Limerick Desmond League weekend junior soccer review

THERE is an interesting five-team sprint for the Limerick Desmond Premier Division League title, which is most likely to all the way to the wire. In this new look eight team division, there is legitimate claims for over half the division to come out best in the next five or six weeks.

This was aided as three of those sides took wins against the bottom three outfits. In a season short of draws, wins is the only currency for claiming the title. Leaders Creeves Celtic collected a 4-0 win in Clarina, against basement side, Breska Rovers.

Two goals in the opening half, from Bryan Meade and James O’Connor set them on their way, before Eoin McEnery and O’Connor stretched the lead further in the second period. Breska need results soon, if their two year stay in the top flight is to be prolonged.

Meanwhile, hot on the heels of Celtic are defending champions, Broadford United. A 1-0 win against relegation threatened Athea United on home soil was provided by a late goal from youngster Adam O’Kelly. Athea are in real danger of falling straight back to the second-tier, two points from safety with just three games remaining. Their next outing will be against Breska and is a must win.

Glin Rovers have quietly put together an impressive winning run. Five league games as well as four wins in the respective cups has given Seán Normile’s experienced side belief. But they had to dig deep against old rivals, Abbeyfeale United.

Trailing 2-1 early in the second half, goals from Paul Sheehan (his second) and Gary Culhane’s penalty pushed them to victory. United had led courtesy of Dylan Quirke’s free kick and a successful penalty from Jack Quinlivan.

In Division One, there was a double helping for Dromore United, who collected a precious brace of 1-0 wins. First, a derby win against Askeaton Kilcornan, thanks to Shaun Barry’s second half goal, then a home win against Granagh United, thanks to Anthony Dabraynets on Sunday morning.

The six points moves them into second, and a continuation of this form will see them promoted, but there are twists and turns to come.

Meanwhile, in the Reidy Cup, there was a quartet of games. Breska Rovers B saw off Carrig Celtic, 2-1 at home. Cian McGregor opened the scoring before Ray Brouder restored parity from the spot after half-time. McGregor won a penalty late on, which Barry O’Connor netted to book a quarter-final meeting with St. Ita’s.

Also into the last eight are Newcastle West Town Reserves, who had a 2-0 win over Glantine B. Josh Joyce and Prince Moyo were both on target after a scoreless first half.  A trip to Rathkeale B or Dromore United A awaits.

Ballingarry A got the better of their B team, narrowly, 1-0. Mike Molloy was on target for the ‘home’ side with nearly 40 players togged for a somewhat unique clash. This puts Ballingarry into the last four.

Shannonside made their way into the last four, thanks to a fast start against Glin Rovers B. Both are struggling for form in the league but goals from Adam Bennett and Dylan Costello meant they had a buffer, which was needed when Johnny Sullivan slotted home a second half penalty. St. Ita’s or Breska Rovers B will be their opposition.

In Division Two league action, Newcastle West Town Reserves saw off Ballysteen 2-1, with Josh Joyce and Kevin O’Brien on target. Shountrade received a walkover from Feenagh while Abbeyfeale United B also collected three points, when Mountcollins failed to field on Sunday.

In the bottom tier, Kilcolman Rovers defeated Dromore United B twice, once on Friday and again on Sunday. This was due to a backlog of weather delayed games and a 5-2 win on Friday was complimented with a 3-0 success two days later – this puts Kilcolman into second place.

Meanwhile this weekend coming, there are two big games among a busy schedule. First up, on Friday, the Desmond Youths Cup final takes place (7.30pm), with Newcastle West Town meeting Broadford United in an eagerly anticipated clash.

Broadford United’s junior side then meet Glin Rovers in a Desmond Cup semi-final, (7pm, Saturday), with this the meeting of the current League and League Cup holders. Both of those are fixed for Mick Hanley Park, in Askeaton.