Desmond League: Premier leaders beaten; United stalemate; Magpies collect silverware

The sun decided to shine on some Desmond League venues, after another week of problematic rain. While a plethora of games didn’t make it, there was a handful played and some interesting news from around the league. There was more silverware collected last Friday, while there was two Premier Division League games also played.

Weekly Observer Division Two League Cup Final
Newcastle West Town Reserves 3-0 Shountrade (played on Friday)
The final divisional cup crown belongs to Newcastle West Town’s second team who saw off Shountrade, 3-0, in convincing fashion. There was plenty of experience on show for Town, who saw Tony Quaid awarded Man-of-the-Match award. First half goals form Mike McNamara and youngster Josh Joyce (penalty) put them in firm control. Jack Kelleher’s strike, approaching the hour mark, was to be the clincher against an overall young Shountrade side. Any silverware is welcomed and the Magpies will be thrilled having waited since pre-Christmas to contest this decider.

Sunday 3^rd March
Weekly Observer Desmond Cup 1^st Round
Newcastle West Town 1-1 Dromore United B – Newcastle West win 4-2 on penalties AET
There was almost the shock of the opening round, when in-form Newcastle West Town of the Premier Division were pushed all the way by Division Three League Cup winners, Dromore United B. JJ Mulcair’s goal, shortly before half-time gave the visitors something to hold onto. They almost did, but A Jake Power strike entering the closing stages meant extra-time was needed. With United tiring, and Newcastle West down to ten men, it seemed likely that penalties would be needed. Dromore hit the woodwork with a brace of their spot kicks while Newcastle West held their nerve with their four to set up a meeting with Creeves in round two.

Askeaton-Kilcornan B 1-0 Glantine
It took a strike from Anthony Cregan to send Askeaton Kilcornan into round two, as they got the better of Glantine in Kilcornan. Their prize is a meeting with Breska Rovers A in Clarina.

Glin Rovers B V Granagh United – Postponed

Riedy Cup 1^st Round
Knockaderry 0-2 Carrig Celtic
Carrig Celtic moved into the second round with an away win at Knockaderry.

Weekly Observer Premier Division
Glin Rovers 1-0 Rathkeale
After losing their opening game to Creeves, Rathkeale have collected maximum points to go top. At the other end, Glin Rovers have collected just a point from their opening three games. However, given the competitive nature of the division, few would be surprised to see Glin collecting the points. Despite being on the back foot for long periods, a free-kick from Gary Culhane proved the difference after 65 mintues. Rathkeale remain top, but this will dent their bid in retaining their title.

Broadford United V Breska Rovers – Postponed

Abbeyfeale United 1-1 Athea United (played in Athea)
This neighbourly clash was moved to Athea, with Riverside Park unplayable. The Vales saw a tightly fought game end honours evens with both goals coming in the second half. Adam Barry put Abbeyfeale in front, but they were pegged back when Martin Stack found the net directly from a free-kick. The result doesn’t do much for either side, however, a point could prove vital later in the season.

Weekly Observer Division One
Askeaton-Kilcornan V Dromore United – Postponed

St. Itas 2-3 Ballingarry
In the shake up for the Division One title, wins will be crucial, Ballingarry knocked St. Ita’s off the top with a win in Ashford. In an open game, it took a late Mike Molloy effort to take the points back to Ballingarry. David Geary put the visitors in front while Martin Mullane levelled matters from a penalty. Mark Danaher restored the lead but once more, Ita’s had a reply, this time, Aaron Kelly. But, inside the final five minutes of play Molloy pounced to net a crucial goal. It is a reverse of the result in Ballingarry, which saw St. Ita’s take the win. Still with two games in hand, Ballingarry now move a point above their opponents, who have six games left to maintain their promotion push.  

Rathkeale B V Shannonside – Postponed

Weekly Observer Division Two
Ballysteen AFC 2-2 Ballingarry B (Played in Mick Hanley Park)
There was an entertaining league draw played at league headquarters, as both sides let leads slip before settling for a point. Darren Geary cancelled out Ballysteens opener, while Alan Cronin looked to be the match winner, until a late strike gave Ballysteen a hard earned point.

Feenagh v Mountcollins – Postponed

Weekly Observer Division Three
Kilcolman Rovers V Breska Rovers B – Postponed