Pike overcome Regional in tight affair

Pike Rovers defeated premier division rivals Regional United at Jackman Park on Thursday evening in the Jack Tuohy Cup thanks to a first half Shane Walsh strike. 

Regional had the better of the opening exchanges and after just two minutes, dangerman Sosuke Kimura curled a shot just wide. Pike responded well and a long clearance caught the Regional back four square, allowing Johnathan Grant to steal in before forcing a block from goalkeeper Rob Shier. 

The only goal of the game arrived midway through the first half when midfielder Shane Walsh picked up possession from the edge of the box before blasting a shot through Shier. The Regional goalkeeper will be disappointed that the effort managed to evade his right foot so easily. 

Early in the second half, Regional pushed hard without creating a big chance. In fact Daragh Rainsford had no less than four back post opportunities and the former Limerick man will be disappointed that he squandered them all. 

Jack Lynch had a glorious opportunity to equalise as we approached full time but he couldn’t manage to direct his header on target. Sean McSweeney had Regional’s last chance with a shot from distance but Gary Neville had it covered. Pike now advance to the semi final of the Tuohy Cup. 

Pike Rovers: Gary Neville, Adam Lipper, Wayne Colbert, Eddie O’Donovan, Johnathan Hannafin, Conor Kavanagh, Shane Walsh, Colin Daly, Paddy O’Malley, Daragh Rainsford, Johnathan Grant.

Regional: Rob Shier, Tommy Frawley, Jack Lynch, Clyde O’Connell, Alan Murphy, Ross Fitzgerald, Sean McSweeney, Kieran O’Connell, Sosuke Kimura, Pat McDonagh, Willie Griffin.