Five-star Fairview Rangers boost Limerick DL Premier Division title hopes with big win over Pike Rovers

LIMERICK DISTRICT LEAGUE PREMIER DIVISION:

Pike Rovers 1 Fairview Rangers 5

FAIRVIEW Rgs have taken a huge step in their quest to close a 22-year gap by becoming Limerick District League Premier Division champions, following a 5-1 win over nearest challengers and arch rivals Pike Rvs on Saturday evening.

The Blues picked the ideal evening to turn in their best display of the season. They were awesome on the night and but for a number of superb saves by Gary Neville, it was scary to think what the final result could have been.

If Fairview superb on the night, Pike Rvs were the opposite. In an error strewn performance, they were lethargic from the off and with the Premier League title still up for grabs, they lacked the fight you’ve come to expect from the club in big games.

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Despite the miserable conditions, a fine crowd turned out and got an idea early on what to expect when Shane Duggan’s goal bound shot was blocked by Mike Morrisey.

It only took the visitors another few minutes to open the scoring when Cian McNamara headed home unchallenged from Oleg Vysochan’s cross.

Fairview doubled their lead when Danny O’Neill delivered an inswinging corner to the front post where Gbadebo Habideen ran across keeper Gary Neville’s line and the ball squirmed into the net.

At the other end Leon Kirrane went close for Pike while Neville had to go full length to turn away Vysochan’s shot.

After the break, Pike tried to up the tempo and went close when Eoin Duff fired just wide from an acute angle.

However, the home side’s will was dented further when Cian McNamara showed good strength to win possession and poke the ball past the advancing keeper to make it 3-0.

Again, Pike offered little in threat bar a snap shot from Duhig that was just over.

Fairview’s response forced Neville into goal line saves from Vysochan, Jason Cross and a remarkable treble save to keep out Brian Aherne and Jeffery Judge.

Pike got a glimmer of hope when the hard-working Colin Daly blasted through a crowded goalmouth to make it 3-1.

Pike’s hopes that were going to make another comeback from being 3-0 down to Fairview were soon dashed however Gbadebo Habideen showed a clean pair of heels to the Pike defence to race onto Duggan’s through ball to make it 4-1.

Pike’s agony came to a close after Shane Carmody played Adam Dore in to score into an empty net.

Pike have a small matter of a Munster Junior Cup final coming up and need to get the heads up quickly to prepare. Coing into that game with a different mindset still gives them a great chance of Provincial success.

Fairview also have an FAI final in the offing but they look like a team determined to get the distraction of the league out of the way asap to allow them focus on that little matter.

Their five remaining games are Janesboro, Aisling, Balla, Nenagh and Newport.  

Pike Rovers: Gary Neville; Scott Kirwin; Eddie O'Donovan; Adam Lipper; Eoin Hanrahan; Mike Morrissey; Colin Daly; Leon Kirrane; Kyle Duhig; Kieran Hanlon; Eoin Duff. Sub: Dylan Murphy; Dylan Kelly-Higgins; Ben Kennedy; Seamus Carroll.

Fairview Rgs: Josh McCarthy GK; Danny O'Neill; Blake Curran; Jason Cross; Jake Dillon; Brian Aherne; Jeffery Judge; Shane Duggan; Oleg Vysochan; Gbadebo Habideen; Cian McNamara. Subs: Conor Kavanagh; Adam Dore; Shane Carmody; Josh McCarthy.

ROUND-UP:

IN THE Premier A League, Athlunkard Villa were crowned Champions with a game to spare when they beat Regional Utd B 3-2.

Goals from Danny Taylor, James Frahill and Mark McGrath had Villa three ahead before the home side scored two late on to make it a nervy ending. The final whistle sparked wild celebrations for the Lee Estate Club.

We will have a full run down on their season after their final game.  

Tom Garbat and Craig Reddan scored to give Summerville Rvs a 2-1 win over cup finalists Charleville for whom Frank Herr replied.

In the Division 1A Cup Arron Nunan’s golden goal for Star Rvs gave themn a win at Murroe and a semi-final date with Ballylanders.

Pallas Utd will play Aisling in the other semi after they put eight past Corbally Utd. Oscar Traynor striker Vinny Ryan scored four with David Ryan (2), Robbie O'Donnell and Mick Gammell making up the winner’s tally.

In the 1A League, Cappamore are not giving up without a fight and picked up a crucial point in a 3-3 draw at home to Parkville. Cian Martin, Paddy Quinlan and Ryan Deere netted with Dave Broderick (2) and Luke Carmody replying for Parkville.

The Division 2B Cup final will be contested between Moyross B and Lough Derg after both sides were six shooters on Saturday.  Barry Quinn (2), Tyrone Fitzgerald (2), Thomas Power and Anthony Quinn were on the mark for Moyross at Corbally while goals from Daniel Fogarty (2), Cian McAuley, Daniel Tighe, JP Mbokha Tansia and Sean Lyons saw Lough Derg past Mungret Reg C for whom Brian Aherne grabbed a consolation.

In the Premier Youth League, Pike are three wins away from being crowned champions following a 4-2 win at Mungret. Sean McCallig, Pa Steed, Liam Murphy and Cameron Walsh scored the winning goals.

Fairview Rgs are determined to keep Pike honest and they did what the needed to take the three points against Lough Derg. Anton Hayes and Alex Koyce with a last minute header gave ‘View the spoils.

Goals from Daniel Connolly, Coilin Doras and Dylan McKenna saw Nenagh win 3-1 at Regional Utd while in the cup Corbally beat Holycross on a penalty shoot-out after the sides finished 2-2.           Cialann Feeley and James McCarthy netted for ‘Cross.

In Division 1, Geraldines beat Aisling Annacotty B 4-1 thanks to goals from Jay Kett, Brandon Mambuana, Josh Carey and Sean O'Donoghue while in the divisional cup a hat trick from Terry Harty gave Carew Park a good win at Caherconlish.