Crumlin stay in title chase
CRUMLIN United preserved their slim hopes of catching current Leinster Senior League leaders Bluebell United after clinching a 1-0 victory over their near neighbours at home recently.
Blair Mandiangu served up the decisive score in the 88th minute after he got in on the end of Alan McGreal’s corner kick to see it home at the far post and cut the gap separating them from the table toppers to 11 points with a match in hand.
Martin Loughran’s side could have doubled their winning margin soon after when McGreal put Graham Zambra through, but his attempted lob dipped just wide.
Crumlin turned on the heat in the opening half, McGreal going very close to an opener when his effort was parried by Bluebell netminder Alan McNulty who had to also react fast when the loose ball almost squirmed under his body.
At the other end Crumlin goalkeeper Michael Quinn was tested by Sean Byrne’s effort, but proved up to the task.
The win went some way to avenging Crumlin’s heavy 4-1 loss to Bluebell back in September and saw them return to winning ways after having been held to a 1-1 draw by defending champions St Mochtas.
That same day Crumlin’s Under 19s booked their place in the final of the Larry Dunne Cup following a 3-1 victory over local rivals Bangor Celtic in Pearse Park.
Brian Savola accounted for both goals that helped set up a clash with St Kevin’s Boys in this year’s decider, which takes place in the Iveagh Grounds on May 13.
The club’s Major Saturday outfit also reached the last four of the Noel Ryan Cup following their 2-1 win over Malahide United last week.
They play either St Patrick’s CYFC or Colepark United in the penultimate rounds.
