Newport progress as Nenagh exit FAI Junior Cup

By Pat Sheehan

Pike Rovers 2-0 Nenagh AFC

Nenagh AFC were unable to prevent last season’s beaten FAI Junior Cup finalist’s Pike Rovers from advancing to round 3 of this season’s competition following a 2-0 defeat in Limerick city on Sunday morning.

Pike started the game in fine form and their physicality kept the visitors penned back. However, despite taking a two-goal lead, the host’s seemed to ease off in the second half. That allowed Nenagh to get a foothold in the game and while they played some delightful football at times, they were unable to get past a solid backline t0 threaten goalkeeper Gary Neville.

A good move early on by the Tipperary side ended with the ball falling to Aidan White but his shot on goal was blocked by a fine tackle by Eoin Hanrahan.

The home side opened the scoring on eleven minutes. Shane Walsh’s pin-point corner kick picked out the unmarked Hanrahan beyond the back post, who volleyed first time, giving Eoghan Tinkler no chance in the Nenagh goal. Mike Conlon had a great chance to double Pike’s lead when played through by Steven McGann, but rushed his effort allowing Tinkler to gather. It was short lived disappointment for the Hoops as they doubled their lead minutes later. Another Walsh delivery, this time from a free kick on the right, saw the ball fall in a crowded goalmouth and Aaron Murphy proved more alert as he bundled home from close range.

Before the break Dylan Morrison volleyed just over the Pike goal when Adam Ryan’s corner kick fell his way.

Pike introduced Kevin Barry at the break, and he nearly had the perfect impact but his shot from an acute angle was well save by Tinkler.

Nenagh started to press forward and had Pike on the back foot for periods. Adam Ryan and Alan Sheehan were excellent for the visitors but try as they might, Pat Mullins, Adam Lipper and Hanrahan mopped up anytime the ball reached the danger zone.

Pike Rovers: Gary Neville; Evan Patterson; Eddie O'Donovan; Adam Lipper; Pat Mullins; Eoin Hanrahan; Paudie Murphy; Steve McGann; Shane Walsh; Aaron Murphy; Mikey Conlon, Subs: Kyle Duhig; Kevin Barry; Brendan O'Dwyer; Jamie Hannon Nenagh AFC: Eoghan Tinkler; Kieran Barr; Lee Mowatt; Bryan McGee; Eamon White; Ryan Gilmartin; Dylan Morrison; Alan Sheehan; Matt Spain; Adam Ryan; Aidan White, Subs: Szymon Popiela; Saeed Ryan; Casey Finn; Cillian Scully; Eoin Coffey

Newport 1 Janesboro 0

Newport Town recorded the result of the round beating Premier division side Janesboro to progress to round 3. The sides met a couple of weeks back in the Munster Junior Cup and the Tipperary side went close to causing an upset before the Premier side did enough to edge it. Newport learned from that encounter and came better prepared this time out.

The home side started brightest and should have taken the lead after twenty minutes when Christy Doyle missed a header from close range. Janesboro responded and Cillian O’Shea forced a solid save from Seamus O’Regan to keep the game all-square.

Just before half time Newport again squandered a good chance when Dan Egan missed timed his header at the back post. Midway through the second half, Newport made a few changes which freshened up their approach. The influential Dave Ryan crossed for Jay Ryan whose header hit the post. Newport’s did not have to wait long for their next chance as Ryan delivered again and the ball landed at fellow sub, Sean O’Brien at the back post to finish with his first touch. A solid defence ensured Newport comfortably held on for the final ten minutes to progress.

Newport Town: Seamus O'Regan; Kevin O'Brien; Eoin Looney; Peter O'Sullivan; Elliot Slattery; Ben Coleman; Diarmuid O'Riordan; Pa Murtagh; Christy Doyle; Brian O'Sullivan; Dan Egan, Subs: Jay Ryan; Sean O'Brien; Luke Ryan; Wayne Collins; David Ryan

The big game in the FAI Junior Cup in Limerick saw Premier League leaders Fairview Rangers ease past third placed Aisling Annacotty thanks to goals from Conor Coughlan, Conor Ellis, and AJ O’Connor.

In the Munster Youth Cup, Newport Town got the better of Kilfrush thanks to strikes from Jamie Kavanagh and Adam Keane.