St Peter's lay down the challenge to the champions

ST PETER’S gave an early indication that they could be serious challengers for this year’s Combined Counties League Senior Division following a 1-1 draw against the champions Willow Park at McCarthy Park last night (Wednesday).

Willow took the lead in the opening half through Robbie Shine but St Peter’s found an equaliser thanks to the former Athlone Town striker Noel McGee. Both sides had a player sent-off in the contest and each have four points from their opening two fixtures.

Elsewhere last night, Mullingar Athletic suffered their second straight defeat of the season when losing at home to Clara Town. Athletic pushed Willow Park all the way in pursuit of last season’s title but their early form this season, which also saw them lose at Arlington on the opening day, would suggest they might find it difficult to mount a title challenge this year. Meanwhile, the scheduled meeting of Athlone sides Monksland Utd and Melville Utd was postponed due to a bereavement.

This coming weekend, neither St Peter’s or Willow Park will be in league action. Willow travel to play Galty Celtic in the first round of the Leinster Senior Cup while St Peter’s are idle. Melville Utd will be looking for a maiden win of the season after losing their first fixture against CK United. Melville host Arlington this Sunday with kick-off scheduled for Sarsfield Park at 2pm.

For full report from the St Peter's v Willow Park match and results and fixtures from the CCFL, see next Wednesday's edition of the Westmeath Independent.