Busy weekend schedule ahead in Limerick Junior Soccer

With the weather improving slightly this week, there will be hope among many clubs and players involved in the Limerick junior soccer scene that close to a full round of matches will take place on Saturday and Sunday. From under 17s FAI involvement to Pike Rovers clash away to Waterford club Dungarvan in the FAI Junior Cup, there are big matches for many clubs.

The Touhy Cup match between Charleville and Nenagh finally took place at Jackman Park on Wednesday following two previous postponements. A goal from Pa Callaghan was enough to earn Charleville a narrow 1-0 win but it will provide the Cork club with confidence which is required for their upcoming relegation battles. Charleville will now face Fairview in the semi-final of the Touhy Cup next Wednesday at Jackman Park.

On Saturday, Fairview Youths are again in action in the Munster Youth Cup when they face Clare side Avenue at 2 o’clock. Regional United travel to Westmeath to take on Willow Park In the FAI Youth Cup at the same time. On Sunday, there are two more Limerick District League youth sides in action in the FAI Youth Cup as Nenagh and Mungret both travel to Cork to play Greenmount and Springfield Ramblers respectively.

In the biggest game of the weekend involving Limerick clubs, Pike Rovers travel to Dungarvan in the last 16 of the FAI Junior Cup. In previous seasons, it has usually been after Christmas that Mick Shiel’s side have picked up form and a place in the quarter-final of the competition is crucial for the club. The game will kick-off at 2pm in Waterford.

In the PJ Matthews Premier League, leaders Janesboro host second place Carew Park in an eagerly anticipated clash at Pearse Stadium at 2pm. With six points already separating the sides, Albert Slattery will feel that his side must get at least a draw to continue to apply pressure on their hosts. Ballynanty Rovers host Fairview Rangers at Shelbourne Park. The northside club have suffered the loss of three players since their last encounter with Joel Coustrain signing for Shamrock Rovers and duo Shaun Kelly and Clyde O’Connell making quick returns to Limerick FC under new manager Tommy Barrett.

Regional entertain Kilmallock at Dooradoyle in an attempt to re-focus on the league campaign. Since their last league fixture, the club have dropped to fourth but have two games in hand on Ballynanty and only trail Janesboro by seven points. Nenagh will be looking for swift revenge over relegation threatened Charleville when they meet in Tipperary on Sunday. As previously mentioned, the sides met on Wednesday where Charleville defeated their hosts.

Furthermore, the Lawson Cup first round takes place with teams from 1A to 4A entering the competition at this stage. The pick of the clashes is between 1B leaders Coonagh United and Corbally United at Atlunkard. Furthermore, there is an all 1A meeting between Cappamore and Castle Rovers. Also, Hyde Rangers will be hoping to cause an upset as the 2A team play 1A Geraldines. All Lawson Cup games take place at 11am on Sunday.