Nenagh edge Newport in league opener

Limerick District League Review

By Pat Sheehan

PREMIER LEAGUE

Nenagh AFC 1-0 Newport Town

The first round of games in the Limerick Premier League last Thursday pitted the two Tipperary sides against each other when Nenagh emerged victorious by the narrowest of margins.

Adam Ryan’s goal after seven minutes proved the difference between the sides in a hard-fought game.

The early goal settled Nenagh, and the home side would have added to their lead midway through the half but Newport ‘keeper Harry Ryan made a superb save to deny Matt O’Gorman.

The second half began in similar vein and inside five minutes Bryan McGee was denied a second Nenagh goal thanks to a last gasp clearance by Elliot Slattery.

At the other end, Christy Doyle forced a good save from Aaron Savage, but the visitors cause was not helped when they were reduced to ten men.

Nenagh squandered a penalty kick with twenty minutes remaining when Matt O’Gorman’s effort was just too high.

Despite their advantage, the home side nearly lost their lead with two minutes remaining but luckily for them, Christy Doyle’s headed just wide of the target to ensure the points stayed in Nenagh.

Nenagh AFC: Aaron Savage; Kieran Barr, Dylan Morrison, Lee Mowatt, Bryan McGee; Saeed Ryan, Aidan White, Adam Ryan, Matt O'Gorman, Colm Hayden; Nathan Kelly. Subs: Kieran O'Brien, Conor McCormack, Eoin Coffey, Mike O'Gorman, Cillian Scully.

Newport Town: Harry Ryan; Eoin Looney, Pa Murtagh, Christy O'Connor, Elliot Slattery, Peter O'Sullivan, Brian O'Sullivan, Darren Collins, Conor Brett, Killian O'Malley, Christy Doyle. Subs: Jamie Kavanagh, David Ryan, Joe Shanahan, Ciaran Carey.

Regional United 1-1 Nenagh AFC

Nenagh followed up their opening day win with a credible draw at Regional United in Dooradoyle on Sunday.

The visitors fell a goal behind midway through the first half somewhat against the run of play. Joe Lavan’s goal for the home side did not knock Nenagh out of their stride and they had the best of the possession for the remainder of the game without unduly testing Vinny Browne in the home goal.

There were just two minutes remaining when Nenagh got the equaliser their efforts deserved. Eamon White’s ball down the line found Cillian Scully whose clever ball found the in running Eoin Coffey who blasted in from close range.

Nenagh AFC: Aaron Savage; Eoin Coffey, Lee Mowatt, Colm Hayden, Dylan Morrison; Bryan McGee, Cillian Scully, Eamon White, Matt O'Gorman; Adam Ryan, Saeed Ryan. Subs: Dan O'Meara, Ryan Gilmartin, Kieran Barr, Kieran O'Brien, Conor McCormack.

Newport Town 3-7 Geraldines

Newport’s hopes of bouncing back from an opening day defeat were dealt a blow when they were well beaten by a rampant Geraldines in Derryleigh Park on Sunday.

Christy Doyle scored twice to give Newport a false sense of security as the visitors fought back to go 4-2 ahead.

Elliot Slattery scored from a free kick to reduce the deficit but ‘Dines piled on another three for good measure. Jake Leamy (3), Muhin Jelle (2), Nathan Cross and Amosi Oku were the Dines scorers.

Newport Town: Harry Ryan; Killian O'Malley, Pa Murtagh, Christy O'Connor, Elliot Slattery; Darren Collins, Ciaran Carey, Aaron Coleman, Christy Doyle; Brian O'Sullivan, Jamie Kavanagh. Subs: Conor Brett, Joe Shanahan, John Barry, Dave O'Brien.

Lower Leagues

In Division 1B, Nenagh AFC ‘B’ were impressive in their opening game winning 6-0 at Meanus. Roberto Ipsalat (3), Diarmuid Fitzpatrick (2) and Sean Morrissey were on the mark.

Newport Town ‘B’ also turned in a fine performance holding Pike Rovers ‘B’ to a scoreless draw.

There are three Tipperary teams in Division 3A, and they all kicked off their campaigns with wins.

Jayden McGee and an own goal helped Nenagh AFC ‘C’ to a 2-1 win over Athlunkard Villa.

Wayne Cullen scored the only goal of the game as Newport Town ‘C’ beat Caherdavin Celtic ‘B’, while Lough Derg won 5-3 at Castle United. Adam Nolan (2), William Bennett Quaid, Jakub Slaga and Sam Seymour were the scorers.

In their second outings, Lough Derg edged out Caherdavin Celtic ‘B’ in a nine-goal thriller. Jakub Slaga (3), Jordan Pratt and Cian Oakley netted for the winners; Kieran Darcy and Killian English scored for Newport Town ‘C’, but Holycross ‘B’ ran out 3-2 winners.