Provincial competitions centre stage for Limerick District League clubs

THIS weekend’s Limerick District League soccer fixtures are mainly focused on provincial action with a number of important games thrown in for good measure.

Limerick have five teams in action vying for a place in the last 16 of the Munster Junior Cup.

On Friday evening Regional Utd host Co Limerick side Ballingarry AFC. Regional Utd’s form has been a little sporadic this season but on their day they are capable of beating the best. As former winners of the competition, the Dooradoyle side have the experience required to go a long way in the tournament. Ballingarry will provide stern opposition however, so caution is advised.

On Saturday Aisling and Pike Rvs are both in Cork to play Ringmahon Rangers and College Corinthians respectively.

Cork soccer is on something of a revival at the moment following Coachford’s success last season.

Aisling produced the shock of the round last time out when they beat Fairview Rgs. No one doubts the ability of the Annacotty side but consistency has been their issue.

They meet the Munster Senior League table toppers so will have nothing easy.

Pike Rovers A have also been blowing hot and cold and they face a tough assignment at a good College Corinthians side but the Hoops will not fear the challenge.

On Sunday, Geraldines are away to an in-form Peake Villa side. The ‘Dines have also been in fine form and will relish the chance to test their progress.

Nenagh A are also on the road as they take on Waterford side Tramore AFC.

The popular Munster Junior Shield is also down to the last 32 where most of Limerick’s remaining hopefuls were favoured with a home draw. The only exception are holders Herbertstown who are on the road to meet Cork side Waterloo.

Ballynanty Rovers B host another Lakewood Ath, Aisling Annacotty D welcome Crosshaven while another Cork side, Coachford B are in town to take on Granville Rangers A.

Shelbourne A welcome Waterford outfit Villa B while Murroe A are at home to Kerry side.

Abbey Rvs’ win over Brazuca last weekend presents them with a home tie against Bandon.

In the Munster Under 17 Cup, we have four local ties on offer

Pike Rovers host Caherconlish in Crossagalla while Lough Derg welcome Aisling Annacotty.

Murroe have two sides in round three. The A team are at home to Mungret Regional while the B team make the short trip to neighbours Newport Town.

In league action, Premier Division leaders Fairview Rangers can extend their lead at the top to seven points if they take full points at home to Mungret Regional.

Fairview were awesome in their last outing when they beat Pike Rvs 5-0 at the Pike Club. After waiting over 20 years to put their name on the Premier League trophy, they look determined to retain the title.

They have players all across the field in superb form and its hard to see them being stopped.

That said, as Aisling showed in a recent MFA game, they are not invincible and Mungret will relish the chance to upset the odds.

Paul Danaher’s side come into the tie on the back of a 3-0 win over Corbally last Sunday and with nothing to lose should not be treated lightly.

In the Premier A League, Kilmallock are not in action so joint leaders Star Rovers can edge ahead if they pick up anything from their home game with Caherdavin Celtic.

Newport Town are in Cals Park to play Prospect Priory A while Moyross are also on the road at Summerville Rvs A.

In Division 1B, Pike Rovers B can join Balla B at the top of the table if they win at home to Mungret Regional B.

In Division 2A, Lough Derg and Herbertstown B look to close the gap on Hyde Rgs when they tackle Aisling Annacotty C and Moyross Utd B respectively.