Junior soccer makes its grand comeback

By Stuart Tynan

JUNIOR soccer made its return over the weekend with the Calor Gas Super Cup and Premier Cup getting underway.

There was plenty of goals and entertainment on show as well as a few shocks along the way. The volunteers at all clubs deserve great credit for ensuring it could return across all the grounds, with social distancing and numbers being strictly followed.

The big tie of the opening round of the Super Cup was the meeting of holders Ballina Town and league champions Castlebar Celtic. And it was Ballina who came out on top, winning 2-1 with goals from Brendan Lavelle and Jamie Cawley, to keep their four-in-a-row aspirations intact.

Westport United warmed up nicely for their Junior Cup quarter-final tie against Oliver Bond Celtic this Sunday with a huge 8-1 win over Ballyglass.

The shock of the round was newly-promoted Glenhest Rovers dumping out last seasons cup finalists Manulla with Cathal Chambers netting the winner for the hosts.

Ballyheane showed tremendous character to come from a goal behind and a man down to beat Straide & Foxford United while Snugboro United and Claremorris also enjoyed big wins over Ballyhaunis Town and Swinford respectively to advance.

In the Premier Cup, holders Conn Rangers survived a scare from Kiltimagh/Knock United B before advancing with a 5-2 win, while KK's A side, finalists last season, overcame Iorras Aontaithe 2-0 in CMS Park.

The game of the round was Westport United B's seven-goal thriller against Achill Rovers, with Conor Calvey netting the winner for Westport.

Connaught Shield champions Killala were within seconds of being dumped out by League Two side Conn Rangers B but Killala goalkeeper Danny Gallagher came to his sides rescue, saving three penalties in the shootout to push his side through.

Partry Athletic just edged out Kilmore while there were big wins also for Moy Villa, Castlebar Celtic B and Claremorris B.

*We will have reports from all Super Cup games in tomorrow's print edition.*