Newport seconds into Cup final
SOCCER: Limerick District League Review
By Pat Sheehan
Premier Division
Nenagh AFC 2-0 Ballynanty Rovers
Nenagh AFC took the points on offer when they hosted Ballynanty Rovers midweek in the Premier League.
With little at stake, it was a low-key affair with goals by Nichita Caaciuc and Dylan Morrison deciding the issue.
Nenagh AFC: Mark McKenna; Kieran Barr; Bryan McGee; Colm Hayden; Saeed Ryan; Mike O'Gorman; Nathan Kelly; Nichita Caaciuc; Conor McCormack; Coilin Dorris; Dylan Morrison. Subs: Conor Hodgins; Dylan McKenna.
On Sunday, Fairview Rangers beat Aisling Annacotty 2-0 to win the Premier Division title for the first time in 22 years.
Lower Leagues
Shelbourne were promoted from Division 1B following a 5-1 win over Nenagh AFC ‘B’ while in Division 3A, Dan Egan was on the mark for Newport Town ‘C’ but they went down 3-1 to leaders Fairview Rangers.
In the same division, Lough Derg edged out Croom by the odd goal in five. Sean Fahy put Derg ahead and scored again to make it 2-1 at the break. The same player completed his hat-trick late in the game to win the points.
In the Division 1B Cup semi-finals, Newport Town ‘B’ beat Glenview Rovers 4-2 to progress to the decider. Adam Power scored three for the winners with Dave O’Brien also finding the target.
They will play Shelbourne in the final after the Greens edged out Croom by the odd goal in three. Harry Cowton and Adam McGlynn scored the winning goals.
Youths
Lough Dergs strong finish to the season continued with a 3-2 win at home to Holycross last week.
Derg went one down after twenty minutes before a fine Jordan Pratt cross was turned home by Liam O'Shaughnessy for the equaliser. Soon after, O’Shaughnessy put Derg ahead firing home directly from a free kick. Five minutes later, a move involving Rory Grogan, Alex Lamont and Pratt put Dan Carroll through for a fine finish. Holycross pulled one back just before the break.
The second half was end to end and Eoin McCarthy made a few fine stops to keep the visitors at bay while Liam Eldridge also made some fine clearances to ensure Derg held on to take the spoils.
Champions Pike Rovers proved too strong for Nenagh AFC running in four goals without reply on Thursday evening.