On Sunday it was Pajo Rafferty who was the hat-trick for the defending champions Drumoghill in their 3-0 win against Convoy Arsenal.
Drumoghill FC 3 Kilmacrennan Celtic 0
With Rafferty unable to make kick-off time due to work commitments it was left to big Liam O’Donnell to lead the home attack and he did so in style, replicating the striker’s treble in this vital win over a hard working Kilmacrennan Celtic last night.
The home side dominated the early exchanges but could only create a number of half chances as the visitors defended well and keeper Jason Hegarty handled well from both shots and crosses.
In fact it was the visitors who had the first real chance, when in the 31th minute a couple of quick inter-change passes between Ryan Shields and Chris Dillon put Edwin Doherty through but his goal-bound shot was brilliantly blocked by the advancing Michael Toner.
That let-off seems to spur Drumoghill and the took the lead five minutes later when a combination of Jay Dee, Terence Shields and Chris Malseed set up Liam O Donnell who poked the ball in from close range.
Just before the break Malseed went close with a header and Liam O Donnell did likewise from a Shields corner just after the break.
It was 2-0 in the 58th minute and in some style, Jay Dee’s super through ball found Gerard ‘Zola’ Mc Granaghan who slotted the ball into the path of O Donnell who tapped home from six yards.
The home side wrapped it up in the 73rd minute when sub Rafferty played a super through ball which O Donnell flicked over the advancing Hegarty to complete a well taken hat-trick and keep alive the champions hopes of retaining their title.
So the title race in down to the final two games with three teams in contention.
If current leaders Glenea United (31 points) win their remaining two games against Kilmacrennan (away) and Rathmullan (home ) they will take the title. Lagan Harps (30 points) have away games in Drumoghill and St.Catherines, while as well as hosting Lagan in their final game Drumoghill have to travel to meet Kildrum this weekend.
Anythings can happen at this stage of the season but it would seem that it’s Glenea to lose, but who knows.
