Crucial weekend of Limerick District League junior soccer action ahead

THE Limerick District League's Premier League is down to its final game on Saturday and for the first time in a long season we now have a clear picture of the permutations.

The main observation is that Aisling Annacotty will be crowned champions if they win their final game at Newport.

Assuming Pike win their final game with Geraldines, then a draw between Newport and Aisling would require a league play off between Aisling and Pike.

The other possibility is a win for Pike and a defeat for Aisling which would see the Feran Mullally Trophy remain at the Pike Club for another year.

So, it’s all to play for and the ball in in Aisling’s court.

Newport will provide a stiff test for John Lysaght’s men but Annacotty have been dealing with such tests all season. After a great start to the season in which they won seven games on the trot, Aisling suffered a little hiccup with consecutive defeats to Regional and Pike Rvs.

They regrouped and have since chalked up eleven straight wins to leave them top of the pile. The influx of a number of younger players from the College has boosted the side no end.

It would be a momentous occasion for Aisling to get their name on the Premier trohy for the first time in their history.
Hoping for an Aisling slip up will be Pike Rvs who will be fancied to deal with the challenge posed by Geraldines.

The Hoops privately accept that they don’t expect a second chance but will be prepared in case.

The Premier A Cup Final promises to be an exciting affair on Saturday evening when the leagues top two sides, Janesboro and Hyde Rgs will battle it out for the Healy-Webb Cup.

The sides have met twice this season with both recording a win apiece.

Hyde front runners have been prolific this season but they face the vastly experience Thomas Clarke blocking their path to goal.

‘Boro come into the tie having secured their passage back to the top flight for next season and also have a Lawson Cup semi final date in the coming week, so they are full of confidence.

Hyde Rgs will have to wait for their final game to see if they can secure promotion but they have shown this season that they are enjoy the pressure of cup fare.

It’s a pity it will clash with the Premier League climax but will still draw a good crowd for what should be worth a visit.

In other weekend action, Regional Utd welcome Star Rvs in the Division 1A Cup while the Division 2A League is winding down with leaders Herbertstown visiting Pike Rvs and Shels on the road to Abbey Rvs.

Another crucial game is the clash of Division 3B leaders, Corbally Utd C and Lough Derg.

The Under 17 Div Two Cup Final is fixed for Jackman Park on Thursday evening when Pike Rvs will be chasing the league and cup double when they cross swords with Mungret Reg.

In other Thursday action, Aisling Annacotty will be crowned Division 1B League Champions if they can beat Castle Rvs and in the Div 1A Cup Ballylanders host Pallasgreen.

Division 3B has three teams locked at the top of the table with two games remaining.

The penultimate round of games sees Cals and Corbally C away to Caherdavin Celtic and Herbertstown respectively while the other leading club, Lough Derg fresh from their Divisional Cup victory welcome Hill Celtic.