Limerick Desmond League weekend junior soccer round-up

THERE was plenty of action across the four tiers of Limerick Desmond League last weekend. As well as movement in the Premier Division, there was more silverware handed out, as Dromore United B claimed the Division Three League Cup.

The Kildimo-Pallaskenry combination shaded an end-to-end final with Breska Rovers B, winning 3-2 after extra-time. JJ Mulcair was the hero, as he found the games fifth goal, as the clock read 105 minutes in Clounreask. Before that, the game burst into life after a scoreless first half.

Barry O’Connor gave the Clarina men the lead but this was quickly replied to by eventual Man-of-the-Match, Ethan O’Brien. Mikey Heavenor soon put United in front, with all these goals arriving in the 15 minutes after half-time. Michaél Cuddihy received his marching orders for Dromore, for an off the ball incident, giving Breska the impetus.

O’Connor bagged his second soon after to force extra-time. With penalties looming O’Brien crossed expertly for Mulcair who finished from close range. The sides clash in the league this coming weekend.

Meanwhile, there was a trio of Premier Division games. Creeves Celtic lost their five game win streak when falling 2-1 to a strong Newcastle West Town performance.

Scott Hurley and Leon Barry’s volley gave Town the advantage after the hour mark, but Kevin Guina set up a nervy finish when finding the net in consecutive outings, but the Magpies held on to move just three off the top.

Breska Rovers climbed off the bottom and into a contested part of the table with a number of sides now on three points. Trailing to Athea United from the 13^th minute, when Seán Ryan’s low drilled effort found the corner, the Clarina men replied in the second half.

A trio of goals, their first of the season, gave them their first points too. Scott Quide tied it up, before Seán Healy and Karl Buckley’s fine free-kick helped them to victory.

There was also a win for defending champions, Broadford United, against recent king-pins, Abbeyfeale United. The Fealesiders struggles, mainly due to immigration, leaves them under pressure for survival in this new cut-throat eight team division. Holding their own for the first half, they fell behind through Brian O’Sullivan’s effort, to keep Broadford in the top four after five games.

In Division One, Granagh United claimed a 2-0 success over Glin Rovers B, opening half goals from Dan Shelton and Harry Dore gave them the advantage and another welcomed victory in another very competitive division.

The meeting of Askeaton Kilcornan and Dromore United fell victim to the weather, while St. Ita’s got back to winning ways with a 3-0 success in Holycross, against Rathkeale’s second team. Jason Sheehan, Aaron Kelly and TJ Kelly were the goalscorers in a routine win.                                                                                                                                                                                 
In Division Two, there was League Cup action midweek, as Shountrade progressed to the divisional cup final, with a 5-3 penalty shootout win over Ballingarry B, after the neighbours played out a scoreless 110 minutes of action. Newcastle West Town’s second string will provide the opposition.

Shountrade, however, were brought back to earth with a 6-0 reversal in Feenagh on Sunday. Strikes from Daire Hannigan, Cain O'Connor and Cillian Quinn had the hosts 4-0 ahead by the break. A Dylan Murray O'Connor brace concluded the scoring in the second half.

Mountcollins and Knockaderry couldn’t be separated, playing out a 1-1 draw. Jamie Quirke on target for the home side. Abbeyfeale United B and Ballingarry B was postponed.

In the bottom tier, there was mixed fortunes for Glantine’s two sides. Their B’s continue their search for points following a 4-0 loss to Carrig Celtic. Former Limerick footballer Stephen Kelly shows no signs of losing his competitive touch, netting twice alongside Brian Foley and Kieran O’Connor to stay top of Division Three.

Glantine’s A side were 3-1 winners on the road to Askeaton Kilcornan B, with Evan Costello netting for Askeaton Kilcornan.

The full focus this coming weekend is back to league action for all, with the pick of the Premier ties a meeting in-form Newcastle West Town hosting a Glin Rovers side desperately in need of points, who are now bottom of the table.