United in victory again

DEFEAT for Westport United at home to Manulla on Sunday – although officially an away fixture – would probably only have delayed the inevitable as they closed in on the Super League title.

But such an outcome never looked remotely possible once Phil Keegan had given his side the lead after just six minutes of a game in which United looked threatening every time they attacked.

And attack they did, scoring eight goals in total, the fourth of which took them to 100 in all competitions for the season.

That came at the start of the second half when United probably needed a boost after faltering a bit towards the end of the first half.

Following Keegan’s goal, David Hoban made it 2-0 with a tap in on 13 minutes and Pat Fitzgerald scored the third before half an hour had gone, Manulla ‘keeper Ian Durkan seeing red in the same incident for foul and abusive language towards the match referee.

But Manulla regrouped, putting Matthew Flanagan between the posts, and they looked a better team for the final 15 minutes of the half, even pulling a goal back when Mark Mongan smashed the loose ball to the net when Enda McGahon’s initial free from a couple of yards – awarded for an alleged back pass by Martin Geraghty that was picked up by Westport ‘keeper Gary Cunningham – was blocked away.

Matthew Nolan rolled the ball to net soon after when Cunningham spilled, but this time the free kick went Westport’s way and the goal was disallowed.
The break suited Westport and soon after the resumption they were back in total command, Hoban with his second goal following Danny Scahill’s quick throw-in on the right.

Almost immediately Fitzgerald made it 5-1, and the title was wrapped up – it was just a question of how many goals there would be.

In the event there were four more, one for Manulla – a nice half-volley by Nolan following penetrating play by Keelan McDonnell – and three for Westport, Hoban completing his hat trick before Jamie Fallon and substitute Kevin Joyce scored a couple late on as the Westport players started to enjoy the occasion.

Next up for Westport is a Connacht Gold Cup semi-final against old rivals Castlebar Celtic on Sunday, who won 4-1 against Charlestown Athletic in the league at the weekend.

Manulla: I. Durkan, P. Basquille, K. McDonnell, C. Byrne, P. Canavan, B. Freyne, E. McGahon, M. Flanagan, M. Nolan, G. Canavan, M. Mongan.
Subs used: S. Durkan, J. Hennelly.

Westport United: G. Cunningham, S. Tagg, C. Cameron, J. Lawless, M. Geraghty, D. Cameron, P. Keegan, D. Scahill, D. Hoban, P. Fitzgerald, J. Fallon.
Subs used: P. Moran, K. Joyce, J.P. O’Gorman.