Limerick Soccer - Desmond Cup Previews

Frank Nelligan previews all this weekend’s action in the first round of the Desmond Cup.

Weather permitting, seventeen of the twenty-one Desmond Cup first round ties will take place this Sunday. With blanket call-offs for the last three Sundays, it will be harder than usual to make predictions as clubs will be at varying degrees of readiness because of match inactivity.

Newcastle West (Premier) v Broadford United (Premier)

This is without doubt the tie of the round, the holders hosting the League leaders. Broadford won 4-2 at home when the two sides met in the League earlier in the season but Newcastle West have strengthened since, with the return of Shay Lyons, Tony Quaid and Seanie Fitzgerald, the latter having scored the goal in the 1-1 drawn Final against Ballingarry last season and both goals in the 2-0 victory in the replay.

If Fitzgerald re-ignites last season’s successful strike partnership with Seoirse Joyce, it will cause problems for Broadford but the pair haven’t played a competitive game together since Fitzgerald returned. The safe money has to go on Broadford, who have the more settled side and would dearly love to win the Desmond Cup for the first time since 2003.

Forecast: Broadford United

Glin Rovers (Premier) v Athea United (Premier)

Glin Rovers are having a miserable season in the League, with just one win and two draws from ten games. All four home games ended in defeat, which calls into question the potential benefits of home advantage in this tie.

Athea are nicely-placed in joint third and are looking good to survive in the top flight after winning promotion last season. Their prospects for a place in the second round are further enhanced by the fact that they won 4-1 away to Glin in the League.

Forecast: Adare United

Abbeyfeale United (Premier) v Ballingarry B (Division 3)

Abbeyfeale United won 6-1 against Ballingarry A in the third round of the Munster Junior Cup in Clounreask and so it would be a huge shock if they couldn’t get the better of Ballingarry B, who are joint second in Division 3. The Fealesiders will be keen to get back on the winning trail after losing to one of Waterford’s top sides, St. Saviour’s, in a penalty shoot-out in the fourth round of the Munster Junior Cup at the end of January.

Forecast: Abbeyfeale United

Ballingarry (Premier) v Athea United B (Division 2)

Ballingarry enjoyed last season’s run to the Final and would love another lengthy campaign. They are unlikely to be presented with too much of an obstacle by Athea United B, who are joint bottom of Division 2.

Forecast: Ballingarry

Rockhill Rovers (Premier) v Ferry Rangers (Division 2)

One would have feared for Rockhill’s chances if this game had taken place in September or October as they were regularly experiencing heavy defeats at that time. However, they have steadied the ship since and are much more competitive now, certainly to the extent that they should be able to win at home to Ferry Rangers, who are mid-table in Division 2.

Forecast: Rockhill Rovers

Shannonside FC (Premier) v Newcastle West B (Division 2)

Shannonside FC are one of four teams who are in most danger of relegation from the Premier Division. They are a long way off the calibre of the team which won the Desmond Cup two seasons ago but, nevertheless, it would be a surprise if they weren’t able to dispose of Newcastle West B, for whom promotion from Division 2 represents a more attainable target than Desmond Cup glory.

Forecast: Shannonside FC

Creeves Celtic (Division 2) v Carrig Celtic (Premier)

Carrig Celtic can be pleased with the first half of their Premier Division campaign, lying in joint third after suffering only two defeats. Creeves Celtic have also only lost twice in Division 2 but Carrig should benefit from operating at a higher level.

Forecast: Carrig Celtic

Newcastle West Rovers (Division 1) v Kildimo United (Division 1)

Newcastle West Rovers are having a fantastic season, unbeaten in fourteen games in domestic competition, thirteen of them wins. Their only defeat came in the fourth round of the Munster Junior Cup, losing on penalties to Skibereen in Clounreask. They have already won away to Kildimo United in the league but it was a tight affair, decided by the only goal of the match. It’s likely to be another close encounter, with Rovers getting the nod.

Forecast:Newcastle West Rovers

Bally Rovers (Division 3) v Killeaney (Division 1)

Like all local derbies, this should be a keenly-contested affair. By all accounts, Killeaney were quite impressive in their 4-0 victory away to Glantine in the Division 1 League Cup quarter-finals in mid-January and a continuation of that form should them advance against a Bally Rovers side who are challenging for promotion from Division 3.

Forecast: Killeaney

Glantine (Division 1) v Adare United (Division 2)

These sides look destined for mid-table finishes in their respective divisions. Glantine don’t do draws in the league but they might have to go to extra-time to get past Adare United.

Forecast: Glantine

Rathkeale B (Division 1) v Creeves Celtic B (Division 3)

Apart from the 3-0 defeat by Division 1 leaders, Newcastle West Rovers, Rathkeale B have an excellent home record this season, keeping a clean sheet in four of their five victories. They should be able to chalk up another positive entry in the home ledger on Sunday when they host Creeves Celtic B, who are in the bottom half of Division 3.

Forecast: Rathkeale B

Pallaskenry (Division 1) v Askeaton (Division 1)

Having waited a long time to get into Division 1, Pallaskenry look like they might hang onto their status this season. Askeaton, on the other hand, seem set to drop down to Division 2 unless they can engineer a big upturn in their fortunes over the remaining eight games. This will be the first meeting of the sides this season and the mantle of victory is likely to rest with the home team.

Forecast: Pallaskenry

Breska Rovers (Division 1) v Shountrade (Division 3)

Currently two divisions apart, these two sides could be playing in the same Division next season, as Shountrade currently lead Division 3 by five points, while it will take a footballing miracle for Breska Rovers to avoid relegation from Division 1. Shountrade have already got the better of a Division 1 side this season, winning 1-0 at home to Killeaney in the Preliminary Round of the Munster Junior Cup in September. With their confidence high, another scalp is on the cards, possibly after extra-time.

Forecast: Shountrade

Carrig Celtic B (Division 3) v Old Mill (Division 1)

Old Mill have found victories hard to come by in Division 1 and so should relish the opportunity to get the better of Division 3 mid-table side, Carrig Celtic B.

Forecast: Old Mill

Feenagh (Division 2) v Ballysteen (Division 2)

These sides are at opposite ends of the Division 2 table. Feenagh are four points clear at the top, while Ballysteen are joint last. There appears to be no reason to believe that League form will be reversed.

Forecast: Feenagh

Shannonside FC B (Division 3) v Kilcornan (Division 2)

Shannonside FC B have the unwanted distinction of being last of all 42 teams in the League. Kilcornan are making a serious push for promotion from Division 2.

Forecast: Kilcornan

St. Ita’s B (Division 3) v Broadford United B (Division 3)

St. Ita’s B will have to double their number victories for the season if they are to have bragging rights after this local derby.

Forecast: Broadford United B