Fairview Rangers gunning for more silverware in Champions Cup final
Seven Limerick teams are also looking to advance to the next round of the FAI Junior Cup
FAIRVIEW Rangers will be aiming to add another trophy to their collection when they take on Waterford's Villa FC in the Munster Champions Cup final at Jackman Park on Saturday afternoon, with kick-off at 2pm.
The final represents a major occasion for Fairview, who have enjoyed an excellent start to their Premier League campaign and will travel into the contest full of confidence. A 6-0 victory over Hyde Rangers in the Munster Junior Cup last weekend makes it 11 games unbeaten for the Champions.
The Blues defence has conceded just eight goals and the spread of goals across the panel makes them a formidable opposition but Saturday's final will demand a different approach against opponents from outside the Limerick District League.
Villa FC will arrive hoping to put recent disappointments behind them. They suffered a 3-0 defeat to Carrick in the Munster Junior Cup last weekend, while a draw and a defeat in their recent outings raise questions about whether the demands of joining the new National League may have affected their performances.
That remains a question rather than a certainty, however, and Fairview will be taking nothing for granted. A cup final can bring out a different level of performance.
Villa will be determined to make the most of their opportunity. Fairview must combine their attacking qualities with the discipline and concentration required on a big occasion if they are to seal the deal.
Sunday brings another important programme of knockout football, with seven Limerick District League clubs seeking progress in the FAI Junior Cup.
Pike will be encouraged by their 6-0 Munster Junior Cup victory at Summerville last weekend, when Ruari Morgan scored a hat-trick and they will hope to carry that scoring form into Sunday's national competition at Charleville.
Aisling Annacotty entertain Lough Derg after producing one of last weekend's most impressive results, defeating Premier A leaders Corbally United 4-0 in the Munster Junior Cup.
Adam Foley scored a hat-trick in that victory, underlining Aisling's attacking threat.
Granville Rangers host Geraldines, who edged Carew Park 3-2 last weekend, while Holycross welcome Nenagh AFC.
Holycross had a superb 5-4 win over Balla B in the Munster Shield while Nenagh advanced in the Munster Junior Cup with a 2-0 win over Star Rovers, Colm Hayden scoring both goals.
Mungret Regional welcome Moyross United in an all-local meeting, while Summerville Rovers face Lisnagry, while Prospect Priory take on Carew Park in the final game.
The opening round of the U17 FAI Cup features Bridge Celtic against Holycross, Lough Derg against Corbally United and Pike Rovers against Caherdavin Celtic. In Round, Nenagh AFC entertain Fairview Rangers.
There is also an important programme in Division 1A, with Aisling Annacotty B taking on leaders Pike Rovers B. Challenges Ballynanty Rovers host Southend United while Pallas welcome Murroe.