Limerick District League junior soccer weekend preview

IT is a mixed bag on offer for soccer fans this weekend with something for everyone.

We kick off on Friday evening with a friendly game to mark the 50th anniversary of the opening of Jackman Park.

The Limerick District have selected a representative side to take on Treaty United at 7pm in local headquarters.

The home of Limerick soccer was purchased for the princely sum of £10,000 in 1973. Former Limerick FC favourite  Gerry Duggan scored the first goal for Fairview in a 2-0 win over Caledonians and a few weeks later the official opening of the ground saw Geraldines beat Caledonians 1-0 to win the Lawson Cup thanks to a Martin O’Donnell goal.

Since then we have seen thrills and spills galore at a venue that evokes so many memories among the Limerick soccer public.   
On Saturday afternoon Ballynanty Rvs make the trip to Dublin, as one of the final two Limerick hopes in the FAI Junior Cup, to take on Old County fc.

The Dublin side are a relatively new club but have a strong squad with plenty of experience of top-class football.

They ply their trade in the Leinster Senior League and come into the tie on the back of a 2-2 draw with leaders St Francis last weekend. Having already taken the scalps of Collinstown and Evergreen, Balla will be well aware of the threat they face.

The Blues played out a scoreless draw with Fairview last weekend before losing on a penalty shoot-out.

On form, Balla need fear no one but they will earn their won Saturday. 

On Sunday, Fairview are also on the road in the same competition to take on side Gorey Rgs. The Wexford side beat Tramore in the last round and in round four they beat Summerville Rvs 3-1.

They showed in Portland they are a lively bunch with a real threat at set pieces.

Paul Danaher will have his homework done as he guides the club in search of their tenth FAI Junior Cup title.

They are in good form so just need to carry the right attitude into the tie to hopefully join Ballynanty Rvs in the last eight. 
In the Premier League, Pike Rovers can open a four-point gap at the top of the table if they can beat Nenagh AFC in Crossagalla.

That’s not such an easy task as the Hoops have learned this season. It is the fifth time the side meet this season, with the Hoops coming out tops in the previous four, although twice, including last week, only after a penalty shoot-out. 

In the bottom half of the Premier League, relegation matters will be on the mind as Mungret Reg host Charleville and Janesboro welcome Coonagh Utd to Pearse Stadium.

There are four games in the Lawson Cup. Regional will look to bounce back from the FAI defeat last weekend when they face a sticky assignment in Lisnagry.

Two in-form sides meet when Star Rvs and Aisling Annacotty clash in Lee Estate, although the visitors form has been in the top flight.

Star will enjoy the challenge and will use it to gauge their continued progress. Herbertstown v Newtown and Knockainey v Murroe make up the Lawson ties. 

In the Premier A League, we have a cracking tie on offer when leaders Fairview Rgs B host promotion favourites Newport and in the Open Cup we have two games; Corbally B v Croom Utd and Nenagh B v Mungret D as the competition races to a close.