More Thursday Night Junior Soccer Action

The midweek games continue in the Limerick District League Premier Division tonight as a full set of fixtures are due to take place. All games listed will take place at 6.30 pm.

In the biggest tie of the night, Fairview Rangers will host bitter rivals Pike Rovers at the Fairgreen.

Both sides have been tipped as early favourites for the league title which adds extra spice to the tie.

Also, Pike will be looking for revenge following Fairview’s victory in the Lawson Cup Final in a thrilling 3-2 win last May.

There is just one point separating the sides in the league with the Hoops joint top with Ballynanty Rovers and Fairview in third place.

It will be the second time in seven days that Jason Purcell’s men will be hosting a title rival following last week’s disappointing 2-1 defeat to Donal Magee’s Ballynanty.

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Most disappointingly for the Fairgreen outft was the lack of chances created for 80 minutes of the game despite possessing attacking talent like Ross Mann and Daragh Raninsford in the attacking third of the pitch.

Ballynanty maintained their discipline and defensive shape throughout which proved difficult to break down.

Both sides come into the game following convincing victories over Nenagh and Coonagh on Sunday.

In the early stages of the season, Pike have had a very small squad to choose from in the first two weeks of the season, but have signed Oisin Kelly from Aisling Annacotty.

Also. club manager Robbie Williams will be signing once the season with Limerick FC finishes. It promises to be a tight affair tonight with the winner gaining a psycological advantage early doors.

Janesboro FC host Geraldines and the southside club have managed to steady the ship following an opening day hammering against Pike Rovers at Crosagalla with three consecutive victories.

Aidan Ryan and Shane O’Hanlon were dealt a massive blow last week with the news that Janesboro legend Shane Clarke has opted to swap Pearse Stadium for Aisling Annacotty in a move which took the Limerick junior soccer fraternity by surprise.

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However, ‘Boro have also managed to sign an impressive set of young players including the returning Arron Nunan and last week’s two goal hero Pat McDonagh from Regional.

Also, Frankie Herr and Tyrique Leamy, stars of last season’s Oscar Traynor Youth team, have featured heavily in all four games thus far.

Geraldines impressive start to the season was halted last weekend in a 4-1 defeat to Regional.

Last season, Geraldines beat league champions Janesboro 2-1 in the Munster Junior Cup on their way to the semi-final so Bobby Tier’s team won’t be daunted by the fixture.

Former Janesboro pair Kevin Barry and Aaron Grant have joined the Garryowen club.

Geraldines will be hoping to send a message to the rest of the league that they are serious about a top four finish whereas Janesboro will be hoping to continue their winning run in a bid to put up a strong defence of their title.

Ballynanty travel to face newly promoted Mungret and are one of two unbeaten sides in the league.

The loss of Arron Nunan spelled worry for Donal Magee especially after a 1-1 draw on the opening day against Kilmallock.

Although those fears were eased significantly with the form of the team since and the imminent arrival of Connor Ellis who is due to make his first appearance for the northsiders.

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Magee’s side were down to the bare bones last week and written off travelling to last year’s bogey side Fairview but produced a display full of character to win 2-1.

The defensive display as superb with Daragh Hughes and Dan Lucey in particular, standing out.

The addition of Adrian Power from Janesboro has been crucial as he has led the line well in the past two games and scored a last minute winner against Prospect to secure a valuable three points.

They will be expected to beat Eddie Storan’s Mungret side who have struggled to find the net, scoring just twice in four games.

Outside of a 4-0 defeat to title favourites Fairview, Mungret have been solid defensively, led by Brian Cotter.

Ballynanty will be expecting to overcome the challenge but have also struggled against newly promoted side Coonagh this season in 1 3-2 win.

Aisling Annacotty entertain Coonagh United on the Astrotuf pitch at Annacotty as they look to build on a 5-2 win over fellow early season strugglers Kilmallock.

Buoyed by the arrival of prolific striker Shane Clarke, it remains to be seen if Clarke will make his debut tonight.

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Annacotty also look forward to hosting Liverpool Legends and opening up the new dressing rooms and community centre.

The game will take place on September 7th on the new grass pitch at the club venue. Coonagh have not struggled to score goals so far but will want to stop significant concessions if they are to remain as a premier division club.

Regional United will be hoping to continue their good start to the campaign when they host Kilmallock in Dooradoyle.

Shane O’Donoghue’s side blitzed high flying Geraldines at Garryowen Green last week but will be without Kieran O’Connell who sustained an injury during the game.

Kilmallock started well with a 1-1 draw against Ballynanty but have since suffered heavy defeats to Pike Rovers and Aisling Annacotty as well as a narrow loss to Nenagh.

Struggling sides Prospect and Nenagh face off on Hyde Road in a massive game for both sides.

Despite Nenagh already securing three points against Kilmallock, it feels like a game that neither can lose, especially Prospect who are on just one point so far.