Limerick District League junior soccer weekend preview

THIS WEEKEND'S soccer schedule has something for everyone with some intriguing matches on offer. Munster Junior Cup holders Fairview Rangers worried last week how they would respond to their exit from the FAI going down after extra-time to Gorey Rangers last time out.

None of us knew at the time how insignificant that result would compare to the tragedy that hit the club with the passing of James Flanagan. James was a constant in the Fairgreen and his death leaves a huge void in the club.

It will prove difficult to put the focus back on football but hopefully the club can turn their grief into a determined effort to retain the provincial trophy.

They face a good Waterford Glass, lying third in the Waterford Premier table and will be a formidable opponent. We all know the ability of Fairview Rgs and if they can bring their A game there is nothing to stop them retaining their crown.

Fairview’s Youth side are also in Munster action when they host Blarney on Saturday evening. In the same competition Aisling are on the road again when they travel to Cork side, Watergrasshill.

In the Lawson Cup, Geraldines take on Athlunkard Villa in what could be an exciting tie and likewise Newport would be well advised to be on guard when they host Herbertstown. In the Open Cup, Prospect Priory take on Newtown B to see who completes the semi-final line up.

In the Premier League, Ballynanty Rvs hope to close the nine-point gap between them and leaders Pike Rovers when they visit Nenagh AFC.

Ballynanty Rovers continued their good form with a 2-0 win over Charleville last weekend in the MFA Cup and in the same competition Nenagh crashed out to Avondale in Cork by a single goal. Balla are full of confidence but need to be cautious against a young Nenagh side who are improving week on week.

Following on from their impressive Munster Junior Cup win over Villa FC last weekend, Regional Utd return to league action with a home game versus Aisling Annacotty.

While both sides are realistically out of the running for league honours, they both need to keep their form intact with some big cup games in the offing. In the bottom six, two of the leading trio clash when Carew Park host Charleville.

The Premier A League, Fairview can go joint top with Newport when they visit Moyross. Hyde Rgs A need to win t keep their promotion hopes alive. They welcome Murroe to Hyde Park.

In Div 1A its second versus first when Summerville Rvs host Caherdavin Celtic. These two sides seem hell bent on promotion, and they are likely to throw up a thriller.

Waiting for the leading couple to slip up are third placed Regional Utd B who welcome Ballylanders to Dooradoyle. On Thursday evening Pike Rvs take on Charleville for a place in the Tuohy Cup Final where the winners will play Aisling Annacotty in the decider.

There was contrasting fortunes for the sides last weekend. Pike Rvs opened a seven-point gap at the top of the Premier League while Charleville exited the Munster Junior Cup at the hands of Ballynanty Rvs. It is hard to look beyond the Hoops for a final spot but it’s a cup semi-final so you can expect Charleville to make it difficult.