Pike Rovers advance to the quarter-finals of the FAI Junior Cup

Mick Shiels’ Pike Rovers are through to the last eight of the FAI Junior Cup as they overcame Waterford based Dungarvan 1-3 away from home. Pike took the lead through an own goal in the first half before Dungarvan equalised before half-time. Second-half goals from Steven McGann and Wayne Colbert ensured a safe passage for the Limerick side to the quarter-final stage.

Pike will fancy their chances against any of the remaining teams on their day despite the presence of strong sides like Mervue, Newmarket Celtic and St. Michaels in the competition. The club last reached the FAI final just two years ago as they lost out to perennial winners Sheriff YC 1-0. Shiels was also in charge of the team on that day and both he and the players will be looking to go one better this season.

Locally, the big game of the weekend ended in controversy as the clash between Janesboro and Carew Park was abandoned by referee Johnathan Hayes at 1-1. Carew Park’s Kieran Hanlon was sent off with ten minutes remaining and a supporter entered the field of play which forced the officials to call a halt to proceedings.

In other PJ Matthews Premier League games, Ballynanty Rovers and Fairview Rangers played out a 1-1 draw at Shelbourne Park with Jason Hughes on the scoresheet for the hosts. Nenagh enacted revenge against their Touhy Cup conquerors Charleville as they picked up a 2-1 win with a last minute winner. Also, Regional kept up their title challenge and temporarily narrowed the gap on Janesboro to four points with a 2-1 comeback win over Kilmallock in Dooradoyle.

In the Lawson Cup, Corbally United defeated 1B promotion hopefuls Coonagh 5-2 at Atlunkard as a hattrick from Jack Fitzgerald and two from Darren Hanley provided the platform for the victory.

There were also wins for Caherdavin, Knockainey and Kilfrush over Pallasgreen, Meanus and Kennedy Park respectively. In positive news, a lot of Lawson Cup matches went ahead but there are still fxitures from the first round which have to be decided and they will be played this weekend along with the start of the second round of the competition.