The second weekend of the Limerick Desmond League concluded with wins for Glin Rovers Breska Rovers, in the Premier Division, while there were two draws in the other top tier ties. A reminder, that all action presently is Divisional Cup action, being played on a group phase. So far only Glin can boast a 100% record of those who’ve played two games in the top tier. The penalty shootouts are only relevant if both sides finish level in determining who will advance to the last four. Following three walkovers last weekend, the League Committee will be happy to see all Junior ties fulfilled.
PREMIER DIVISION
Breska marked their return to the top flight with a draw with Newcastle West last weekend but were comfortable this afternoon in defeated a depleted Granagh United. Early goals killed any hopes for the hosts, with Bobby Smith almost immediately finding the net. Further strikes from Ethan Keyes and Mark Moroney had them three clear inside 20 minutes. Keyes added his second before completing his hat-trick following the break.
The other game in this group saw Newcastle West rescue a point with a late goal. Teenager Oisin Woulfe marked his first Junior appearance with a goal. The centre-half could have been forgiven for thinking he was the match winner. But like last week, with time running out, the Magpies struck to avoid defeat. Recent signing Jake Power equalised with the final act. Unlike last weekend, the tiebreaker shootout went against them with Abbeyfeale prevailing. The Clarina club lead the way, but Abbeyfeale and Broadford United have a game less played.
Broadford United were idle and have yet to kick a ball in anger ahead of hosting Breska Rovers next weekend, after receiving a walkover last weekend.
Meanwhile in the other group, Glin Rovers continued their perfect start. After thrashing Kilcornan midweek, their home campaign got off to a good start when Paul Sheehan’s strike was enough to see off Rathkeale.
Kilcornan and Creeves shared the spoils, with Sean Ryan giving Celtic the interval lead. That strike was the first goal for Creeves as a Premier Division outfit but they were denied a chance of a first victory. Mark Curran equalised for Kilcornan to get them off the mark this season. Creeves prevailed in the shootout. Ballingarry were idle in this group.
DIVISION ONE
Meanwhile, in Division One, Athea United continued their winning start, away to Division Two championship Askeaton. Martin Stack, Kevin Murphy and Peter O’Connor were on target before two goals from the Deelsiders made it a nervy finish for United. The other Group A meeting, between Shountrade and St. Ita’s saw the points shared in a 2-2 draw. This means Athea, who are on an impressive 2022 run, are well-placed to make the last four.
In Group B, Dromore United followed up last weekends win with another emphatic win, this time at home to Newcastle West Town Reserves, a 6-1 score line against last season’s runners-up will make for good reading for the new combination. Shannonside were 2-1 winners away to Rathkeale B in the final second tier clash.
DIVISION TWO
In Division Two, a brace from Patrick Finnegan wasn’t enough for Mountcollins to see off Glantine in a local derby. It finished 2-2 with Mountcollins proving sharper on sport kicks, 5-4. Ballingarry B were off and therefore still lead the trio following their win last week.
There was another 2-2 draw between Glin Rovers B and Abbeyfeale United B, with Ed Horan on target for Glin. Knockaderry were idle with Abbeyfeale now top with four points.
DIVISION THREE
In Division Three, Group A, Carrig Celtic got off the mark with an away with to Shannonside B, recovering from their heavy loss last week. Broadford United B got the win at Cove Park, seeing off Dromore United, 2-0.
In the three team Group B, goals from Dara Punch, Conor McCarthy and Seán McGrath were enough for Breska Rovers B to come from behind away to Feenagh, winning 3-1. Shane Ryan had given the hosts an interval lead. This puts them in a strong position with six points, with Ballysteen idle.
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