Nenagh edged out by table-toppers

By Pat Sheehan

Premier League

Nenagh AFC 1-2 Fairview Rangers

Following their impressive FAI Junior Cup outing against Newport Town, Nenagh AFC were brought back to earth on Sunday against Premier League leaders Fairview Rangers in Brickfields.

Nenagh have been playing well over the last couple of months, but they faced a Fairview side with their sights firmly on a long overdue league title.

The visitors took the lead in the first half through Darragh Rainsford. Matthew O'Gorman had a couple of shots to test the Josh McCarthy and the Fairview net minder also dealt well with Adam Ryan’s free kick.

When Brian Aherne doubled the lead after the break it looked like we could be in for a repeat of Fairview’s 3-0 win over Nenagh in the Tuohy Cup a couple of weeks back.

However, Nenagh regrouped, Dylan Morrison had a shot saved by McCarthy and Eoin Coffey had two headers from free kicks sail just over the top.

The home side got their reward when Saeed Ryan crossed low and Dan O'Meara side footed into the top corner for a superb goal to make it a one goal game.

Nenagh went chasing the equaliser and but for some stout defending may well have achieved their goal. The final whistle came as a huge relief to the visitors.

Nenagh AFC: Carl Williams; Lee Mowatt; Kieran Barr; Colm Hayden; Eoin Coffey; Bryan McGee; Adam Ryan; Dylan Morrison; Nathan Kelly; Dan O'Meara; Matt O'Gorman. Subs: Daniel Connolly; Ryan Gilmartin; Saeed Ryan

A shortage of referees saw Newport’s game with Carew Park postponed.

Lower Leagues

Alan Kelly was on target for Nenagh AFC ‘B’ but they went down 3-1 to Pike Rovers ‘B’ and the ‘C’ team also tasted defeat at the hands of Caherdavin Celtic 3-0.

Newport Town ‘B’ lost 2-0 to Shelbourne while their ‘C’ team went down 4-2 to Fairview in Division 3A.

Wayne Collin and Dan Egan netted for Newport.

In Youth football, Matt Ryan scored for Lough Derg but Mungret Regional replied with two goals to take the spoils.