Limerick Desmond League weekend junior soccer round-up

THERE was more movement in the Desmond Premier Division, as well as the Desmond Cup as the business end of the Limerick Desmond League got into sharper focus. The destination of the Premier Division title appears likely to right to the wire, with no fewer than five teams in the hunt for the silverware.

In a division that has had a low number of drawn games, just three before last weekend, the fourth of the season and a first for Creeves Celtic could prove costly. That is especially considering they surrendered a two-goal lead to Athea United.

Goals from James O’Connor and captain Tommy Dillane put the visitors firmly in control, but United, who now have just four games remaining to save themselves from relegation. They fought back with second half goals from Shane Mulvihill and Nigel O’Connor to move to within two points of Abbeyfeale United.

Creeves do move a point ahead of Rathkeale and Newcastle West Town, but will rue their third game in a row without a win.

Elsewhere, Broadford United moved up to fourth, with a late 3-2 win at home to Newcastle West Town. Despite flying out of the traps with goals from Joe McAuliffe and a Jack Pierce penalty, the champions had to dig deep after Town tied this game. First Adam Lacey pulled one back before a deflected Noel Callanan effort meant it was 2-2 in the final quarter.

However, the final saw went to Brian O’Sullivan in the 89^th minute. Two points off the top, United are capable of putting a run together to challenge for the crown once more.

Meanwhile, Glin Rovers have gone quietly about their business to creep into contention. They defeated basement boys Breska Rovers 2-1 away in Clarina on Monday evening. This was their fourth win as their defensive prowess counted for plenty as usual.  

A goal in either half from John Wallace had them in control, but Darragh O’Sullivan bundled home a Breska goal on 75 minutes.

Try as they might, the home side slumped to a fifth defeat in seven games to leave them three points from safety, albeit with games to come against Abbeyfeale United and Athea United, with two of these three almost certain to face the drop.

In the Desmond Cup, the final two quarter-finals played. Rathkeale A dispatched Division Three side Breska Rovers, 9-0 in Clarina. Jack Hennessy (3), Seamus O’Carroll, Gary Enright, Dean Maune, Alan O’Shea, Michael Mulcahy and Cathal Cummane were all on target.

Their opposition in the last four will be Granagh United who eliminated the holders, Dromore United, on penalties. After a 1-1 draw, in which Anthony Dabrynets put the Kildimo Pallaskenry men ahead but a fine free-kick from Damien O’Donovan levelled this clash.

Penalties from Dan Shelton, Colm Noonan, Pa O’Donoghue and Paudie Murphy as well as a miss and a save from Aaron Deane, meant a 4-2 win for Granagh after an exciting 110 minutes.

In Division One, Askeaton Kilcornan eased beyond neighbours Shannonside, 5-0. Sean Whelan, Kenneth O’Donoghue, Matt Moane and Sam Duggan spread the goals around with an own goal accounting for the other effort.

With a backlog of games, the new amalgamation will need to be near flawless to push for promotion in the next two months or so.

There was a basement battle between Glin Rovers and Rathkeale’s second sides. A 7-0 win for Glin pulls them level with Shannonside, while Rathkeale are now four points adrift.

Ger Riordan bagged himself a nice double, as too did Cian Culhane (2). Other strikes from Johnny Sullivan, Billy Hogan and Alerrando Milico saw Rovers collect just a second win in nine outings.

In Division Two, Ballingarry B strengthened their title credentials, thanks to a 3-0 away win against Abbeyfeale United B. Now seven points clear, Ballingarry are looking strong to ensure a second promotion in three seasons.

Steven Browne’s opener was added to by Davey Hanlon, with Browne the provider. Alan Cronin sealed the points with five remaining after Abbeyfeale had seen a penalty saved earlier in the half.

In the basement division, Dromore United B got the better of Glantine 2-0, while Askeaton Kilcornan B shared a 2-2 draw with leaders, Carrig Celtic.

St Ita’s progressed in the Riedy Cup with a 3-2 away win over Shountrade, despite trailing 2-0. Martin Mullane (penalty), Paul Fitzmaurice and TJ Kelly accounting for the winners tally.

Meanwhile, in Youths football, ther Division Two League Cup went to Feenagh, who were much the stronger against Glin Rovers. Goals from Gary Donegan (2) and Jack O’Kelly all netted in the second half.

Darragh Mullane in the Glin goal had earlier saved a penalty but his efforts fell short, with Galvin the captain and Donegan rewarded for his double with the Player of the Match gong.