Limerick District League mid-week junior soccer preview

THE Limerick District League's Premier League continues apace this Thursday evening with joint leaders Regional Utd hosting in-form Pike Rovers.

Regional Utd were hit with a raft of defections from last year’s squad, but they have responded well with a number of personnel successfully making the step up.

A 2-1 win over Ballynanty Rvs last weekend will have boosted morale even further.

Pike followed up their 3-0 win over Aisling with a 7-1 win over Newport last Sunday.

Joint leaders Mungret Reg will be looking for a bounce back after the disappointment of defeat to Fairview Rgs last Sunday.

Paul Danaher’s side were winning when reduced to ten men allowing Fairview to gain the upper hand.

On Sunday they host a Nenagh AFC side who come into the tie on the back of a good win over Carew Park last Sunday.

Champions Aisling Annacotty enter Thursday’s game with Janesboro on the back of two consecutive defeats.

After losing to Pike, many felt Aisling would bounce back immediately when facing Hyde last Sunday. However, a 1-0 defeat to the Maroon and Blues, puts more pressure on the side.

If they click, Boro could pay the price, but Mike Ahern’s side have shown a steeliness to date which could make them no pushover.

Fairview Rgs will be relieved to have secured the points last Sunday versus Mungret and tomorrow make the trip across town to take on Ballynanty Rovers.

Balla have had an iffy start to their campaign but are never an easy mark for any visiting side.

Newport are without a win to date and tomorrow evening host Hyde Rgs A, who are chasing their fourth win of the season.

The Tipperary side have had little luck with injuries but will see this as an opportunity to get off the mark.

Hyde have been adjusting nicely but they should take nothing for granted in this one. A performance matching the effort of last week’s Aisling tie may be required.

Carew Park are finding life difficult this season and they meet a Geraldines side who will have the B team members available midweek.

On Sunday Aisling Annacotty will be vying for a place in the final of the Munster Champions Cup when they host Waterford side Villa FC in Annacotty.

The FAI Junior Cup kicks off on Sunday and while all the big guns appear to have avoided each other, there are still a few interesting ties on offer.

The pick of the round is Star Rovers v Pike Rovers in Lee Estate.

Star Rvs are going well in Division 1A and while they have no real aspirations in the tournament, they will enjoy the challenge that Pike pose.

A large crowd cheering on the home side could make for a cracking cup tie but Star enter the tie more in hope than expectation.

Shelbourne will enjoy hosting Fairview Rangers while Holycross will have a sneaky idea of toppling Nenagh AFC.

Mungret Regional and Newport Town travel to Lisnagry and Croom United respectively while Newtown Rovers host Janesboro. A struggling Coonagh United side welcome Regional United while Parkville welcome Geraldines.

The other Premier side are Hyde Rangers who welcome Brazuca United to Hyde Park.

The FAI U17 Cup also kicks off with the big game pitting neighbours Pike Rvs and Geraldines.