The Clare Champion Clare news, sport, entertainment and local notes
Avenue United 2 Kilmallock 3 (AET)
IN a cracking FAI Youths Cup third round tie at Lees Road on Saturday, extra time was required before Kilmallock advanced to round four at the expense of Avenue United.
The Ennis side took the lead through Darragh Sexton in the first half but the visitors got on terms just before the half-time whistle.
Early in the second half, Kilmallock took the lead and looked to be through to the next round as time ticked away. However, Avenue refused to give up and, in the last minute, Alan Roche struck and levelled the game.
This led to extra time and five minutes into this period, Kilmallock, National Cup U-16 finalists two years ago, struck for what proved to be the winner.
Ten minutes from the end of the game, Kilmallock were reduced to 10 men but they managed to hold on and secure their place in the next round of the competition.
Avenue United: Liam Deasy; Pa Sherlock, Shane Browne, Colin Smith, Jack Walsh, Alan Roche, Mark Roche, Emrya Zakiri, Eoin Fitzgerald, Darragh Sexton, Sean Corry.
Subs: Eoghan O’Loughlin for Sexton (inj); Dean O’Connor for M Roche; Dara Kerin for Zakeri.
Avenue and Newmarket to clash in Munster Junior Cup
The clash of Avenue United and Newmarket Celtic in the Munster Junior Cup third round is the standout fixture in Clare soccer this weekend.
Newmarket Celtic currently lead the premier league and their form has been impressive. Avenue United have a number of games in hand and are expected to be well in contention for the league title.
Sunday’s clash, which goes ahead at Lees Road, should give an indication as to who might be in contention for league honours later in the season.
Elsewhere, there will be a full list of league fixtures, the last action for the junior clubs in 2010 and these ties should be interesting. In the Premier League, Rock Rovers will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they travel to take on Bunratty.
In the First Division, Shannon Olympic A will be hoping to maintain their position at the top of the table when they travel to play Sporting Ennistymon while Corofin Harps will be expected to maintain their spot at the top of the table when they entertain Bridge United B.
