Limerick Desmond League weekly junior soccer round-up

THE final piece of Divisional League Cup silverware was handed out on the first day of March. It was worth the wait for Newcastle West Town Reserves, who collected the honours following a convincing and comfortable win over a youthful Shountrade side.

Goals from Mike McNamara and a Josh Joyce penalty had them in firm control by the interval while Jack Kelleher put the Magpies firmly in control by the hour mark.

Josh Joyce was joined on the field by his father, Saoirse Joyce, a veteran of Newcastle West football and a prolific goalscorer in his own right. Tony Quaid was awarded the man of the match for a composed display for Town.

Meanwhile, there was a pair of Premier Division games played on Sunday. As predicted, the openness of this new eight team top flight has persisted. Leaders Rathkeale fell to Glin Rovers, who were bottom of the pile prior to kick off.

Gary Culhane found the only goal of a tight contest, directly from a free-kick just after the hour mark.

The other game was a local derby, as Abbeyfeale United faced Athea United. Abbey conceded home advantage shortly prior to kick off but will be somewhat happy to collect a point.

A 1-1 draw saw Adam Barry and Martin Stack exchange goals, the latter netting a free-kick. The result sees both move a point ahead of Breska Rovers, with the three clubs occupying the final placings. There are plenty of twists and turns to come in the next few months.

There was a couple of outstanding Desmond Cup first round clashes sorted. One of those was an all Division Three tie, as Askeaton Kilcornan B got the better of Glantine on home soil – Anthony Cregan proving the match winner.

The other clash saw Division Three Dromore United B push Premier Division Newcastle West Town all the way to penalties. JJ Mulcair thought for long periods that his first half strike may be winner, however, a late Jake Power effort was to push the game to extra-time.

The home side finished with 10 men and will be relieved to see two United penalties come back off the woodwork, while also netting each of their four spot kicks.

Carrig Celtic progressed to the Riedy Cup second round, thanks to a 2-0 away win against Knockaderry. As well as topping Division Three, Celtic are starting to find their cup form.

Meanwhile, there are new league leaders in Division One. Ballingarry made the trip to Ashford and needed a late goal from Mike Molloy to take the win that leapfrogs them over St. Ita’s.

The home side started the league campaign strongly but perhaps since the early season, which saw cup football, perhaps Ballingarry have been the most consistent side from this Division.

Ballingarry’s David Geary exchanged goals with Martin Mullane, while Mark Danaher and Aaron Kelly meant it was 2-2 late on. Molloy struck inside the final five minutes, to collect an important three points.

The only other game played over the weekend saw Ballingarry B and Ballysteen shared the spoils, after a 2-2 draw. With Ballysteen continuing to be unplayable, Ballysteen moved this game, with permission from the League to Mick Hanley Park. Darren Geary and Alan Cronin were on target for the league leaders but Ballysteen struck late to take a welcomed point.