Borroway go joint-top

By Gary Culbert

Premier Division

Ballymackey 1-2 Borroway Rovers

Borroway Rovers went joint top of the NT&DL Pemier Division on Sunday after grinding out a 2-1 win away to Ballymackey.

The Thurles side were depleted on the day but threatened throughout to latch onto through ball passes over the host’s rearguard. Having been caught offside on numerous occasions in the opening ten minutes, David Burke would not be denied on the quarter hour, the wiry, demanding striker latched onto a fabulous trivela pass from the halfway line by captain Shane Dunne before cooly lobbing Brendan Hayes from all of thirty yards. Ballymackey did not heed the warning signs and were punished for playing a high line.

This game was far from a classic as both sides were missing some influential players in attack, but even aside from his well-taken goal it was evident that David Burke was the standout player on the field; he looked very fired up and determined in the tackle, but also produced some silky flicks to bring his teammates into play.

Ballymackey drew level ten minutes into the second half when Adam McAuliffe struck a free kick from all of thirty yards. The goalkeeper probably should have done better, but even still it was a fine piece of skill from the left footed youngster.

Paul Gould’s charges regained the lead on the hour mark and never looked back. The goal came when Borroway won the ball back in the centre of the field and played it into David Burke’s feet. The player of the match then educated Damien Bergin on why you should not mark a striker too closely, by taking the ball on the half turn and using his strength to roll the centre back and send him flying to the floor all in one movement. Burke stole in before cutting back inside and unleashing a powerful left footed shot past the keeper.

The win sends Borroway joint top with BT Harps, but the real test comes next week when they host a Killavilla United side that have not seen match action in some time. A win is badly needed for the Roscrea side to stay a threat in this title race.

Clodiagh Rangers 1-2 Arra Rovers

Holders Arra Rovers maintained their hopes of a title defence with a 2-1 win away to Clodiagh Rangers on Sunday.

The visitors went in front in the fifth minute courtesy of Conor Ryan, and Diarmuid O’Donoghue doubled the lake-sider’s advantage shortly after an hour was played. MJ Carroll got Clodiagh back in it in the 70th minute, but the relegation threatened side just could not find a way past an inspired Kevin O’Halloran in the Arra goal.

Division 1

Shinrone hosted Borrisokane in Birr on Saturday night as the visitors struck three second half goals to clash a share of the spoils. A brace from DJ McLoughlin and a Darragh Cleary strike had the Offaly side three to the good at the break, but second half goal from Barry Ryan, Luke Quigley and Andrew Nevin saw the teams level before Borris missed a penalty to win it late on.

Next up for the relegation threatened Borrisokane is a home tie against local rivals Cloughjordan, which is always a fiery affair.

Cloughjordan’s promotion push was dealt a massive blow on Sunday when Holycross title rivals Holycross came to Tierney Park and stole all three points.

The home side had more chances, but the visitors played the better football through the thirds and took their chances well. Bill Maher and Seanie Comerford netted for Holycross, whilst Ben Slattery impressed in his new central attacking midfield role.

Sallypark made light work of the visiting Moneygall on Sunday morning. It was tied at the break, but a trio of substitutions weakened the Offaly side and that is when ‘The Park struck. Bryan McGee and Brian Duffy did the damage, whilst Alan Flynn was the player of the match. Next up for the title chasers is a tricky away day in Galway against Portumna Town.

The biggest shock of the weekend was Birdhill’s revival against Portumna. Week after week ‘the Birds have lost on big scorelines, but the return of some of the Floyd clan on Sunday saw Portumna have to fight hard to come from 4-1 down to draw 5-5.

Brian Tobin netted two for the hosts, whilst Keith Hogan, Jack Delahunty and Cathal Floyd all shipped in with a goal apiece. Portumna netted through a brace each by Davey O’Meara and Neil Connelly, whilst Alan O’Meara rounded off the scoring.