Big guns escape shocks in FAI Junior Cup

Ballynanty Rovers, Geraldines, Pike Rovers, Regional, Aisling Annacotty and Newport all made it through to the last 64 and ‘out of town’ stages of the FAI Junior Cup on Sunday.

Last year’s beaten finalists Pike crusied to the next round at the expense of 2A promotion chasing Hyde Rangers. Striker Johnathan Grant accounted for four of the Hoops goals. Former Limerick FC player Daragh Rainsford scored a hattrick while Steven McGann notched the fifth goal for Mick Shiel’s side.

With holders North End knocked out by Freebooters of Kilkenny, Pike will fancy their chances at going one better than 2018. With the likes of Pat Mullins and Kieran O’Hanlon rarely featuring so far this season, it could be argued that the squad at Sheil’s disposal is greater in quantity and quality than 2017.

Ballynanty Rovers emerged victorious over Fairview Rangers at the Fairgreen on Sunday afternoon. Donal Magee’s team raced into a 3-0 lead thanks to goals from Eddie Byrnes, Dermot Fitzgerald and Arron Nunan. Looking dead and buried, Jason Purcell’s Fairview battled well and pulled goals back from AJ O’Connor and Paul Danaher. However, the northsiders hung on to advance. 

Aisling Annacotty edged out Prospect Priory in a tight affair courtesy of a goal from James Cleary. Without three of four first choice strikers, Derek Braddish side struggled to break down the Aisling defence. Regional United joined their premier division rivals with a comprehensive 7-0 victory over 1A side Moyross. Geraldines advanced at the expense of Murroe. Despite trailing through a penalty, a Christy O’Neill double followed by a Shane Byrne goal and an own goal ensured victory for the premier division side. 

Despite racing into a 2-0 lead with goals from Aaron O’Halloran and Ian Quaide, Granville exited the competition 4-2 against high flying 1B rivals Newport.

Janesboro went to within one point of Pike with a hard fought victory over Kilmallock in the PJ Matthews Premier League.In the basement battle, Charleville eased passed Carew Park 7-1 in Southill. Top scorer Pa O’Callaghan scored four goals with strike partner Shane Dillon grabbing a hattrick. Charlie Baker accounted for the final Charleville goal.