The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
Newmarket Celtic, Bridge United and Shannon Town are in action this weekend in the Fourth Round of the Munster Junior Cup.
All three sides enjoy home comforts as they aim to reach the Last 16 of the competition with the games commencing at 2pm on Sunday. This is the first round where Clare sides will be facing teams from outside the county.
Newmarket Celtic face a tricky test at home against a Killavilla United AFC team that are second in the North Tipperary and District League, albeit they have two games in hand over leaders Arra Rovers who they trail by three points. This game will be played on Sunday with a kick off 2pm.
Paddy Purcell’s side eliminated Avenue United from this competition after Harvey Cullinan’s double saw them come from a goal down to prevail 2-1.
In the second round, Newmarket Celtic overcame Fairgreen Celtic 3-0 with Ian Collins and a Cullinan brace propelling them through.
Meanwhile, the opening game saw Newmarket Celtic prove much too strong for Shannon Hibs B with Dean Hegarty grabbing four goals in an emphatic win.
Shannon Town will welcome East Cork outfit, Corkbeg AFC to Lynch Park on Sunday, kick off 2pm. Corkbeg AFC won the AUL Premier A trophy last season as they gained promotion to the top tier.
Steo Dolan’s side progressed through to this stage after securing a 5-2 win over Shannon Hibs.
Charlie Morrison’s brace alongside efforts from Ben O’Neill, Rory Hayes and Aaron Kelly saw the Maloney Hardware Premier Division side avoid a shock defeat.
A Morrison hat trick helped Shannon Town secured a 6-2 win over Kilrush Rangers in the previous round. Craig Riordan also fired in a brace with Rory Hayes getting on the scoresheet
An emphatic opening round win over Fern Celtic B saw Kieran Hackett nab four goals while Brian Monaghan and Hayes also bagged hat tricks.
Bridge Utd will welcome Avondale United to Frank Healy Park on Sunday, kick off 2pm. Mark Culbert’s side secured a morale boosting win over Coole FC at the weekend following successive league defeats.
They came from behind to secure a 3-1 win over Shannon Olympic in the third round of this competition as the Corry brothers accounted for all three of their sides’ goals. Paul converted two penalties while Brian scored from a free kick.
Bridge United came through a tricky second round tie with Kilkishen Celtic as they prevailed 2-1. Leon Daly opened the scoring before Jordan Downes’ strike gave Bridge a sufficient cushion to withstand a late fightback.
A thrilling 4-3 win over Newmarket Celtic B got them off the mark in the competition as Paul Corry netted the decisive goal to see his side through.
This Saturday the Munster Youths Cup sees two Clare clubs away to Cork opposition. Bridge United face Blarney United while Tulla United travel to Watergrasshill United. Both games commence at 2pm.
