​Carnbane League Round-up: The two Hoops can’t be split in important title race clash

Premier Division

Newry Celtic 1 Cleary Celtic 1

Newry Celtic remain top of the Premier Division by four points, but it could have been an even greater margin, had they held on for the win at Artie Green Park.

Caolan Gray scored the only goal of the first half on 37 minutes, and that appeared as though it was going to be enough.

But Cleary – who had new signing Daniel Hughes amongst their ranks – were awarded a stoppage time penalty which was duly dispatched by Neil Barr, which keeps them just four points off top spot, with a game in hand.

Late winner for Camlough

Camlough Rovers 3 Archview United 2

Like Cleary Celtic, Camlough Rovers benefitted from a late penalty, with this one seeing them claim the win.

All five goals came after half-time, with Camlough’s Adam Loughran and Euan McKeown scoring either side of a Marty Havern finish.

Havern hit the target again on 86 minutes, and must have thought that he had earned his side a point, but Camlough were awarded a late penalty which was finished by Loughran to seal the win.

Millburn come from behind to win

Greenfield Park 2 Millburn United 3

Millburn United came out on top in a thrilling contest against Greenfield Park at Jennings Park.

Referee Charlie Broughton was busy, as he dished out red cards for Greenfield’s Stephen McDermott and Millburn’s Ben Breen.

Millburn trailed 2-1, but late goals from Patrick McNulty and Aidan Fitzpatrick secured them the win.

Early goals enough for Rovers

Rossowen 1 Villa Rovers 2

A fast start was enough for Villa Rovers to claim all three points on Saturday.

Goals from Kyle Brennan and Aaron Devlin had them 2-0 ahead after just 21 minutes. Although Conor Doyle pulled one back for the hosts, it wasn’t enough and Villa saw out the win.

Division 1

Morgan is the hero for Ashgrove

Ashgrove Rovers 3 Parkview 2

Ashgrove Rovers overcame Parkview in dramatic circumstances at Olympic Park on Saturday.

They had led 2-0, but after losing Joshua Madigan to a red card, and seeing Parkview equalise on 89 minutes, they must have thought that the points were going to be dropped. That was until substitute Kealan Morgan stepped up with a last-minute winner, and he was the hero for his side.

Church Street too strong for the Bridge

Church Street 4 Mayobridge 1

Church Street were in fine form on Saturday, as they breezed to a 4-1 win over Mayobridge.

Kieran Slim, Sean Bailey (two) and Oran Loughran all found the net for the victors, with Keelan McEvoy’s goal for the ‘bridge a mere consolation.

Ballyholland are on song

Newry Rovers 0 Ballyholland 4

Despite being a scoreless draw at half-time, Ballyholland were in their groove in the second 45 minutes against Newry Rovers, as they hit four goals with no reply.

Conor Carlon, Niall Fegan (two) and Michael Rocks all found the net for the winning side. Fegan has found the net at least once, in five straight league games.

Cartwheel claim impressive win

Orchard United 1 Cartwheel United 2

Second-placed Orchard United missed a chance to close the gap at the top of the league, as they lost against Cartwheel United at Clonallon Park.

It has been a difficult season for Cartwheel, as this was just their third win in 14 league games, but having shown what they’re capable of on Saturday, they will be hoping to finish out the season in strong form.

Ballybot held at Barley Field

Ballybot United 0 Lisdrum Youth 0

It has been a superb year for Division 1 league leaders Ballybot United, but they dropped points for just the fourth time this season at home to Lisdrum Youth.