While undefeated Manhattan Celtic inched a step closer to the Second Division title last Sunday with their 11th straight win, Shamrock picked up three vital points in their fight against relegation.
Austin McCann and player-coach Freddie Etsiakoh scored as Celtics blanked Stal Mielec 2-0 in their top-of-the-table clash at Brooklyn’s McCarren Park. The Celts [11-0, 33] moved five points clear of Mielec [9-2-1, 28] while extending their 100 percent record to a remarkable 11 games.
SHAMROCK REVIVAL
Sean Riley [15th] and new signings Pablo Celis [60th] and Dani Gonzalez [75th] lifted Shamrock off the bottom rung on the Second Division table with a 3-0 defeat of Central Park Rangers on Randalls.
“We’re delighted!” enthused assistant coach Glen Wrafter.
Shamrock [2-8-2, 8] climbed out of last place and to within a point of safety.
COPS SHACKLED
Earlier on Randalls Island, Paddy McCarry’s Shamrock Over-30s had dispatched NYPD 2-0.
Skipper Stevie Doyle, off a Bingo O’Driscoll assist [60th] and Michael Bishop [62nd], who buried a Brian O’Connor flick-on, had secured the win with two quick fire goals. The result kept the Over-30s [7-4-1, 22] in first place in Div. One [West].
“A team effort, from start to finish,” said McCarry, who named midfielder Brendan O’Donohue Man of the Match.
BHOYS TIE
Goalie Andrew Tetar was the Lansdowne Bhoys hero in a 0-0 tie with CSL champions Pancyprian Freedoms at Aviators Sports Complex.
Tetar pulled off two fantastic saves -- one from a penalty -- in a pulsating first half. Lansdowne’s Austin Friel, meanwhile, had two efforts cleared off the line.
“End to end stuff. A draw was a fair result,” said Bhoys coach Kevin Grogan.
CORR SCORCHER
Aiden Corr’s 11th minute scorcher into the top corner from outside the box inspired a 3-1 Lansdowne victory in the reserve fixture.
Substitute Robbie “The Touch” Green [35th] got the second goal three minutes after his introduction while Brazilian Neil Alexander sealed it on the hour. Alexander and fellow linkman Seamus McDaid were outstanding.
Elsewhere, Darren McDermott and Martin Hughes tallied for Lansdowne’s Metro Div. Two side in a 2-2 draw with Europa FC.
