Clubs in action in various competitions in Limerick District League

At this stage of the season nothing can be won but plenty can be lost as many competitions are at a critical stage. There are big matches in the FAI Junior Cup, Lawson Cup and the PJ Matthews Premier League.

With the elimination of two Limerick District League and one Desmond League side last weekend, the Limerick soccer population will be supporting Regional United this weekend as they host St. Paul’s Artane of Dublin in the FAI Junior Cup at Dooradoyle with a 2.15 pm kick-off. Aisling Annacotty are currently the sole Limerick representative in the last 16 of the competition following their 2-1 win over neighbours Newport on Sunday. Goals from Jason Lipper and Aaron Murphy ensured their passage and Regional will be hoping to join their local rivals.

Regional recently lost playmaker Sean McSweeney to Limerick last week which will be a blow but with the likes of Sosuke Kimura and Willie Griffin enjoying good goalscoring seasons, they will be hoping that the void will be filled. Also, Regional’s record on the astroturf pitch has been second to none this season with just Pike Rovers coming away with a narrow 1-0 win earlier this season. The Dooradoyle outfit also defeated league leaders Janesboro twice at the venue.

Their opponents St. Paul’s Artane came from behind to beat MP FC in the last 64 of the competition to earn their place in the sixth round. Regional are currently third in the premier league with nine wins from 13 games. Centre backs Jack Lynch and Clyde O’Connell have been heavily linked with a move to Limerick in recent weeks.

In the PJ Matthews Premier League, two of the top four sides are in action on Sunday morning. Both games kick off at 11am. Pike Rovers host Geraldines at Crosagalla and will be hoping to bounce back from their exit from the FAI Junior Cup after a penalty shootout against Sheriff. Two goals from Paddy O’Malley forced extra time but with Sheriff down to ten men and Daragh Rainsford missing a second half sitter, manager Mick Sheil will be bitterly disappointed with his team’s early exit. Furthermore, Rainsford has left the club to join Airtricity League side Cork City.

Opponents Geraldines suffered a heavy 6-0 home defeat at the hands of leaders Janesboro last week with Shane Clarke (x3), Niall Hanley, Keith Mawdsley and Mike Ryan secured a comfortable win to send ‘Boro seven points clear at the top. It was a poor display from Derek Hannon’s side who have shown they can mix it with their rivals in the past having beaten them at Pearse Stadium in the Munster Junior Cup just a matter of weeks ago. Pike have two games in hand on Aidan Ryan and Shane O’Hanlon’s win and must win in order to maintain the pressure.

Much like Pike, Ballynanty Rovers badly need a victory away to Nenagh on Sunday to remain in the title race. Donal Magee’s side are 12 points behind Janesboro but also have three games in hand. A 2-1 victory over Prospect kept their interest alive. Both Balla and Pike will have plenty of focus on the league since their departures from the FAI Junior Cup, to the disappointment of the Limerick District League. Both clubs would have been seen as big hopes to bring home the trophy.

In the Lawson Cup, many of the lower league sides will be looking to advance with all bar two matches kicking off at 11. Janesboro are at home to Dromore and will expect to advance to the next round. Newport host premier division Kilmallock and an upset is certainly possible at Derryleigh Park.