Munster Junior Cup and Shield fixtures centre stage for Limerick District League clubs

THIS weekend's junior soccer programme for Limerick District League clubs sees the focus switch to provincial action with the Munster Junior Cup and Munster Shield listing second round ties.

It’s hard to pick the game of the day but we have two all-Premier ties in Corbally Utd A v Pike Rovers A and Mungret Regional A v Janesboro while a number of other Premier sides face sticky tasks against in-form Premier Division A teams.

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Last season’s beaten finalists Pike Rvs travel to a Corbally side on a high after posting their first win last weekend in a 3-2 victory over Janesboro. Shunning the opportunity to bring in players from “outside”, Corbally have opted to stick with their home-grown players, a ploy that is sure to be beneficial to the club.

They welcome a Pike Rvs side still smarting from dropping points at home to Mungret in their last outing.

The Hoops have strengthened significantly with the return of Steven McGann to the club and once he blends in with his new team mates he will prove a huge signing. Pike have been unusually shy in front of goal will be a concern with the management but no doubt they will have been working on this over their free weekend.

Mungret Regional A and Janesboro met in a league tie a couple of weeks back and Janesboro took the honours in a 3-1 game. That was Mungret’s only defeat in seven starts and a 201 win over Nenagh last weekend brings them into this tie full of confidence.

It took an injury time goal from Cian McNichaols to secure the win and it was the striker’s third such late intervention this season. It suggests their fitness levels are in good shape.

‘Boro have also been going well but suffered a surprise 3-2 defeat to Corbally last weekend. They will be looking for an immediate bounce back.

Premier League leaders Fairview Rangers face an in-form Kilmallock Utd XI. The county side’s 2-1 win over Star Rvs last weekend keeps them joint top of the table with Carew Park. While promotion is their main goal of the season, they will enjoy a test against the best on Sunday.

The Blues have been superb to date, scoring 29 goals in seven starts to maintain their 100% record. That said, they have had to dig deep to see off Athlunkard, ‘Boro and last week’s opponents Geraldines in recent games. With home advantage it’s hard to see the county side upset the odds this weekend.

Ballynanty Rvs A face another Premier A side who are on a good run. Following last season’s relegation, Newport Town have bounced back in style sitting just outside the promotion spots. With a couple of younger lads breaking through to the A team, Newport will prove a tough assignment for Balla.

A 2-1 win over Regional last weekend tees up the Premier side perfectly for Sunday’s encounter. New signing Vinny Ryan gave further indication of his with last weekend, setting up one and scoring the winner. His prowess along with that of other newcomer AJ Moloney, Conor Keane and Kane Connolly gives a formidable look to the home attack. Balla would be wise not to take this one for granted.

Aisling Annacotty A look to be back to form following a shaky start. A 4-1 win over Athlunkard Villa last weekend pushed Aisling to fourth in the table. On Sunday they welcome Charleville where they will be expected to progress.

Nenagh host Prospect Priory A while Athlunkard Villa A will be challenged when they host Regional Utd B.

Geraldines will be more than happy to get out of Lee Estate with a win when they take on Star Rovers. The Premier A side continue their charge up the leagues but will find the Dines a big hurdle.

Caherdavin Celtic welcome Aisling Annacotty B in the remaining tie.

The Muster Shield also has a full programme with the pick of ties being Shelbourne A v Athlunkard Villa C, Hyde Rangers B v Ballynanty Rvs B, Holycross A v Granville Rangers and Pike Rovers B v Aisling Annacotty D.