Limerick Desmond League weekly junior soccer update

THERE is now a five-team hunt for the Desmond League Premier division with all sides into their final handful of games this season. With leaders Creeves Celtic beaten over the weekend, and movement beneath them, the gap between first and fifth is just two points.

Important wins for Rathkeale, Glin Rovers and Broadford United means that they are firmly in the mix, alongside long-time leaders, Creeves Celtic, and outsiders, Newcastle West Town.

Rathkeale picked up a 4-1 win over Town last Tuesday, with a three goals in quick-fire fashion in the third quarter putting them in control. A reply after half-time from Adam Lacey gave the Magpies Adam Lacey some hope, but Keith Hartnett’s experienced outfit got the final go to run out winners. Seamus O’Carroll (2), Michael Mulcahy and Dean Maune all finding the net.

On Friday evening, there was drama aplenty in Glin, as they saw off basement side Breska Rovers, 5-4. A late Jack Sheahan double turned the tables and saw them notch up another win. The away side led 1-0 and 4-3 but quick replies from the Cup holders meant a valuable three points.

Paul Sheehan and Zach Behan traded goals with Darragh O’Sullivan and Mark Moroney (penalty), to have it 2-2 at half-time. A memorable Conor Shine effort put the hosts in front. Sean Healy and Sean Coughlan gave Breska the lead before the late pressure told with Sheahan’s winner arriving in stoppage time.

On Sunday, Newcastle West had to be patient to see off Abbeyfeale United. They scrambled home two goals in the final 20 minutes, with Killian Keogh and Dylan Moloney on target. This keeps them interested but their remaining four fixtures are must-win. Abbeyfeale still need points to stave off relegation trouble, but that is firmly in their hands.

Also on Sunday, champions Broadford United came from a goal down to defeat Creeves Celtic. An own-goal put Celtic in front but Kenny Lynch and Jack Pierce put United into the lead. Lynch was on hand to finish for the insurance goal, as they move top of the pile, albeit with one and two games more played than the chasing duo of Glin and Rathkeale.

In Division One, their was a tightening of the grip on second-spot by Dromore United. Oran Kelly found the only goal of the game against Glin Rovers B, meaning they are four points behind leaders Ballingarry, with a game in hand. With the two to meet in the closing rounds, it promises to be an exciting finish to the season.

Meanwhile, in Division Two, Feenagh picked up four points from six last weekend. Firstly, they edged by Ballysteen, 1-0, thanks to Ronan O’Connor. Then on Sunday, they had to settle for a 2-2 draw away to Abbeyfeale Untied B. It pushes them into fourth, in a very congested table.

Elsewhere in this Division, Shountrade collected a point, with a 5-5 draw at home to Ballysteen. Trailing 3-2 at half-time, they won the second-half by the same score, to leave it level. Ewan Murray (2), Diarmuid Keating (2), Tim Frawley were on target for Shountrade.

This means, its as you were with Shountrade, Abbeyfeale and Ballysteen all scrambling for points to avoid the drop. Ballysteen currently two points clear of the danger zone.

In Division Three, Kilcolman were 2-0 winners over Glantine B, who remain without a positive result all season. This puts Kilcolman (19 pts) back into second with just one game remaining. Beneath them, Askeaton Kilcornan B (18 pts) drew with Dromore United B, though they have two games remaining. Carrig Celtic still hold top spot by a point.

The third of the Riedy Cup quarter finals was played, with St. Ita’s winning out 5-0 against Breska Rovers B. TJ Kelly (2), Jack Long, Jack Hennessy and an own goal accounted for the winners total, who host Shannonside in the last four.

At Youths level, Newcastle West Town collected their third piece of silverware of the season. Having already won the Division One Shield and then the Desmond Youths Cup seven days prior, the Magpies collected the Youths Division One League Cup with a 3-2 win over Abbeyfeale United.

Cathal Hayes (2) and Maurice Lane were on target for the winners, while Adam Murphy and Cathal Woulfe had twice levelled for Abbeyfeale. Hayes, bagged the winner in a memorable end to their season.