Tasty league fixtures top bill of fare in Limerick District League weekend action

AFTER last weekend’s dramatic Munster action, this weekend’s Limerick District League junior soccer programme sees the focus return to league action.

There is no doubting the big attraction as third-placed Pike Rvs welcome league leaders Fairview Rgs to the Pike Club on Sunday afternoon.

Fairview Rgs currently lead the table by four points from Ballynanty Rvs who are not in action this weekend.

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They have a seven-point advantage over Pike albeit with a game more played. The Hoops cannot afford to drop further ground if they realistically expect to capture the title.

Fairview suffered their first defeat of the season last weekend when they squandered a two-goal half time lead at Aisling, going down 3-2 to a late Jamie Halpin goal.  

It will be interesting how they respond to that setback. They are creating plenty of chances but like in recent games against Nenagh and Geraldines, are failing to make them count.

They meet a Pike side who also will be concerned at losing a two-goal lead last weekend in a 2-2 draw with Ballynanty. In the Hoops case, they eventually prevailed after a penalty shoot-out.  

Pike are still unbeaten in the league but three draws compared to one for Fairview has seen them chasing the leaders.

Steven McGann’s return has given them a steeliness they were lacking and his battle with Shane Duggan on Sunday will be worth the admission alone. Youth player Joe Murphy has been superb this season and looks like a player with a bright future in the game. He will get a stern test on Sunday. Last season’s player of the year Darragh Rainsford has continued where he left off and Gbadebo Habideen’s return from injury is a huge positive.

With so much at stake the usual draw is a distinct possibility but whichever side displays the most bravery could well be rewarded

A victory for Aisling Annacotty over Janesboro could see them move to third place should Fairview prevail against Pike. After a miserable start to the season, Aisling have now won five consecutive games and as witnessed last weekend are playing with a new found confidence. Declan Farmer took on the job as manager and has had to rebuild extensively. Considering that their team last Saturday contained just three players who were part of the squad that won the league two seasons back, he has done a very good job.

They meet a Janesboro side who are without a win in five games. It follows a good start in which ‘Boro won three of their first four games. They seem to have lost their way slightly but have the players to turn it around.   

At the other end of the table Corbally Utd are a point outside the drop zone and Regional are just two points better off.

The sides meet on Sunday in Athlunkard with the home side knowing they cannot afford to become separated from the pack. Regional will come into the tie on a high after progressing in the Munster Junior Cup at the expense of neighbours Mungret Regional last weekend. Their league form has not been great but a win over Janesboro in their last outing has eased the pressure somewhat.

Athlunkard Villa take on Geraldines in the final Premier game. The two sides come into the tie in different mindsets. Geraldines progressed in the MFA Cup last weekend after beating Aisling B 8-1. At the same time Athlunkard were going down 5-1 at home to Nenagh in the same tournament.

Obviously, the league has a different dynamic and Villa will have worked the disappointment of last weekend’s result out of their system. That said they meet a Dines side brimming with confidence so will need a big performance to take something from the game.     

In the Premier A League, joint leaders Kilmallock Utd A can pull away from the inactive Star Rvs if they take something from their home tie with Prospect Priory.

Newport Town will be expected to close the gap at home to Southend as will Moyross Utd A who host Aisling Annacotty B.

Division 1A offers two exciting ties when joint leaders Herbertstown and Shelbourne will get stern tests.

Herbertstown A travel to an in-form Granville Rangers XI while Shelbourne host third placed Murroe A.