Celtic reignite title hopes with emphatic win

Elsewhere in the Premier Division, Oxford defeated Don Bosco’s while Lisahally came out on top against Culmore.

Meanwhile, in the first round of the McAlinden Cup, Brandywell Harps progressed at the expense of Campbell’s.

Results - Premier Division; Top of the Hill Celtic 6, Phoenix 1; Don Bosco’s 1, Oxford 2; Lisahally 4, Culmore 3; Devlin Motors McAlinden Cup first round - Brandywell Harps 2, Campbell’s 1.

Premier Division

Lisahally. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Culmore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Lisahally got off to a quick start by scoring two early goals.

Harkin scored the first with a well taken shot into the bottom corner.

Joe Robertson then scored a tap-in from close range.

Culmore got back on level terms with goals from Harkin and Roberts. Harkin then scored his second to give Culmore the lead. Lisahally changed things around at half-time and put goalscorer, Joe Robertson, in nets. He kept a clean sheet, allowing Barrow and Gallagher to score and win the game for Lisahally.

McAlinden Cup

Brandywell Harps . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Campbell’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Brandywell Harps began the game determined to avenge their defeat to Campbell’s in the league and they were presented with a few early opportunities but McConway in the Campbell’s goal held firm.

After 10 minutes, a great move involving Collett and Boyle allowed the latter to open the scoring for the Waterside men. This only seemed to spur the Harps on and they deservedly drew level when a corner swung in by Mullan was met sweetly by Ryan Toland to power the header home.Harps remained on the offensive and should have added to the scoring but the half ended all square at 1-1.The second half began as the first ended with Harps on the attack.

Mullan’s rasping shot was somehow kept out by McConway. McCourt and McConnell also spurned decent chances but Harps remained focussed and determined to get the winner. And, after 75 minutes they got their reward. Great play between the excellent Tommy McBride and young McCourt led to the latter swinging in a lovely cross for debutant Sean McConnell to power the header into the top corner.All in all, this was a comfortable win for the Harps and they march onto the next round where they play Don Bosco’s.