Desmond League: Away sides on top in Premier Division and lower-tier Cup update

Weekly Observer Premier Division
Creeves Celtic 1-2 Abbeyfeale Utd
There was a somewhat surprising result as Abbeyfeale United picked up a massive three points against Creeves Celtic, in Newbridge. Tough to beat on home soil, a sluggish opening half from Celtic had them chasing this game for long periods. Despite finishing strongly, and Abbey down to 10-men, the clock ran out and Creeves weren’t able to move ahead of Rathkeale – both still tied on 15 points. It was Dylan Quirke who opened the scoring with a long-range free-kick carrying all the way into the net. This was soon added to by Dylan Murphy, who finished from close range, after Creeves struggled to clear their lines. The hosts were guilty of wasting a host of chances but to their credit, Abbeyfeale defended well for long periods. A late goal from Tommy Dillane set up a frantic stoppage time but United had enough to claim a second win of the league season.

Newcastle West Town 0-1 Glin Rovers
There was game which Glin Rovers finished the right side of. Having won by the same scoreline last week against Rathkeale, Rovers backed it up with, to climb the table again. Gary Culhane set up James Wallace for the only goal of the contest, which arrived in the first half. Glin’s ability to pick up three narrow wins in as many outings, will add momentum to the second half of their league season.

Athea Utd 3-4 Broadford Utd
There was a thriller in the Vales, which saw the champions sneak a late winner and take the crucial three points. It took a stoppage time winner from Jack Pierce to separate the sides, which meant Darren Murphy’s treble against his former club was fruitless. Alan Fitzpatrick opened the scoring but it was level by half-time, after Murphy got his first. Pierce netted a penalty but Murphy had a reply in the third quarter. Sean Brosnan restored the lead for Broadford. Murphy levelled the tie, with a fine goal to complete his hat-trick and with the draw, a rarity in the Premier Division looking likely, Jack Pierce slotted home in stoppage time to plunge Athea into more difficulty in the relegation places.

Weekly Observer Desmond Cup 1^st Round
Abbeyfeale Utd B 3-0 Shountrade (Walkover)
Abbeyfeale United B received a walkover, which meant that they will travel to Breska Rovers B in round two.

Riedy Cup 1^st Round
Dromore Utd A 2-1 Dromore Utd B
There was a unique fixture in Pallaskenry, as the clash of both of Dromore United’s sides in a competitive fixture saw the A team take the win, on ‘home soil’. Ryan Kelly netted a brace to put the A team in control by the interval, but Ethan O’Brien made a game of it when he added to his every growing tally for the B’s.

Rathkeale B 3-2 Askeaton-Kilcornan B
Luke Murphy, Jack Forde, Mark Hogan//Sam Harty (2)Rathkeale got a much needed win, as they prevailed against Division Three Askeaton Kilcornan. Goals from Luke Murphy, Jack Forde and Mark Hogan accounted for the home strikes, with Sam Harty netting for the visitors. There was also a missed penalty from Askeaton Kilcornan who will turn attention back to League action in the coming weeks, where they are not out of the running for promotion.

Shannonside 2-1 Kilcolman Rovers
A goal in either half from Adam Bennett was enough to fire Shannonside into round two. These sides were level at half-time, but Bennett’s winner denied Division Three Kilcolman and hopes of an upset against second tier opposition. A Division Two side, Abbeyfeale United B are up next for the Shanagolden-Foynes outfit.

Ballysteen v St. Itas – Postponed

Newcastle West Town Reserves 4-3 Granagh Utd
There was no shortage of drama as a late Cillian Collins goal was the winner against a Granagh United side who had their discipline issues on the day. Trailing early on, Newcastle West replied through Sean Bolger, Tony Quaid, Josh Joyce’s penalty, to lead 3-1. A red card for handball gave Joyce the penalty, which put Granagh on the back foot. However, a couple of goals late on tied this clash before Cillian Collins found a winner. Granagh’s frustration with the goal saw them end the game with eight men.

Ballingarry B 2-1 Mountcollins (AET)
It took extra-time to separate two familiar foes, in an all Division Two clash at the Paddocks. Goals from Tiernan Fitzgerald and Alan Cronin put Ballingarry B into round two. Nearby Feenagh are their opposition in the last 16.

Riedy Cup 2^nd Round

Ballingarry A 2-0 Askeaton-Kilcornan A
This clash of two Division One sides saw the home sides eventually get ahead and over the line. Scoreless beyond the hour mark, it took late strikes from Kieran Storin and Eoin Lynch to put Ballingarry into the quarter-finals. Feenagh or their own B team will provide the opposition in the last eight.

Glin Rovers B 4-0 Glantine
Glin Rovers B made light work of Glantine. Goals from Ger Riordan (2), Cian Culhane, Edward Mulvihill ensured they had no worries against a side two divisions below them.
Glin are away to Abbeyfeale United B or Shannonside in the quarters.

Youths Division One League Cup
Abbeyfeale Utd 6-1 Askeaton-Kilcornan

Newcastle West Town 3-2 Dromore Utd

Youths Division Three League Cup
Shountrade 4-0 Rathkeale