The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
Newmarket Celtic and Avenue United have learned who they will face in Round Four of the FAI Junior Cup.
Paddy Purcell’s side will face Shelburne United from Wexford while Avenue United will travel to Galway as they were paired with Tuam Celtic.
Newmarket Celtic progressed through to this stage after a comfortable 3-0 win over Shannon Town last weekend. Two goals from Eoin Hayes, who recently represented his country as the Republic of Ireland qualified for the UEFA Regions Cup, ensured Newmarket avoided an upset.
They overcame Classic FC in the second round of this competition when securing a facile 4-0 win. A Darragh Leahy hat trick coupled with a strike from Dean Hegarty saw Newmarket progress.
In the opening round of this competition, Newmarket travelled to Kerry as they faced Mastergeeha FC. The Clare side secured a 4-1 win as Harvey Cullinan, Davy McCarthy, Dean Hegarty and Sean Perrill all found the target.
Meanwhile, Avenue United face an away trip to Galway in Round Four of the competition as they look to back up last year’s run to the Last 16.
They reached this stage after defeating Lifford AFC 3-0 in the Third Round. This had the potential to be a dangerous tie for David Russell’s men especially after losing to the same opposition in the opening round of the league this season.
However, a brace from Mark Roche alongside an Nneji Nnabuike effort ensured their progress to this stage of the competition.
In Round Two Avenue fired nine goals past Kilrush Rangers at Roslevan as the winners thrashed their fellow Maloney Hardware Premier Division side.
Mark Roche and Eliaz Kunz both netted hat tricks as Avenue were simply rampant. Nneji Nnabuike grabbed two goals of his own while Gary Roche also netted as Avenue progressed through in style.
They beat Tulla United 6-0 in the opening round of the competition with Eliaz Kunz, Ronan Kerin, Cullen McCabe, Mark Roche, Tomás Hehir and Nneji Nnabuike all netting.
The Fourth Round ties are due to be played on or before November 27.
