Nenagh qualify for Cup semi-final

By Pat Sheehan

LAWSON CUP

Caherdavin Celtic 1-1 Nenagh AFC (AET, Nenagh win 5-3 on pens)

Nenagh AFC qualified for the semi-finals of the coveted Lawson Cup following a penalty shoot-out win away to Premier ‘A’ League side Caherdavin Celtic on Sunday.

While celebrating the result, Nenagh will be annoyed that they didn’t finish off the tie in play as they dominated possession throughout.

The Tipperary side took an early lead through Saeed Ryan’s penalty kick but didn’t push on from there. Seemingly content to just hold possession, the Premier side were caught on a break when Simon Fitzgerald equalised.

Neither side could find a winner in the closing stages, so penalties were needed to decide the issue.

Nenagh stopper Aaron Savage emerged the hero, scoring one and saving two to set up a semi-final against Janesboro.

Nenagh AFC: Aaron Savage; Lee Mowatt, Eoin Coffey, Kieran Barr, Colm Hayden, Dan O'Meara, Eamon White, Cillian Scully, Alan Sheehan, Saeed Ryan, Conor McCormack.

Subs: Adam Ryan, Kieran O'Brien, Jonathan Lawlor.

Fairview Rangers 3-1 Newport Town

The all-Premier division clash between Fairview Rangers and Newport Town went the way of the home side on Saturday evening.

Thomas O'Connor put Fairview ahead with an early goal, but Brain O’Sullivan equalised to send the sides in level at half time.

After the restart, Fairview took the lead through Josh McCarthy and on the hour mark Matthew Tepou scored the insurance third goal.

Newport Town: Seamus O'Regan; Eoin Looney, Pa Murtagh, Christy O'Connor, Elliot Slattery, Peter O'Sullivan, Daniel Ryan, Darren Collins, Christy Doyle, Jay Ryan, Brian O'Sullivan. Subs: Conor Brett, Jamie Kavanagh, Luke Ryan, David Ryan.

League

In a game of little consequence, Nenagh AFC hit relegated Coonagh United for six in Brickfields on Thursday with a brace each from Ryan Gilmartin and Kieran O'Brien, while Saeed Ryan and Dan O'Meara were also on target.

In Division 1B, goals from Alex Gardas, Adam Fitzgerald and Paddy Alonso helped Nenagh AFC ‘B’ to a 3-0 win over Glenview Rovers while in the same division, Newport Town ‘B’ fell 2-1 to bottom of the table Castle Rover with Conor Brett scoring.

The Tipperary side revered the result when the same sides met in the Cup on Sunday. Pa Gallagher, Colin Coleman, and Nathan Hartigan scored to give Newport a 3-0 win.

In Youths division 1, the Tipperary derby between Lough Derg and Newport ended 3-3. David Goode, Donal Houlihan, Charlie Grace scored for the home side, David O’Brien (2) and Ciarán Carey replied for Newport.

In Youths division 2 Cup, Nenagh AFC reached the final following a 2-1 win over Caledonians. Sean Morrissey and Daniel Connolly were on target for the winners.