Late heartbreak for Nenagh as Pike snatch late win

SOCCER: Limerick District League Review

By Pat Sheehan

Munster Junior Cup

Pike Rovers 2-1 Nenagh AFC

Nenagh AFC suffered a cruel exit from the Munster Junior Cup after conceding an injury-time winner against Pike Rovers in a fiercely contested third-round tie at the Pike Field on Sunday.

The visitors started brightly and created the first clear opportunity when Matthew O’Gorman's low drive from the edge of the area forced Sam Casey into a good save.

Pike threatened at the other end when Ruari Morgan’s header rattled the crossbar, but Nenagh held firm, and the sides went in level at the break.

Pike began the second half positively, but it was Nenagh who broke the deadlock on the hour mark. Kieran O'Brien drove into the penalty area and, although his initial effort was saved by Casey, Brian Tracey reacted quickest to turn home the rebound.

Nenagh continued to threaten with O'Brien again testing the Pike defence but the visitors' task became more difficult when they were reduced to ten men following a second yellow card.

Pike immediately took advantage with Bobby Amadasun delivering a dangerous cross from the right which Ethan Joyce met with a well-timed run to head home the equaliser.

Nenagh battled hard to hold on for extra time, but their resistance was finally broken in injury time. Joe Murphy released Alex Keating with an excellent pass and Keating unselfishly squared for Dylan Murphy to finish at the back post.

Another two red cards saw the game finish 10-9. It was a heartbreaking conclusion for Nenagh, who had worked tirelessly and looked capable of progressing before the late dismissal changed the course of the game.

Nenagh AFC: Carl Williams; Saeed Ryan; Mark Manley; Kieran Barr; Conor McCormack; Conor Hanniffy; Daniel Connolly; Tarla Doris; Matt O'Gorman; Colm Hayden; Nathan Kelly, Subs: Kieran O'Brien; Aaron Mitchell; Brian Tracey

Munster Junior Shield

Nenagh AFC ‘B’ and Newport Town ‘B’ qualified for the open draw stages of the Munster Junior Shield following wins on Sunday.

Newport and a superb win over a fancied Fairview Rangers. Trailing with time virtually up, ace marksman Keith Mawdsley struck an equaliser. Extra time followed and John Ryan and another Mawdsley goal secured the win for Newport.

Nenagh AFC ‘B’ welcomed a strong Caherconlish side on Sunday morning and there was little to choose between the sides in a close encounter.

David Flynn scored with an effort from the edge of the box to seal the win for Nenagh.

League

In League action, Lough Derg ‘B’ edged out Moyross United ‘C’ 3-2. G O'Shaughnessy, Callum Foley, and J Goode scored for the winners.