Mixed results for Limerick sides in Munster Junior Cup

There were mixed results for both Limerick District League sides who competed in the semi-finals of the Munster Junior Cup in the city over the weekend.

Pike Rovers made it through to their third successive final following a penalty shoot-out victory over Newmarket Celtic at Crossagalla. However, Geraldines bowed out of the competition after suffering a narrow 0-1 defeat to St. Michaels at the Markets Field.

Pike had to battle all the way to overcome the challenge from a strong Newmarket side who took the lead in this game thanks to a great strike from Kieran Mahoney.

The home side had two notable absentees from the team as centre-back Pat Mullins and centre-forward Johnathan Grant were among the substitutes. Both players had been struggling with injury leading up to the game.

It was the half-time introduction of Grant, who is the current top scorer in the PJ Matthews Premier Division, which brought about an equaliser. Evan Patterson’s strong run and shot was parried away by Shane Cusack but Grant was on hand to finish with virtually his first involvement.

The second half was very nervy and outside of a shot from Wayne O’Donovan of Pike and Gary Higgins of Newmarket, both sides struggled to create openings.

The game went to extra-time and the teams could not be separated. Pike goalkeeper Gary Neville was the hero in the shoot out as he produced three saves to send Mick Sheil’s side through to another final.

Unfortunately, the dream of another all-Limerick final was ended on Sunday afternoon as Geraldines were beaten by FAI Junior Cup finalists St. Michaels at the Markets Field.

The Limerick side attempted to gain an advantage on their illustrious opponents by significantly narrowing the pitch at the Markets Field. The space between the sideline and the edge of the 18 yard box was minimal.

The plan appeared to work as the Tipperary outfit struggled to adapt and bring wingers John Connery and William Armshaw into the game. Shane Byrne’s ferocious early strike was parried away by Adrian Walsh and the goalkeeper also denied Karl Turner when he was played through on goal.

The visitors broke Geraldines resistance in the second half as former Regional United striker Olly O’Driscoll opened the scoring with a low strike inside the box.

In truth, the lead should have been doubled just moments later when another former District League player John Connery hit the post with the goal at his mercy.

As Geraldines pushed for an equaliser, O’Driscoll exploited the extra space he was afforded but his effort also hit the upright. Despite battling valiantly until the end, Derek Hannon’s side were unable to score an equaliser and dreams of an all Limerick final were ended.

St. Michaels and Pike Rovers will renew hostilities in the final with the date, time and venue to be confirmed.