Nenagh hold Pike to impact title race

Limerick District League Review

By Pat Sheehan

PREMIER DIVISION

Pike Rovers 0-0 Nenagh AFC

Nenagh AFC caused a major shock in the title race in the Premier League when they held Pike Rovers to a scoreless draw at the Pike Club on Sunday.

The result leaves the destination of the title firmly in Fairview Rangers hands as they hold an eleven-point lead with only two games extra played. Fairview received a walkover in their game with Carew Park on Sunday.

Nenagh came to Pike more in hope than expectation but after a hard-fought encounter emerged with a deserved point.

The visitors had the first chance of note when Nathan Kelly struck the crossbar inside ten minutes. Pike’s best chance in the half fell to Seamus O’Carroll with a bullet header from Morrissey’s cross but it was well saved by stand-in keeper Mark McKenna.

In the second half, Pike had the majority of the possession but poor finishing and a well organised Nenagh defence kept them at bay.

Nenagh could have taken all three points when Nathan Kelly threatened ten minutes from time but a superb save from Pike keeper Gary Neville kept the game scoreless.

Pike threw everything at Nenagh goal in the closing stages but again their defence stood tall with McKenna mopping up anything that got through.

Nenagh AFC: Mark McKenna; Eoin Coffey; Colm Hayden; Kieran Barr; Bryan McGee; Hanniffy; Adam Ryan; Dylan Morrison; Saeed Ryan; Nathan Kelly; Dan O'Meara. Subs: Conor McCormack.

Lower Leagues

Division 1B leaders Herbertstown got back to winning ways on their trip to Newport Town ‘B’. Bradley McNamara and Tyrique Leamy with two were the scorers in a 3-0 win. In the same division, Nenagh AFC ‘B’ fell 2-0 at home to Kilfrush.

In Division 3A, Newport Town ‘C’ ran in four goals without reply at Nenagh AFC ‘C’ courtesy of Evan Gerraghty, Kieran Darcy, Daire Cantillon and Phelim O'Reilly.

In the Open Cup quarter final, Kilmallock knocked out Lough Derg 3-0.

In the Premier Youth League, Nenagh AFC beat Lough Derg 2-1 with goals from Dylan Delaney and Mark Manley.