Exciting selection of fixtures down for decision in Limerick District League

THERE is an exciting selection of games to pick from on the Limerick District League Junior Soccer front this weekend with national and provincial tournaments as well as local cup games and some important league ties on offer.

Most focus will be on the Munster Junior Shield semi-finals where Murroe and Balla’ B will be hoping to make it to this year’s decider.

Both teams are on the road. Murroe make the short trip to Shannon while Balla’ face a trip to Cork to meet Carrigaline.

The competition is only in it’s third year and the trophy has yet to leave Limerick having been won in it’s premier season by Balla’ B followed by Herbertstown’s success last season.

Murroe are first in action against Shannon Town B on Saturday evening. Despite last weekend’s surprise defeat to Aisling Annacotty, the county side have had a wonderful season to date and are chock full of superb players.

With Liam Quinn up front, any team has a chance and he is backed up Cillian O’Shea, another serious threat.

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Shannon Town also have a number of players who would not normally consider B players so any victory eked out here will be earned.

Balla’ travel on Sunday to Carrigaline. The Cork side already have a Limerick scalp under their belt having defeated Shelbourne 2-1 in previous round.

No doubt ‘the Blues’ will have gathered intel from their neighbours and will know what to expect.

Like Murroe, Balla’ have many players in the squad capable of playing at a higher level but have remained with the club. They also have the experience of winning this competition so will not have any fear going into the tie.

The FAI Junior Cup has thrown up some interesting ties. Just one all-Premier affair when Nenagh AFC welcome Geraldines AFC
Both sides have been improving consistently as the season progresses so we could get an exciting cup tie in this one.

Ballynanty Rovers welcome near neighbours Shelbourne. They come into the tie on the back of taking over the leaders position in the Premier League following a 2-0 win over Nenagh last weekend.

They are full of confidence and while Shels offer a tough opposition, you wonder if they have the wherewithal to match the Blues.

With the league now out of reach, Pike Rovers will be putting their focus on a good run in the FAI.

On Sunday they host Moyross Utd and they will be looking to build on a good display last weekend when they beat ‘Boro 4-1. Moyross went down in a big league game to Kilmallock so you wonder will they have the confidence to battle the Hoops.

Aisling Annacotty are another side with serious ambitions in this competition and they will be strong favourites at home to Patrickswell.

Mungret Regional are expected to advance at home to Caherdavin Celtic while Kilmallock Utd v Summerville Rovers could prove a tighter affair.

The final game sees Premier side Corbally hosting Division 2A leaders Hyde Rangers. Corbally Utd are naturally favourites but the visitors have nothing to lose and should not be dismissed easily.

In the Premier League, Fairview, on a high after last week’s Tuohy Cup success, have the chance to regain the lead in the table when they visit Regional Utd.

While the Reds are mired in midtable, they are still capable of producing a big result so Fairview need to be on guard.
In the other tie, Athlunkard Villa A in need of another few points to keep the gap on Corbally, welcome Janesboro to Lee Estate.