which appeared to take a slight deflection landed in the net with only three minutes remaining to secure a hard fought three points for the Hob.

This victory keeps Ballydehob at the summit of the premier league table two points clear of reigning champions Drinagh Rangers who ground out a hard fought 2-1 away win against ten man Crossmahon. Barry O’Driscoll and super sub, Darragh Connolly with a goal in the 86th minute were on target for Drinagh who are still unbeaten thus far this season and have the added advantage of a game in hand on league leaders Ballydehob. Daniel Twomey struck the equalising Crossmahon goal in the 81st minute but they will bemoan their inability to convert from the penalty spot as they missed a spot kick for the second week in succession.

Dunmanway continued their indifferent start to the league campaign with a 2-2 away draw aginst Clonakilty AFC. Jerry McCarthy and Declan O’Dwyer were on target for Dunmanway Town who remain in third place in the table four points behind Ballydehob. Michael Ardelli and Noel Jordan struck for the home team. Bunratty and Leeside shared the spoils after a four goal thriller played in Town Park last Sunday.

impact

Jason Nyhan and centre half Shane O’Neill who has made a big impact since joining Bunratty this summer were on the scoresheet for the home team. Colin Tanner and an own goal replied for Leeside to enable them secure their first point of the season. Ardfield also collected their first point of the season when they were held to a scoreless draw by newly promoted Togher Celtic. Ardfield and Leeside however remain stranded at the bottom of the table with one point garnered out of a possible eighteen thus far.

In the First Division Molaga Celtic maintained their bright start to the season with a hard fought 2-1 away win against Bantry Gunners to retain second place in the league whilst reducing the arrears to five points on league leaders Rosscarbery FC but Celtic have the advantage of a game in hand as the two promoted teams continued to set the pace thus far this season. Brian Hennessy continued his recent prolific form with his third goal in three successive games and Edward Long were on target for Molaga. Killian Crowley replied with a consolation goal for Bantry Gunners.

Droumree Dynamos moved up to third place in the league courtesy of a hard fought 2-1 away win against Clonakilty AFC. Martin Kelleher and Olan Murphy struck for Dynamos who trail Rosscarbery by ten points and have three games in hand as they seek to mount a sustained bid for promotion. Alan Murphy was on target for Clonakilty AFC who have endured a poor start to the season and will have to embark on a good run of results if they are to get back into contention for promotion. Clonakilty AFC possess the personnel but lack the required consistency to win games on a regular basis.

Bay Rovers cruised to a comfortable 4-2 home win over Lyre to secure their second win of the season whilst ensuring Lyre remain rooted at the wrong end of the table. Philip Clifford, Stephen Hayden, Johnny McCarthy and Shaun O’Sullivan struck for Rovers who for a variety of reasons have only played three games thus far this season. Daniel Barrett and Tim Calnan replied with consolation goals for Lyre who face a long hard struggle to maintain their division one status for next season.

Crookstown maintained their impressive winning record thus far this season courtesy of a comprehensive 4-1 away win against Courtmacsherry to make it eight wins out of eight in the second division. Mark Burns, Finbarr Crowley (four in three for the in-form attacker), Dermot Desmond and young ace David O’Halloran whose inspired early season form has reportedly caught the attention of various cross-channel scouts. Martin Curran was on target for Courtmacsherry. Baltimore FC maintained their relentless pursuit of Crookstown despite a laboured 2-0 home win against Harbour United. Sean Casey and Gavin Kiely struck for the Crabs who remain in second place five points behind the league leaders.

Cloughduv moved into third place in the league table courtesy of a hard fought 1-0 home win against Drinagh Rangers B. Pat O’Sullivan was the hero with his solitary goal ensuring the three points for Cloughduv. Sullane secured a comfortable 3-0 home win over Mizen AFC to move into fourth place. P. Clifford and a brace from Conor Lynch were on the scoresheet for Sullane.

Dunmanway Town romped to a facile 6-1 away win against Clonakilty AFC B. Johnny Hurley and Darren Kelly grabbed two goals apiece with D. Keane and A. O’Sullivan also scoring goals. C. McCaffrey struck the lone reply for the home team who along with Harbour United have yet to register a league point thus far this season. Castlelack got back to winning ways with a 2-1 home win against Durrus. Terrence Cronin and Cian Ryan with the goals for the home team. Adam Sheehan was on target for Durrus who have slipped to consecutive defeats in their last two games.

There were two games played in the ladies league last Sunday. Reigning champions Bandon Ladies ground out a hard fought 2-1 away win against Knockavilla Ladies to maintain their 100% record so far this season. Caroline O’Driscoll and Patricia Quinn struck for the back-to-back league champions. K. McCarthy was on target for Knockavilla. Drinagh Ladies seeking to win their first league title in three seasons remain hot on the heels of Bandon Ladies courtesy of a stunning 4-0 home win over Lyre Rovers Ladies. Ber O’Regan with a hat-trick and Catriona Moloney struck for Drinagh to retain second place in the league table three points behind the defending champions.

There is a full complement of league games down for decision throughout the various divisions next weekend as the league table continues to take shape, whilst the O’Herlihy Bacon under-18 league resumes again next weekend after a break for cup action with the clash of rivals Drinagh and Togher Celtic the highlight. Drinagh Rangers enjoy a great record over Togher Celtic having pipped them to league and cup glory over the last two seasons. Four West Cork teams are in action in the second round of the Umbro FAI Junior Cup next Sunday. First division side, Kilmichael Rovers who have struggled for form this season travel to play Coachford B FC.

Premier league outfit, Skibbereen will be hoping to bounce back after last Sunday’s league disappointment against Ballydehob, are scheduled to entertain Shanbally based outfit Hibernians but undoubtedly the tie of the round is the all premier league clash between Clonakilty AFC and Drinagh Rangers. Both these teams are renowned for their prowess in cup competitions with the winner of this clash becoming realistic contenders for Junior Cup glory.
Source southernstar.ie