Carbury survived a late scare from Sligo Southern Hotel Super League leaders Ballisodare United on Friday night, coming away with a 2-1 win from a tight game under the lights at MacSharry Park.

The game was locked at 0-0 at half-time with neither side able to find an opener in the first 45 minutes.

Carbury hit Ballisodare for two in the second-half, and a late penalty from Ballisodare came too late as the reigning champions made it three league wins on the bounce.

Ballisodare United have been impressive at the start of the 2024/25 season, and were leading the way at the top of the table with four wins from their opening five games, before Friday night’s defeat.

Carbury have enjoyed an unbeaten start to the season, and last Sunday’s comfortable 5-1 win over Aughanagh gave Damien Dunleavy’s side a second win in three league games.

They were made to work hard for this victory, and a brilliant save from Jack Teape in Carbury’s goals on 22 minutes kept out Gary Anderson’s free from the edge of the box as the Carbury netminder had to tip it over the bar.

Jordan Harte’s effort was saved by the Ballisodare goalkeeper after lovely build-up play involving the impressive Zach Gilligan and Donagh Crowne among others.

Kyle Cawley headed over on 38 minutes, before Ballisodare’s Dooner headed over with his back to goal.

Paul Scanlon’s curling effort in added time at the end of the half looked as though it might dip in, but it was just inches away from finding the top corner.

Carbury thought they found the net in the second-half, as James Heraghty’s ball into the box caused problems for Ballisodare.

As Scanlon went to clear the ball off the line, it hit off the keeper and back, before Ballisodare eventually cleared it.

Shortly after the hour mark, Carbury went ahead in somewhat fortunate circumstances.

Rian Gorman’s ball into the box wasn’t cleared by Ballisodare, and Kyle Cawley was on hand to tap it in.

Ten minutes later, in freezing conditions, Gorman made it 2-0.

And deep into additional time at the end of the 90, Darragh Healy’s penalty halved the deficit, but didn’t impact the outcome as Carbury came away with all three points.

Up next is a trip to Ballymote on Sunday, December 1st when we take on Ballymote Celtic.

Team: Jack Teape, Bradley Fowley, Rian Gorman, Kyle Cawley (Ciaran O’Boyle, 90), David Brick, James Heraghty (Aaron Perry, 70), Ross McLoughlin, Steven Armstrong, Jordan Harte, Donagh Crowne (Rondnely Antunez, 80), Zach Gilligan.

Referee: Declan Basquille.