Fairview Rangers see off Aisling Annacotty in Limerick District League's 70th Lawson Cup decider

FAIRVIEW Rangers signed off on the 2022/2023 Limerick District League season with a deserved 2-0 victory over Aisling Annacotty in the 70th Lawson Cup final played at a sun-kissed Jackman Park on Friday evening.

The foundation for Fairview’s victory on Jackman park's excellent playing surface at the back where Wayne Colbert was brilliant throughout as was Shane Tracy who showed immense skill through the decider. Tracy proved a constant threat to his former club Aisling, with the quality of his set-piece deliveries, both free kicks and corners.

A big crowd attended the prestigious end-of-season final and the spectators were treated to some excellent periods of play.

The first action of note came in the 12th minute as Aisling's Gavin Dillon found Joel Coustrain in midfield. Coustrain quickly linked up Tony Whitehead, but his 25 yard effort on goal flew just outside an upright.

Minutes later at the opposite end, a neat Fairview move involving Steven Bradley, Cian McNamara and Brian Ahern saw the latter's quick fire pass find Connor Ellis, but his hurried shot was well saved up by Aisling 'keeper Brian O'Connor.

Midway through the half, Aisling went close to opening the scoring as Tom Kidd found Sean Ezekenga who in turn made a darting run up to the left flank racing past two defenders. As he cut into the penalty area, he struck a firm effort on goal that Jack McCarthy in the 'View goal did well to turn away for a corner that was cleared.

At this stage, the pace of the game slowed down which was understandable given the very warm conditions and both sets of players were delighted to avail of the water break.

At the half hour mark, Fairview’s Shane Duggan won a great ball on the halfway line before flashing a brilliant ball out to Brian Ahern who whipped in a cross which was headed just wide by Ellis.

Fairview had, by now, began to gain the upperhand. Their midfield trio of Bradley, Duggan and McNamara were winning vital possession as in the 38th minute the latter played a quick-fire ball into Conor Coughlan but his well struck effort whizzed just wide.

Five minutes before half-time, the deadlock was broken as Coughlan's free kick evaded all in the penalty area as the ball finished up on the opposite side of the pitch. The quick-thinking Jake Dillon then drilled it back into the edge of the area as Ellis who, with the deftness of touches, sent the ball flying along the turf before nestling into the bottom corner of the net.

Things got even better for Paul Danagher's side in the 44th minute when Wayne Colbert played a quick fire ball out wide to Tracy who, in turn, played a pinpoint pass to Conor Coughlan. The current Ireland Junior International showed all his skill as he evaded a couple of would-be tackles, before conjuring up a classic finish as his superb effort beat Aisling 'keeper O'Connor all ends up to put the 'View 2-0 at the break.

As you would expect Aisling came out of traps quickly after the restart and in the 51st minute, Theo Joyce saw his first time effort on goal well saved by McCarthy.

Five minutes later, Gavin Dillon and Eliah Riordan combined as the latter found Liam Quinn in space and he produced a well-struck effort that flashed just wide of the Fairview goal.

After this early flurry by Aisling, it was the 'View's back four of Jake Dillon, Tracy, Jason, and Colbert who regrouped and took control, limited Aisling's opportunities to get back into the game.

Fairview were more than happy to defend and that they did well.

Fairview almost added a third goal just past the hour mark when Stephen Bradley was the creator this time as his inch perfect pass found Jack Arra in space. However, the striker saw his effort just go wide.

Minutes later, an enterprising Fairview move involving Tracy, Duggan and Rainsford soon the latter’s sublime pass find Duggan, but his first-time effort on goal produced a smart save from O'Connor.

On 80 minutes, Aisling carved out a decent opening as Whitehead found himself in space on the edge of the area as he conjured an effort that saw McCarthy forced to go full length to keep it out.

That was as close as Aisling came to getting themselves back into the game as the 'View emerged deserving winners of the 70th Lawson Cup Final.

After the game, Wayne Colbert was named Man of the Match and presented with his trophy by Declan Considine, from Ant & Decs Sports Bar.

Fairview Captain Shane Duggan was presented with the Lawson Cup from LDL Chairman Ger Smyth and dedicated this victory to their recently departed club member James Flanagan.

Fairview Rangers: Josh McCarthy, Jake Dillon, Shane Tracy, Jason Cross, Wayne Colbert, Steven Bradley, Shane Duggan (Capt), Cian McNamara, Conor Ellis, Conor Coughlan, Brian Ahern, Jack Arra, John Mullane, Craig Madigan, Darragh Rainsford, Aaron Savage, Fintan O'Kelly, Aaron Hough, Callum Murphy.

Backroom: Paul Danagher – Manager; Paul O'Donnell – Assistant Manager; Micheal Costello – Coach; Wes Fitzgerald – Physio

Aisling Annacotty: Brian O'Connor, Shane Donegan, Gavin Dillion, Richkov Boevi, Eliah Riordan, Tony Whitehead, Theo Joyce, Tom Kidd, Joel Coustrain, Liam Quinn, Sean Ezekannagha, Colm Mohally, Adam Foley, Micheal Conlon, Raid Mouras, Kennedy N'dip, Cathal Downes, Edward Ward, Seanie O'hAodha.

Backroom: John Lysaght – Manager; Niall Byrnes – Assistant; Roy O'Connell – Coach, Eamonn Doyle – Coach, Mark Moloney – Coach.

Match Officials: Andy Hall, Stephen Rooney, Mike Kiely, 4th Official: Brian Higgins