Limerick Desmond League junior soccer round-up

THERE was three major wins in the Desmond League Premier Division last weekend. Interestingly, all three were won by away sides, with Creeves Celtic’s loss to Abbeyfeale United perhaps the most surprising result.

Elsewhere, their was a number of Riedy Cup games played as clubs gear up for a frantic final two and a half months of action.

With no games on next weekend due to St. Patrick’s Day, Creeves missed the opportunity to move back ahead of Rathkeale. However, Abbeyfeale United, who had just 11 men available, prevailed, 2-1. Goals from Dylan Quirke and Dylan Murphy had them two in front inside the opening 30.

An underwhelming Celtic display never got them near top gear. Captain Tommy Dillane stuck late but they ran out of time – United finished with ten men – but claimed a second win of the season.

Glin Rovers halted Newcastle West, claiming a 1-0 win in the Demesne, a first-half effort from James Wallace, was enough to take the win. It is a blow to Newcastle West, who were aiming to join Rathkeale and Creeves Celtic on fifteen points. Glin, with back-to-back wins are closing the gap on the top sides.

Holders Broadford United prevailed in a thriller away to Athea United. A hat-trick from Darren Murphy, against his former club, was deemed worthless, when Jack Pierce put Broadford ahead for the fourth time, this time in stoppage time. Alan Fitzpatrick and Murphy traded goals in the first half, while Pierce’s penalty was replied to by Murphy.

Sean Brosnan got Ray Lynch’s men back ahead in the final quarter but Murphy got the pick of the goals to tie it with the 90^th minute approaching. Pierce netted the winner which keeps Athea in the relegation zone.

In the Riedy Cup, the knockout cup for Division One, Two and Three sides, there was some interesting ties. Dromore United A began their defence, winning 2-1 against their B team in Pallaskenry.

Ryan Kelly got a double, with Ethan O’Brien keeping the tie alive in the second half.

Rathkeale B, thanks to Luke Murphy, Jack Forde and Mark Hogan, accounted for Askeaton Kilcornan B, who had both goals from Sam Harty.

Shannonside edged by Kilcolman Rovers of Division Three. Adam Bennett netted in both halves for a 2-1 win.

Sean Bolger, Tony Quaid and Josh Joyce had Newcastle West Reserves 3-1 up on Granagh United. Down to 10-men, United rallied, and drew level. However, a last-gasp winner from Cillian Collins saw the Magpies progress.

Ballingarry B needed extra-time to get beyond Mountcollins. Tiernan Fitzgerald and Alan Cronin were on target once more.

There was two second round ties played. Ballingarry A got the better of Askeaton Kilcornan A, 2-0 thanks to second half goals from Kieran Storin and Eoin Lynch. Glin Rovers B dispatched Glantine, 4-0, with Ger Riordan (2), Cian Culhane and Edward Mulvihill all on target.

Elsewhere, Abbeyfeale B received a walkover from Shountrade in a rescheduled Desmond Cup tie.

In Youths football, Abbeyfeale United defeated Askeaton Kilcornan, 6-1. Newcastle West Town prevailed 3-2 against Dromore United. Both of those were Division One League Cup clashes, while Shountrade won 4-0 against Rathkeale in Division Three League Cup action.