Junior Soccer: Ballynanty out of FAI, while Janesboro extend league lead

Limerick District League side Ballynanty Rovers were eliminated from the FAI Junior Cup on Sunday as they lost 2-1 to Muirhevna Mor of Dundalk. The northsiders were looking to join Regional, Pike, Glin Rovers, Aisling Annacotty and Newport Town in the last 32 of the competition but two late strikes crushed Donal Magee’s sides hopes.

Striker Kevin Nolan had given Balla the lead but an equaliser five minutes from time along with a last minute goal ended their hopes for the campaign. 

In league action, it was a great day for Janesboro who extended their lead at the top of the table by an extra two points with a 2-1 win over Aisling Annacotty. New signing Kevin Barry started up front and along with strike partner Shane Clarke, they accounted for both goals. Aisling pulled a goal back through Killian Maloney but ‘Boro held on to go eight pints clear at the top of the table.

Janesboro’s lead was extended thanks to dropped points for Pike Rovers in their clash with fierce rivals Fairview Rangers t the Fairgreen on Sunday morning. However, Mick Sheil may see it as a good point as Fairview stormed into a 2-0 lead courtesy of goals from Robbie Kelleher and James Fitzgerald.

It looked as though Jason Purcell’s team were sure to gain all three points when former Fairview player Colin Daly was sent off. Pike showed resilience once more as Paddy O’Malley scored a great header from a Shane Walsh cross and Daragh Rainsford struck a superb free kick to equalise. 

Regional United ended a week which started with a superb victory in the FAI Cup in abject fashion when they were held to a draw by a spirited Prospect team. Prospect’s ability to defend despite having a small squad at this level is one of the main reasons why the southsiders remain six points clear of the relegation. 

Geraldines ensured that Charleville will remain in the relegation zone at Christmas time following a 3-2 victory in Cork. Pat O’Callaghan put Charleville in front before opposite striker Shane Byrne drew Geraldines level.

Morgan Clancy and George Daffy gave the visitors a two goal lead before O’Callaghan’s striker partner Shane Dillion pulled a goal back for the home side. However, Geraldines held on for a vital victory and one that could ensure safety in the premier division barring disaster. 

Killmallock dragged Nenagh right back into the relegation fight following a 4-1 win. The visitors led through Mark McKenna but goals from Tommy Heffernan, Eoin Burchill, Barry Sheedy and Killian Hayes eased Killmallock to victory.