Match Reports

Moneygall 1 – 2 Cashel Town

Cashel Town made the trip into North Tipp for their first foray in this year’s Junior Cup competition, and had to come from behind before prevailing by the odd goal in three against a tough Moneygall side. The match was played in difficult conditions, and the home side took the lead just before the half hour mark when a speculative long range shot from distance was deflected in to the top corner by a Town defender. This was a blow to the TSDL side as they had the majority of possession up to that point, but they knuckled down and continued to dominate the game, though they could not hit back before the break. They continued to push in the second period and finally got their reward for their good play, when they levelled the game on the hour mark after Lee O Riordan finished well at the back post from a cross off the right wing. Their tales up now, Cashel continued to press and got the winner ten minutes from the end when Kyle Ryan headed home from a corner. Despite the home side pushing to get back into the game after this, the South Tipp side defended well and won out.

Bansha Celtic 4 – 3 Vee Rovers

Bansha Celtic finally won out in this tie last Sunday after a seven goal thriller against Vee Rovers that warmed the watching supporters on a terrible day for football in West Tipperary. The game began pretty subdued and there were no chances of note, before the away side took the lead with a cleverly engineered goal in the fifteenth minute, that was finished to the net by Zach Keating. After that despite a lot of huffing and puffing from both sides, there were to be no more goals in the first half. But the second period more than made up for it, despite it too getting off to a less than auspicious start. Dour midfield battles continued to dominate until the sixtieth minute, when the hosts finally got back on level terms when Daniel Dwyer fired to the net to make it one all. The game seemed to completely open up after this, and the home side found themselves in front ten minutes later, thanks to a strike by Tony Egan, and within five minutes, Dwyer got his second to make the score three goals to one, and open up a gap. But Vee stuck to their task and reduced the deficit to a single goal ten minutes from time when Sean Carey found the net. Bansha then restored their two goal cushion minutes later when Conal Grogan fired home a free kick, and that looked like being it. But Zach Keating scored a second in time added on, to make it a nervy last few seconds for Celtic, although they did hold out in the end.

St Michael’s 9 – 0 Ballingarry Albion

Last season’s finalists Saints booked a trip to Ardcroney the next round, with a comfortable victory over Ballingarry Albion at a rainy Cooke Park on Sunday afternoon. The gulf in class was obvious from the beginning, and when Jimmy Carr put the home side in front in just the eighth minute, it looked like being a long day for the Third Division side. Further goals in the first half from an Ashely Kelliher double, along with Carr’s second and Rhys O Regan, ensured that the tie was well in the bag by the time the half time whistle was blown. Both sides used their benches at half time and substitute John English made it six three minutes in, to resume the scoring. Three more followed by full time against a game Ballingarry side, through a brace by Rhys O Regan, completing his hat trick and a Danny O Brien effort.

Clonmel Celtic 4 – 0 Wilderness Rovers

Celtic advanced to Round 2 of the FAI Junior Cup with a relative straightforward win against neighbours Wilderness Rovers on Sunday afternoon. The home side dominated proceedings from the start and though the visitors were very competitive they carried very little threat throughout. That said, despite having the majority of possession for long periods, the hosts struggled to make the breakthrough with Julian Kerton, Philip Drohan, Rory O’Dowd and Peter O’Dowd all coming close before they finally scored in the twenty eighth minute. Philip Drohan took advantage of a defensive lapse and he fired home from distance with the goalkeeper stranded to the delight of his team mates. Four minutes later they doubled the lead, when Darren Sweeney fired home from the spot after Seanie Hawkins was tripped in the box. Things got worse for the visitors three minutes before the break, when Cianan Kerton’s effort fell to Darren Sweeney inside the area, and he made no mistake, leaving the home side three goals to the good at the break. Both sides finished the first half with ten men when tempers flared a little just before the interval, but with the game now relatively safe the home side made a number of changes early in the second half. The only real incident of note in the second period was a neat finish by Graham Kelly from a Paddy Ormond centre midway through the half, that meant Celtic ran out comfortable four goal winners in the end.

Powerstown 4 – 1 SC & K United (AET)

On an afternoon where constant rain threatened the game even being completed, it was Powerstown FC who pulled through in tough conditions over local rivals Kilsheelan Utd to book their place in the 2nd round of the FAI Junior Cup. It was the hosts who settled the quicker and took the lead after ten minutes, when Aaron Kiely pounced on ball in the box to finish to the bottom corner. With Kilsheelan starting to gain a foothold in the game, their pressure paid off in the twenty fourth minute when John O’Dwyer finished well from a tight angle to the top corner to level the game back up. There were no more goals in the first half, and with the rain a driving factor and players struggling with their footing, neither teams created too much in the second period. The visitors did have one great chance towards the end of normal time when Cathal De Faoite saw his header well saved by Kieran Quirke in the Powerstown goal. Into extra-time and the first half of the that followed was a carbon copy of the second half of normal time, with nothing of note being created. However in the first minute after the re-start for the second half, A moment of brilliance from Stephen Lahart put Powerstown in front. A ball into the box was cleared as far as Lahart, who was standing all of thirty yards away, but he struck a brilliant first time volley into the top corner, giving the keeper no chance. Three minutes later, Darren Murphy who followed up with a third, after being played in behind and finishing with an audacious chip over the advancing net minder. Cock a hoop now, the hosts wrapped up their victory in superb fashion when the referee adjudged that Seamas O’Brien was fouled in the area, and the evergreen Gino Lonergan stepped up and made no mistake to make sure of the victory and the place in the 2nd round of the cup.

St Nicholas 1 – 5 Moyglass United

The away side have been on the wrong side of a couple of results in recent weeks, but they atoned for that in style away in Solohead on Sunday afternoon, easily taking three points for a uncharacteristically flat St Nicholas side. The visitors started quickly and were ahead within four minutes when Keith Cleere found the net after some good attacking play on the break. They doubled the lead in the eighteenth minute when Michael Hickey volleyed a defensive header back to the net from the edge of the Saints area. Things got worse for the home side, when they went three down just before the half hour, when Cleere added a second direct from a free kick. The home side started the second half a bit better and pulled a goal back through Michael Maguire thirteen minutes in, but this was as good as it got for them on the day. Although they continued to attack to try to get back into the game, they were leaving space behind them, and it was ruthlessly exploited twelve minutes from time, when Craig Nolan broke and scored against the run of play, to re-establish the away sides three goal cushion. Five minutes from time, with the home side ragged at the back, Cleere added the fifth to put the cherry on the top of an excellent Moyglass performance.

Cashel Town 0 – 1 Suirside

In a game played in terrible conditions at Palmershill, Suirside produced a smash and grab to take the points from a disappointed home side. There were little chances of note as the weather played havoc with both teams attempts to play decent football, and in the end the result was decided by a goal for the visitors in the twentieth minute, when Andy Hickey found the net with a shot from ten yards out. Although the home side had the wind at their back in the second half, they managed not to create too much, and despite hitting the post five minutes from time, were unable to find an equaliser.

Cullen Lattin 0 – 0 Old Bridge

Cullen welcomed an experienced Old Bridge side, to Aisling Park on Sunday, and the teams shared the spoils after an entertaining, but ultimately goalless game. The home side had the best chance of the first period when a Brendan O Sullivan shot was saved well and Tommy O Mahoney failed to convert the rebound minutes after the half hour mark, and O Mahoney did well just before half time when he went down right and squared the ball from the end line but the Clonmel defence managed to scramble and clear their lines. The main threat for the Bridge came from Alex Greene whose pace was a always a danger, and though the home side dominated possession for most of the second period, they failed to break down the Bridge defence, and the game ended in a draw.

Cashel Town 0 – 1 Powerstown

A dull game to match the weather conditions in which it was played at Palmershill, saw Cashel Town’s seconds go down by a single goal to a Powerstown team looking to get over a defeat last weekend. In the end, the destination of the points were settled in the sixty third minute, when Jamie Dunne whipped in a free kick that flew straight into the net deceiving th incredulous home. Cashel weren’t completely without their chances, and won a penalty kick a few minutes later, but they failed to make it count when the kick was sent wide of the target. After that, they did have plenty of possession but created very little to worry the visitors, and Powerstown took all three points at the finish.

Donohill and District 4 – 4 Killenaule Rovers

Donohill and Killenaule played out an eight goal thriller on Sunday afternoon that left the watching supporters more than satisfied with their days fare, on a dirty and dull Sunday afternoon. The hosts started brightly and opened the scoring when Sean Stokes scored from a corner in the fifteenth minute. They dominated the majority of the first half but were guilty of being profligate, until they finally doubled their tally with a second goal five minutes before the break, with an excellent strike by Joe Shanahan. But while they were still celebrating, the visitors poached a goal back, when John Madden nipped in behind the home defence and slid a ball home, to give the visitors hope for the second half. The home side were still capable of playing great football however, and re-established their two goal cushion just after the hour mark, when Ned Lowry headed home. They looked like they were going to cruise to an easy win, when Shanahan made it four after some good work from Dinny Crosse fifteen minutes from the end. But in the final eight minutes, they inexplicably imploded, conceding three goals to leave themselves shell shocked at the end. First a Michael Bolger free kick eluded the home keeper, and a minute later Connor Sinnott scored from a corner to make it four goals to three. Cue a chaotic final few minutes, and on the stroke of full time, Ciaran O Connor stabbed the ball home to give the visitors and unlikely but deserved point.

Tipperary Town 2 – 6 SC & K United

The visitors to the Arra Road didn’t take long to open the scoring with a goal of real quality from Mark Heffernan after two minutes, when the striker spotted the keeper off he’s line and with pin point accuracy found the net from thirty yards out. The home side settled after this and found a bit possession and an equaliser after good work from Mark Browne found Brian Roche who squared to Tudor Ignat for a neat volley to level the game ten minutes in. But just as they thought they would get to the break on level terms, the away side struck again when another tidy finish from Heffernan gave them a lead as they headed for the jaffa cakes. Heffernan who was in unstoppable form grabbed he’s hat-trick straight after the break, and wasn’t finished there, adding his and his teams fourth goal just after the hour mark. In total control now, Ben Smith grabbed the visitors fifth eleven minutes from time, before the hosts grabbed their second through Jamie Ryan who found the bottom corner after some very smart build up play. But the visitors weren’t to be denied the final significant moment, and added their sixth on the day through Nathan Dolan to cap off a convincing win.

Cahir Park 1 – 4 Clonmel Celtic

Both these teams went into this tie with 100% records after their opening games, so something had to give, and in the end, it was the home side, as Celtic overran and outplayed them for much of the game, before coming away with a comprehensive win. But it was the home side that started better and took a deserved lead on seventeen minutes, when Alex Botezaru fired home from all of twenty-five yards out. Celtic didn’t fold however and had a couple of half chances before they were awarded a penalty ten minutes before the break, and Jason Barnes stroked home the equaliser. This set the visitors on their way, and they dominated the rest of the half, finally adding a second just before the break when a Wayne Lasslett free kick found its way to the net. The home side were still hanging in during the second period, but fell further behind both in score and manpower in the sixty fifth minute. They were reduced to ten men, and to compound the problem, conceded a goal to Jack Aylward who scored the resulting free kick. The same player made the game safe for his side five minutes later, when he found the net with a long range shot, and from then to the end, Celtic kept the game under control.

Youths Round up

There were just two other games in the Youths section of the TSDL on Saturday. In a second FAI U17 preliminary game, Two Mile Borris welcomed Bansha Celtic to Newhill Park, and were too strong for a young Bansha side. Their reward for winning however, will be a much more daunting task to Kilkenny king pins Evergreen, but the Borris side won’t fear anyone. In Division Two of the Youths League, Galbally United welcomed Cullen Lattin, and also had a comprehensive win, putting four goals past their visitors without reply.

Bansha Celtic 3 – 2 Two Mile Borris

After a run of three defeats in their opening three games, this looked already like a must win game for the home side, and they delivered by overcoming a young Borris side by the odd goal in five on Sunday afternoon. The opening fifteen minutes of the game were very cagey, with neither side wanting to give up much, and produced little of any kind of shot on goal. The game eventually opened up, and the visitors took the lead in the twentieth minute, when a great move up the right, saw a ball flashed across the area, and Jamie Lee fired home from ten yards out. Cock a hoop now, the visitors dominated the next twenty minutes, and the home keeper kept his side in the game with three magnificent saves. And that became even more important, when the home side against the run of play after they were awarded a penalty, which Daniel O Dwyer scored to bring the game back to parity at one all. But they couldn’t hold it level to the break, when on the stroke of half time, Borris retook the lead after Urban Nolan crashed the ball to the roof of the net. Still playing the better, the away side had a great chance to make it three on the hour mark, but again the home keeper produced a great save. Eventually the home side seemed to wake up and equalised for the second time when Tony Egan scored from twenty yards out in the seventy fifth minute. And almost incredibly they took the lead for the first time minutes later, when Daniel O’ Dwyer was taken down in the box and he dusted himself down before firing home his second. The visitors dominated the final fifteen minutes, and both sides were reduced to ten men as tempers began to flare, but the home side defended brilliantly to hang on and claim the three precious points.

Cahir Park 1 – 3 Peake Villa

After two wins from two since their return to the Premier League, Cahir Park faced their toughest assignment yet, when they welcomed the league champions Peake Villa to their home on Sunday in glorious sunshine. And although they acquitted themselves well, giving as much as they got for large parts of the game, in the end it wasn’t enough against the very strong Thurles outfit. The opening exchanges were pretty even with both teams showing good attacking intent. It was the visitors who had the first half chance in the minute when they saw an effort curl narrowly wide. The home side responded with an effort of their own when Willie Dunne fired over from the edge of the box minutes later, but as they half went on, the visitors started to assert themselves on the game and went close again on twenty seven minutes, when only a last ditch clearance from Park centre back Christopher Higgins kept the score at nil all. The home team kept the visitors at bay for remainder of the half with an excellent defensive performance, and the teams went in nil all. From the start of the second period, the visitors continued where they left off and finally took the lead in the fiftieth minute, when Ronan Mc Guire headed home from close range. The hosts didn’t drop their heads however, and on the hour mark Niall Daly went close with a shot from inside the area was deflected narrowly wide. They continued to grow into the game and Willie Dunne was next to go close five minutes later. Peake finally gave themselves some breathing space nineteen minutes from the end, when Keith Cahill finished from close range, and Pippy Carroll made the game safe in the eighty second minute with a signature strike that gave the Park keeper no chance of saving. The home side kept going and got a deserved goal five minutes from time when Pa Quinn headed home a John O Brien free kick, but it was too little too late to stop the champions claiming all three points

Clonmel Celtic 6 – 0 Wilderness Rovers

Clonmel Celtic proved too strong for local rivals Wilderness Rovers on Sunday morning, running out by six goal winners to make it two wins from two at the start of the season. The home side made the perfect start on two minutes with Seanie Hawkins cut in from the left before firing a fine effort to the top corner. They dominated proceedings but the visitors keeper produced some fine saves to keep his side in the game. But eventually the hosts  doubled their lead seven minutes before the break when Ayo Williams converted from the spot to leave Celtic two up at the break. They scored again early in the second half with Philly Drohan turning home Darren Sweeney’s effort five minutes after the restart. On the hour mark it was four with Darren Sweeney finishing well. There was no let up for the visitors with Philly Drohan getting on the end of a centre to slot home his second fifteen minutes from time. And not to be outdone Sweeney also got a second when he showed good footwork to power home Celtic’s sixth and final goal in the dying minutes of the game.

Galbally United 2 – 3 Vee Rovers

After relegation last season, and a first game defeat this season, Vee Rovers finally got their long journey back to Premier League football off and running by coming from behind to beat an in form Galbally United side on Sunday afternoon. The game was played in very warm conditions, that both sides struggled with, and chances in the first half were at a premium. The home side finally fashioned one of note however and took the lead ten minutes before the break, when Jordan Dineen found the net after some good build up play. They kept that lead at the break, and doubled it ten minutes into the second half, when Dineen got his second, getting on the end of a Kieran Sheehan cross to beat the keeper from close in. That looked like being it for the visitors, but they kept battling and found a way back into the game when they were awarded a penalty just after the hour mark that was converted by Shane Mc Grath. This was a turning point in the game, and the visitors began to dominate, finally getting a deserved equaliser ten minutes from time, when Dylan Flynn flashed a shot to the net. Both teams then went for the winner and the game flowed up and down the pitch. It looked however that they were going to have to share the spoils until the final minute, when Vee fashioned a final chance that was finished by Bob Child’s, much to the delight of the travelling supporters, a goal that was enough to win the game and take the three points on offer.

Old Bridge 3 – 1 Peake Villa B

Old Bridge opened their league campaign on Sunday on an emotional day, when a presentation was made to the family of the late Luke Mc Sweeney who passed away in the recent tragedy in Clonmel, with Luke being a Bridge player. The game itself was played in tough conditions, with torrential rain falling during the first half, a sharp contrast to the very warm weather of the previous days. But it didn’t affect the home side when they took the lead in the twentieth minute, after a brilliant counter attack when under pressure. To Villa’s credit they kept the heads up and were rewarded on thirty seven minutes when Luciano Carelli scored to make it one all and the teams went in at the break level. Bridge were the stronger team after the break and had some good chances early on but David Purcell was in fine form in the Villa goal. The second period belonged to the home side, and after soeme good pressure finally took the lead with twenty minutes left. That left Villa chasing the game, and as often happens, they were left open to a counter attack, which Bridge exploited and fired a third goal to end the tie with a home win.

Suirside 3 – 3 Dualla

A six goal thriller in Ardfinnan saw the points shared in this game, with some excellent football and great finishes on show. The match was very entertaining with the home side opening the scoring in the eight minute through debutant Colin O Shaughnessy, whose bullet header found the bottom corner of the net. Dominant in the first twenty five minutes, the home side doubled the lead when a loose ball was picked up by O Shaughnessy again and he scored from six yards out. Dualla came roaring back, and just after the half hour, David Clarke latched onto a ball played forward, and finished to the net, a score which left his team only a single goal behind at the break. In the second period Suirside started better, and re-established their two goal cushion five minutes in, when John Darmody made it three goals to one, with a clever finish. But Dualla wouldn’t give up, and sixteen minutes from the end, Patrick Ryan got his toe on the ball in a goal mouth scramble to poke to the net and set up a grandstand finish. Five minutes from time, it was a Darmody again that found the net, but this time it was the visitors Tomás Darmody to make it three all with a good finish from just inside the area. That was how the game ended with both teams happy to take a point for the tie.

Moyglass United 1 – 3 Cashel Town

Starting the day at the top of the table, albeit after only one game, Moyglass United were brought back down to earth when they were turned over at home by Cashel Town’s seconds on a scoreline of three goals to one. Cashel started brightly, and were ahead inside fifteen seconds, when the home side were caught cold from the kick off and Ryan St John delivered a brilliant finish from outside the area. But the home side put that behind them, played themselves into the game, and equalised in the fifteenth minute when Stephen Houlihan curled an effort to the net from the edge of the visitor’s area. The rest of the first half was fairly even, with the visitors content to allow the home side have a lot of the ball, and look to catch them on the break. They finally managed to make this tactic work, when Nicky Kirkov picked up the ball in his own half, beat the home defence and produced a tidy finish midway through the half. They did it again in the final minutes of the half, with this time Niall Hallissey finding the score sheet, with a delightful chip over the stranded home keeper, to give the visitors a three goal to one lead at the break. The second half was only a pale shadow of the first though, with the away side very comfortable in defending what was thrown at them by a game but limited Moyglass attack. In the end, no more goals were scored and Cashel got their first win of the season at the second time of asking.

Powerstown 0 – 2 Two Mile Borris

Borris’ seconds took all three points on the road at Powerstown on Sunday, with a very accomplished performance by a young but talented side. They took the lead after just five minutes, when Adam Daly put the away side in front. A ball into the box caused chaos, before falling to Daly who made no mistake, from six yard out. Powerstown chances were few and far between with the visiting keeper not being been tested during the half. The hosts best chance of the game came with twenty minutes left on the clock. A ball into the box forced a save and a goal line block to keep the visitors in front. Ten minutes from time however, the destination of the points was put beyond doubt, when the away side got a deserved second goal, with Kyle Shelley who finishing from close range.

SK & C United 3 – 1 Donohill and District

Newly renamed as SK & C United, to reflect the addition of their junior club to the Kilsheelan ranks, they got their first win of the season defeating Donohill FC by three goals to one at the Ormonde Stores pitch. After an opening ten minutes of both sides sharing possession, the hosts eventually found the breakthrough in the thirteen minute, with a strike by Ben Smith. Mark Heffernan ran towards the Donohill defence, before finding Smith on the left who cut in beyond his marker and fired low into the far corner to give us the lead. They almost doubled our lead soon after, when Nathan Dolan forced the Donohill keeper into a great low save from a free-kick, with Smith firing the rebound narrowly over from close range. The visitors got back into the game ten minutes into the second half, firing home from close range to level the scoring. And the away almost took the lead soon after, only to see Cianan O’Brien clear a looping header off the line to keep the score at one all. The home side were then offered a gilt edged chance to retake the lead mid-way through the second period when we were awarded a penalty, but the visitors keeper pulled off a great save to keep his side in the game. The home pressure finally told however, and in the seventy eight minute, they regained the lead through Mark Heffernan. Jack O’Gorman won possession before playing Heffernan in down the right-wing, and he fired a low effort from a tight angle beyond the keeper at his near post. In the final minute of injury time, they made sure of the points through Heffernans second. He intercepted a pass back, played a quick one-two with Evan Forristal, before finding the far top-left corner from twenty yards out, to give his team all three points

Clonmel Celtic 4 – 1 Tipperary Town

This game saw the away side take charge in the opening half, with the home side looking unusually flat, conceding a goal midway through the half, and going into the break a goal behind. The second period was a different matter however, and they equalised minutes into with a fantastic strike by Ben Nugent. The hosts began to dominate possession and were rewarded again with Sean Cronin finding the net to make it two goals to one for the hosts just before the hour mark. Dean McLaughlin who added a third, twenty minutes from time, and they completed their comeback five minutes from time, when Michael Morrissey added a fourth from a lovely free kick whipped in by Sean Cronin, that was headed to the net.

Clonmel Town 7 – 0 Bansha Celtic

After a very difficult week for Clonmel and its surrounding areas, Clonmel Town returned to action with a comprehensive home victory against a very depleted Bansha Celtic side. As early as the fourth minute the hosts hit the front, when Michael O Sullivan turned well on the edge of the box before smashing the ball past Kelvin O Brien in the visitors goal. Further goals in the first half from Jake French Davis (2), then a penalty from Conor O Sullivan who followed it up on the half hour mark with a super strike and Keith Browne made it seven to nil at the break. To be fair to the visitors, Eoghan Byrnes tested Evan Comerford with a great strike from outside the box late in the half, and O Brien pulled off a magnificent save to deny Jake French Davis his hat trick. Town emptied the bench in the second half and the pace dropped as both teams played out the rest of the game without any more goals. Celtic twice tested Evan Comerford through a Tony Egan free and a header from Liam Murphy who did well to get on to an excellent cross from Michael Peters, and the hosts had chances to extend their advantage with Darragh Cronin and Ian Cleary both coming close.

St Nicholas 2 – 2 Cashel Town

These teams played out an entertaining two all draw at Danny O Dwyer Park in Solohead on Sunday, with both rueing missed chances that might have given them all three points, while happy that both finished with at least a share of the spoils. Cashel took the lead in the eight minute, slightly against the run of play up to that point, when Ryan St John capped a quick breakaway move with a fine finish. Tony Buckley for the hosts was very unlucky not to level the game when he got on the end of a Jason Sutton corner kick, in the twentieth minute, and while both sides created some half chances, there was to be no more scores in the first period. That changed within three minutes of the restart when Jack Downey for the home side was pulled down in the Cashel area, and Jason Sutton made no mistake from twelve yards out with the resulting penalty kick. Four minutes later, the Saints hit the front when Paul Ryan slipped past a static Cashel defence and fired home from twelve yards out, after an excellent assist by Jason Buckley. The game was very even after this, and it looked like the home side might hold on for the win, but Paraic Ryan got behind their back line ten minutes from time to slip a goal in for the visitors that was enough to win them a share of the spoils in the end.

Ballingarry Albion 3 – 0 Killenaule Rovers

Newly returning to the TSDL, Ballingarry Albion got their season off to a winning start against neighbours Killenaule Rovers on Sunday afternoon, when they had a three goals to nil win. They started well, making numerous chances and pinning back their opponents for large parts of the first half. The first big chance fell to the home side, when Adam O Connell found the head of Eoin Burke who hit the post from close range. This close call seemed to wake the away side up and then had a decent spell forcing a number of corners and half chances. But neither side was able to break the deadlock before the half time whistle. The second half was much of the same as the first, with the home side on the front foot and they finally opened the scoring on the hour mark when an Adam O Connell corner found the head of Ricky Cashin and he found the net from close in. With ten minutes left, Cashin robbed the Killenaule defence of the ball, and he played in Ian Ivors who finished past the onrushing keeper. Two soon became three, when the always dangerous O Connell played in Michael Ivors who raced through and rounded the keeper to tap in the insurance goal

Donohill and District 5 – 0 Burncourt Celtic

Donohill hosted Burncourt in the sunshine on Sunday, and were well on top in the game before they opened the scoring in the twentieth minute when Ned Lowry scored with a diving header. Three minutes later, a brilliant cross from Billy Keating was headed home by Sean Stokes, to double the home sides lead. Both teams tried hard in very hot conditions but there were no more goals in first half. In the second period, Burncourt defended very well against incessant home pressure, but on sixty five minutes, Lowry made it three with a fine headed effort. As the visitors tired, the home side created and missed several chances before Burncourt conceded and unfortunate own goal to go four behind. Five minutes from time, some brilliant play from Ned Lowry saw him cheekily chip the visitors keeper to put the cherry on the top of an excellent home win.

Galbally United 1 – 2 Clonmel Town

Clonmel Town have entered two Youths teams into TSDL action this season, and their seconds got off to a winning start away to a good Galbally United outfit on Saturday afternoon. They opened the scoring in the twentieth minute when Jack Burns got in behind to the home defence to finish from twelve yards, and the same player added a second ten minutes before the break to give his side a two nil lead at half time. The home side battled back in the second period and pulled a goal back three minutes after the hour mark, but in the end, despite a lot of pressure from Galbally, they were unable to find an equaliser and Town took the points.

Bansha Celtic 1 – 2 Cahir Park

Having been the team to sit it out last weekend, Cahir Park finally made their much-anticipated return to Premier League action on Sunday, away to Bansha Celtic, and came away with the three points, while the home side will be rueing a second loss on the bounce and will be hoping to get off the mark soon, lest they make it another long hard Premier League season. The visitors seemed to just be a little bit sharper throughout the first quarter, and finally opened the scoring in the twenty fifth minute when a long ball over the top was latched onto by Willie Dunne, and although his first shot was well saved, the rebound was put away to the delight of the travelling supporters. This presaged a period of quiet in the game, with neither side creating much and what was created snuffed out easily enough by the defences. Going then to the break without either keeper being further troubled, the home side started the second period the better, and forced a number of saves from the Cahir keeper. Alas, it was another defensive error which undid them for a second time and it allowed former Celtic player Niall Daly to roll the ball into an empty net and give the away team a two-goal cushion. Bansha didn’t throw in the towel however and pulled a goal back eighteen minutes from time, when a Darren Mc Grath shot cannoned into the roof of the net. They then proceeded to dominate the final twenty minutes, but had to wait until the final one before being presented with a gilt-edged opportunity when they were awarded a penalty kick. But the Park keeper guessed correctly and pushed it around the post to secure all three points for his side.

Galbally United 5 – 6 Cullen Lattin

Both of these teams were promoted from the Second Division last season, and both sets of fans, will be hoping they mean to go on as they started, after they produced an eleven goal thriller in Galbally on Sunday last. The game was just three minutes old, when the visitors took the lead through a powerful run and finish by Thomas O Mahoney. That lead last the next twenty minutes, though both sides did have half chances unconverted before Ger Quinlan fired an excellent James O Sullivan cross to the net. After that the game seemed to slow down and there were no more goals for the rest of the half. Five minutes into the second period Ger Quinlan made a powerful run past the visitors defence and slammed the ball to the net to give Galbally the lead. But they were left reeling when six minutes later Cullen were back on terms through a Max Reardon goal, and behind when the same player hit Cullens third a minute later. In the sixty eight minute a Tony O Niell goal made it four to two for the visitors, but Galbally were not going to lie down and they pulled a goal back minutes later when Pa Murphy sent a thunderbolt to the net. Fourteen minutes from time Cullen re-established their two goal lead when they were awarded a penalty kick that was scored by Micky O Brien, and they looked to have finally made sure of the win when they were the beneficiaries of an own goal ten minutes from time to make it six goals to three. But two penalties awarded in the final four minutes, both fired home by Ger Quinlan brought the deficit back to a single goal, and left Cullen hanging on perilously to the end before they eventually secured the points.

Bansha Celtic 1 – 1 Killenaule Rovers

In the first league game of the season for both teams, Bansha started the brighter in all areas of the field controlling the game comfortably with some great passing, but the visitors time and again broke down their attacking prowess with some physical defending that gave up very few clear chances in the first quarter of the tie. As the half progressed the Killenaule started to make some chances of their own, but Celtic too proved more than up to the task. The best chance of the half fell to the home sides Adam Hennessy, who after taking on his man down the left, fired a shot goalwards only to see it skim the outside of the post and took on Killenaule’s right back who took a shot skimming off the post and wide. The hosts came out with plenty of purpose in the second period, and finally opened the scoring nine minutes in, when a ball over the visiting defence was spilled by the keeper and was finished by the advancing home striker. But the lead lasted less than ten minutes before Killenaule were awarded a free kick just outside the home area, which was fired into the bottom corner of the net. The game continued to be end to end with both teams creating chances toward the finish, but it ended honours even, which was probably the fairest result.

TSDL First Division Preview:

Historically the First Division has tended to be the most competitive of all the Divisions in the TSDL, with nothing between the teams from top to bottom over what is a long and arduous season. And this years iteration looks like being no different with the Division returning to an eight team league and containing some very ambitious clubs, who’ll be vying for those coveted promotion spots back into the Premier League limelight. The pick of the opening weekends games will likely be the meeting at Green Lane of Old Bridge and Cashel Town, who’ll begin a season in the lower division for the first time in five or so years. The Bridge let themselves down in the league last year with poor consistency, but when they did get the cogs to click into place, they showed they were more than capable of beating anyone. That was really shown in their run to the Tipperary Cup final, where they gave Premier League kingpins St Michael’s a very uncomfortable night at times in Cahir. Cashel Town will be licking their wounds after their relegation, but will have put huge pre season work into the team, as well as welcoming up some very talented youth players.

St Michael’s second team has often provided the development stage for some gems that needed polishing before first team action, but they suffered the ignominy of finishing in the bottom two of last seasons league. They will not be content with that kind of display and will want to provide strong opposition to a Vee Rovers side who were relegated from the Premier League without winning a game, and who will be desperate to get back to winning ways in the short term. But will look for wins for different reasons, but will provide plenty to watch for their respective sets of supporters.

So too will the second sides of Clonmel Town and Peake Villa, who face off in Clonmel on Sunday morning. Sometimes seen as the “forgotten men” at clubs, the second sides are regularly filled with young talent who can give markers for the footballing health of a club in the future. Villa’s seconds even took one of the coveted open draw places given to the TSDL in the Munster Junior Cup, and will be anxious to show that not only the firsts, but the second team want to bring a title back to the Tower Ground.

The final tie in this weeks first round of the First Division is a meeting of two promoted sides, Cullen Lattin and Galbally United, who took it to the final round of games last season, to decide who would go up as champions. Cullen eventually took those honours, but Galbally have also been introducing a brilliant young Youths side who swept all before them a number of seasons ago, and will be a dangerous proposition for any team in this years league.

TSDL Second Division Preview

Ther are a host of new teams in this seasons Second Division which promises to make for some novel pairings and some good competition between the various clubs. Powerstown have had plenty success since they came into the TSDL a few seasons ago, and they will carry on from their title winning exploits at the end of last year, by hosting the always tough Rosegreen Rangers on Sunday morning. Rosegreen can be a bit of a curates egg in parts, and suffer from inconsistency, but never give any team an easy game, and will give the newcomers a good indication of what they face in their first outing in Second Division football. So too for Moyglass who have been consistently improving over the last number of seasons, when they face off against a Dualla side who were desperately unlucky to miss out on promotion at the back end of last year. Moyglass were a founder member of the league, but spend a lot of the last decade in the doldrums. Dualla only came back in after a period of time out of the TSDL, and both teams will be hoping to make up for lost time this season. Two Mile Borris are another of the promoted sides and welcome St Nicholas to Newhill Park, with a team brimming with younger talent, and hoping to make it two promotions in a row. The Saints hail out of Solohead, and on their day make it difficult for any team, especially at the wonderful Danny O Dwyer Park. A season of consolidation may be on the cards for both sides, but no one will be rushing to count a win over them until its been hard earned. In the final tie of the round, Cashel Town face off against Suirside. Two times who at times flatter to deceive and both fell away badly after promising starts to last season. Cashel’s fine run in the Tipperary Cup is indicative of what they can do when things got right for them, and Suirside can certainly ruffle the feathers of most teams in the Division, but both will crave consistency.

TSDL Third Division Preview

The pick of the ties in the Third Division is the game between two teams from the South of the county, as the returning Ballingarry Albion travel the short distance to Kilsheelan to take on the newly renamed SC & K United, an amalgamation of the schoolboy club Slievenamon Celtic and Kilsheelan United. There has been huge work put into the renamed club in recent years, especially at underage level and they will be hoping this bears fruit over the years ahead. Ballingarry has had many fine teams in different guises over the years, and are never anything less than a tough prospect for any side. Killenaule Rovers welcome Bansha Celtic on Sunday, and again they are a side that showed some great improvements for much of last season, but just couldn’t keep the consistency needed to take advantage of some good results. Celtic finished bottom of the pile last year, so the only way is up for Bansha’s second side. Clonmel Celtic are entering a second team again this season, after a year out, and with the first flying high, this will give many of the fringe players an opportunity to impress and force their way into the first team plans. They will certainly fancy a real run at the Third Division title, and won’t want to fall to Donohill in the first test of the season. But the West Tipperary side will have ambitions of their own and this could make for a good game. The final game of the weekend sees two second team sides, Tipperary Town and Cahir Park measure up against one another. Both will fancy their chances in the game, and will be also trying to catch the eye of first team managers in the higher division.

Clonmel Town 3 – 0 Two Mile Borris

In a repeat of last season’s opening day fixture, it was Clonmel Town who once again came away with the three points, thanks to a flattering 3-0 win against as normal determined Two Mile Borris side. The away started the better of the two sides, with Jamie Lee proving very hard to handle out on the right wing, and Daniel Rafter spurned a great chance after just four minutes which would have given the visitors a deserved lead. Both he and Jack Hackett were continuing to make chances, but eventually Town settled down and in the twenty seventh minute Dylan Guiry put them in front when he was left unmarked at the back post to head home a Conor o Sullivan cross. Two minutes later the visitors had a strong claim for a penalty waved away, and just three minutes before the break, Jack O Donnell saw his shot from the edge of the box go inches over the bar after a great pull back from Sam O Dwyer.  The first half ended with Evan Comerford pulling off an excellent save to deny Daniel Rafter from close range, as the home side went in with a scarcely deserved advantage. Borris continued to make the running in the early parts of the second period, and again thought they had managed to level the game only to see a shot from Jack Hackett hit the outside of the post in the fifty fifth minute and be scrambled away to safety.  As so often happens though, when you don’t make the most of your chances, you get punished, and twelve minutes from time, Jake French Davis provided a great flick on for Dylan Guiry to get his second goal of the game and put Town in control. The game was put to bed when in the final minute when Darragh Cronin provided a neat finish after some brilliant work again from the excellent Jake French Davis.

Peake Villa 3 – 0 Tipperary Town

Peake Villa kicked off their title defence in style with a good win over newly promoted Tipperary Town at the Tower Grounds in Thurles on Sunday afternoon. It was a glorious day for a game that was helped by the condition of the pitch, which was in immaculate order, and Villa were raring to go with a lot of good possession in the first half. To the visitors credit, they were well organised at the back and defended well, before Kieren Hennessy nearly broke the deadlock in the twelfth minute when Dale Loughnane played him in only to be denied by a fantastic save from the Tipp keeper Eric Higgins. The deadlock however was broken in the twenty first minute when a Keith Cahill corner was headed into the bottom corner by Sean Wade. The home side didn’t have to wait long for a second and they doubled their lead when Loughnane played in Kieren Hennessy, who put the ball under the keepers body five minutes later. Just before half time, Town had their best chance of the game when  their full back Aidan Duggan hit the upright with a great effort, but the follow up was scrambled away to safety. The second half started much the same as the first half with Villa applying all the pressure. On the hour mark, there was a nasty clash of heads which saw both players having to go off, and within minutes the home side took advantage of the temporary confusion when Keith Cahill scored with a fine finish to the corner. The game fizzled out after this with both sides making a number of changes, but Villa will be more than happy with their days work and a good start to their title defence.

Clonmel Celtic 3 – 0 Bansha Celtic

The first game will not define your season but it’s always nice to get off to a winning start, and so Clonmel Celtic can be well pleased with their efforts as they kicked off the campaign with a three goal win against a good Bansha Celtic side. The result may have been a little harsh on the visitors who had some good spells in this game though Celtic were deserving winners. There was not much in it in the early stages with both sides sounding each other out. One of the home debutants, Keenan Kerton, had the first effort on target but his shot was easily saved by Shane Egan. At the other end Bansha had their first attempt when Daire Egan shot wide in the tenth minute. Philip Drohan was looking lively on the left for the hosts and he came close on twelve minutes with a free kick that was just wide. Sean Browne gave some early indications of what an important signing he will be for Celtic before unfortunately limping off on five minutes before the break, but what an introduction it was for his replacement Darren Sweeney, who was on hand to take advantage of a miscommunication in the Bansha rearguard and curl home to the far corner to give his side the lead almost immediately after entering the fray. Stunned a little by this, the visitors started the second half strongly and Fabian Kerton had to make an excellent save getting down to push a free kick around the post four minutes in. Celtic however, doubled their lead in the fifty third minute, and once again there was a little good fortune with the goal. Philip Drohan released Rory O’Dowd down the right and the goalkeeper let his cross creep over the line. It was a blow for the visitors and meant they had a mountain to climb to get back into the game. They did come close to halving the deficit with a cracking long range effort from Daire Egan that crashed off the underside of the bar and bounced away to safety, but the home side made the game safe fifteen minutes from time, and there was nothing fortunate about this goal. Philly Drohan released Seanie Hawkins down the right and his cross was expertly guided home by Darren Sweeney to make it three.

TSDL Tipperary Cup round up:

Outside of a league title, the competition all teams want to win most, is the Tipperary Cup, with many teams still savouring victories in the blue riband competition from decades ago. This years cup kicked off all the way back in November, with perhaps the biggest scalp being taken on the day by Cashel Town’s seconds, who humbled then First Division leaders Tipperary Town, and gave warning that the Cashel side would be one to watch in the cups this season. The second round didn’t kick off until January, where the first of the Premier League sides bit the dust, with Cashel Town’s first team bowing out to fellow Premier lague rivals Bansha Celtic, while Cahir Park were beginning the good run of form that would eventually see them win their league, knocking out Wilderness Rovers in Clonmel in a penalty shoot out. The big guns of the Premier League all survived, but St Michael’s suffered a huge fright when they were taken all the way to the end of extra time, before a late late goal helped them get the better of Second Division side Dualla. In a delayed second round game, Old Bridge travelled to Clogheen where they beat local side Vee Rovers to moved smoothly into the quarter finals, as did Peake Villa who overcame Suirside away on a six goal to two scoreline.

The first of the big guns to fall came at the beginning of March in a Clonmel derby, when Old Bridge took their second Premier League scalp in a row away from home, coming through by a single goal, but being even better than the scoreline suggested, and could have won by more. Clonmel Celtic moved on the same day when they put Cahir Park out of the competition. Bansha Celtic booked their semi final place with a win away in Galbally, before the big tie of the round took place to decide the final spot in the last four. St Michael’s travelled to Thurles to Peake Villa and they played out a fantastic game that looked to have gone to the Saints in regulation time, before a late late goal drew the game at two all and send it to extra time. It was only a temporary reprieve for Villa though as the Tipperary town side added a third and held on to keep their cup run intact. When it came to the semi finals, it was Bansha Celtic and Old Bridge up first, and the Clonmel side made it three in a row overcoming their hosts by a single goal to book their spot in the final. A week later they were joined by St Michael’s who had a narrow win over Clonmel Celtic, to set up a game in Cahir to decide this years Cup. The Tipperary town side went into the final as hot favourites, and it was played in front of a large crowd of supporters from both sides, as well as a healthy smattering of neutral observers. The Bridge made it tough for their more illustrious opponents, but in the end, two goals shortly before half time were enough to allow the Saints to add the Tipperary Cup to their long list of domestic honours in Tipperary.

TSDL Premier League Round up:

 When newly crowned champions Peake Villa, rounded off their Premier League campaign last Friday night over rivals and former champions St Michael’s, with a very comprehensive victory, it felt as much like the end of an era as much as an end to the season for the vanquished, and the beginning of one for the victors. After having knocked on the door in recent years, and brought through some exceptional young talent from their juvenile ranks, there would be very few around Tipperary football who would have expressed surprise that the club finally won its first title in 12 years. If anything, the surprise might be that they haven’t won over the past number of seasons. But they put that behind them by completing an excellent unbeaten league season, and setting down a marker for all their rivals that they will not be giving their title up easily, and will want to prove how good this group of players really are by adding to their silverware both domestically and outside of the league. The Thurles club have assembled a blend of experienced players who anchor their defense and midfield areas, and a creative and exceptionally pacy attacking force, that have terrorised defences for the last year and more. With the monkey off their backs now, this side are on the cusp of something special.

But just below them, are the other two “Big Beasts” of South Tipperary football, Clonmel Town and St Michael’s, who together have more league titles than all the other clubs in the league combined. Both will have been disappointed to have ended the season in the minor placings, but looking at the squads for the future, some have argued that they are currently on different trajectories. Town lead the league for most of the year, before falling away near the end, dropping some points in games they would have been expected to leave with the maximum reward. But they have also shown that after a period of transition, they look like they are now close to being ready to tackle for honours again. Their management and coaching team have to be commended for putting in huge amounts of work to ensure this. Saint’s on the other hand, seem to be perhaps heading into a period of transition, rather than out of one. Such is the level of expectation for the Tipperary town club, even losing in another FAI Cup final is been seen as a signifier of a failed season. With standards of that nature one would almost feel sorry for their manager Johnny Cremins, but he can be proud of the job he’s done in getting his team as far as they did during the year, and in preparing some of the younger Saints to take over from what might be a few high profile retirements before the new season kicks off

At the middle and lower end of the Premier League table, some of the clubs that have been struggling for the last number of years and even those that have come up from Division 1 at the beginning of the year, put in huge performances to consolidate their Premier League status, and give themselves a platform for sustained development. Two Mile Borris have flirted with relegation for the past number of years, often needing to win points in their final games to stay up, but this season they finished a very respectable fourth place and have added some brilliant young talent. Given the facilities and commitment of the people who run the club in Borris, it seems only right that this is rewarded by good on field performances, and this year, they were delivered. It is over a decade since Clonmel Celtic won a Premier League title and they were relegated from the Division two years ago, but this season they bounced back and finished in a very respectable fifth place, often making it hard for the top three to take points, especially at their wonderful pitch on the bypass in Clonmel. They will look to build on this and could be very dangerous opponents and title challengers within the next year or two. Wilderness Rovers followed Celtic up from Division One, and might have been many pundits choices to be one of the relegated teams at the start of the season, but they bucked those predictions and were safe relatively early, after some good wins, especially against those teams around them at the bottom of the table.

And the final third of the Division saw one of the big town teams finally fall through the trap door into Division One, while Bansha Celtic defied the odds to stay up. Bansha had been struggling badly for long periods of the year, but from March onwards seemed to get a new lease of life and ended up pulling themselves out of trouble to mid table safety. Below them Cashel Town simply could not win enough games, especially shipping some bad defeats to teams around them, and will be very disappointed to be facing football outside the top division come next August. The bottom of the table went to Vee Rovers who had a wretched season, finishing winless and will be hoping for better luck next year.

TSDL First Division Round up:

With just seven teams contesting the First Division, the race to the title here was more of a sprint than a marathon and no team had a chance to have a bad start or they would have been, and were playing catch up all year. In the end, it was two of the biggest teams in the league that finished up in the promotion spots, but it still took a divisional play off to decide the destination of the title. Tipperary Town seemed to have won the race pillar to post, but they faltered in the final stages and allowed Cahir Park to catch them on the run in, with both teams finishing the league on the same number of points. When it came to the play off, is was the Park that had the momentum and they carried it through, winning the title with a big win. The promotion will be of some consolation to Tipperary Town, but they will still see the loss of the league title as an opportunity missed.

Midtable, it was the Clonmel Town and Peake Villa second teams that made the running, with some good performances, but unfortunately not enough consistency to match the top two. On their day, the were a match for any team in the league, but they simply didn’t have enough of “their days”. The other mid table side was Old Bridge, who will definitely be rueing chances missed all year long. Their appearance in the Tipperary Cup final, and some excellent one off performances in league games, showed the potential of the Bridge, but the lack of consistency cost them a shot at promotion in the end. The bottom two were made up of St Michael’s second team and Mullinahone. The Saints seconds endured a torrid time, losing many more games than they would be used to, but like their firsts they too are going through a transition period, bringing along some very good young players for the club, who will hopefully be part of getting the Saints back marching home again. Bottom slot was taken up by Mullinahone, who lost some excellent players after last years promotion, and found that without a squad that is at 100% all the time, the First Division is probably the most unforgiving in the whole of the league.

TSDL Second Division Round up:

The Second Division was another close run thing with the destination of the title going right down to the final game of the season, before it was decided. In the end it was Cullen Lattin, who were relegated at the end of last season, who won their way back to the First Division, where they will be joined by Galbally United. Cullen had a mixed early and mid season, languishing in mid table for much of the season, but they put together a late burst of excellent results, that finally say them overturn their West Tipperary neighbour’s courtesy of a win over Suirside. The other team that was at the top end for long periods, was Dualla, who only returned to TSDL football a season ago, and almost made it back to back promotions, before being overtaken in the final stages. No doubt they will regroup and be looking to rectify that near miss in short order.

In mid table, Suirside did lead the Division after the first few rounds of games, but they hit a sticky patch and tumbled backwards out of contention, but they will also surely learn from their losses and come back a stronger outfit next time. Both St Nicholas and Rosegreen Rangers will rue their slow starts, never really gathering any early momentum that would have helped put them in the shake up as the season went on, but they were always a dangerous opponent for anyone who took them on in Danny O Dwyer and Nijinsky Park respectively. With a few small squad additions and a healthy dollop of consistency, they could challenge next season. At the bottom, Clerihan had come up at the start of the year, but found the heat of Second Division football to be a little too much and will start again next year with hopes of bouncing back. Right at the bottom, Cashel Towns seconds suffered the same fate as their first team, when they were relegated. They did also have a reasonably bright start to the year, but once they started losing, they couldn’t arrest the fall and will go again a division below from next August.

TSDL Third Division Round up:

Always a great Division for thrills, spills and the odd strange result or two, the Third Division didn’t disappoint before Powerstown finally lifted the title, albeit needing to overcome Moyglass United in a thrilling play off before doing so. The Clonmel based club lead for most of the season, and looked like they were going to canter to the title from a long way out, but they started to falter when the finish line was in sight. As they did, Moyglass United, who have had some terrible form before displaying some green shoots at the end of last season, upped their game and caught their rivals, coming back from three goals down at half time in their final game, to securing a dramatic three all draw to send the title destination to a one off decider in mid May. That game was an absolute cracker, producing nine goals before Powerstown finally persevered and lifted the silver. Both teams will be good additions to the Second Division next time round.

Below these two, the next three teams, Two Mile Borris’ seconds, Kilsheelan United and Donohill and District, flattered to deceive too often and were unable to gather the kind of consistency needed to maintain momentum in the league biggest division. All three produced some very good results and performances which bodes well for them next season, but the unforgiving nature of football in the trenches meant they will have to wait until at least then. Killenaule Rovers suffered a similar fate, at times looking like they could have broke into not only the promotion spots, but possibly a title race, but seemed to suffer defeats at the wrong times and never managed to get a really good run together long enough to be taken really seriously as contenders. A big gap opened up between this mid table cabal, and the bottom four, three of whom are second teams to higher level outfits, Tipperary Town, Cahir Park and Bansha Celtic. Along with Burcourt Celtic, they will be hoping for more success next season.

Wednesday 17^th May

Clonmel Celtic 0 – 4 St Michael’s

St Michael’s did their part on Wednesday evening to keep the Premier League title, ending any faint hopes that Clonmel Town of staying in the shake up, and setting up one or possibly two titanic battles with Peake Villa over the next two weeks. They had the points wrapped up in this on before the break, and were the dominant team right from the beginning of the game. Jimmy Carr went close within three minutes, with a left foot shot that was parried up and over the bar, and Joey Mulcahy hit the post before Colin Bargary finally made it one to nil in the twenty-eight minute, when he got in behind the Celtic defence to score from close range. It was two only minutes later, when Chris Higgins rose to head home a Russell Quirke corner kick. Quirke nearly made it three minutes from the break, but his lob went wide of the post, though made amends in time added on when he was on hand to finish well from a Shane Ryan pass. The second half fizzled out to a large extent with both sides using their benches and Rhys Byron made it four eight minutes from time heading home a Mikey Nash cross to keep the league title race zipping along.

Sunday 14th May

Peake Villa 7 – 0 Bansha Celtic

Bansha Celtic faced off against another of the title contenders on Sunday afternoon, but they were unable to repeat their Wednesday night heroics, going down to an excellent Peake side at the Tower Grounds in Thurles. Perhaps wary of their opponents after the midweek result, Villa started quickly and took the lead in the seventh minute when a Keith Cahill corner was headed to the net by Pippy Carroll. They doubled their lead shortly before the half hour mark, when Evan McCormack got on the end of a Cahill free kick to score, and got a third six minutes later when Ronan McGuire sent in a great cross that was headed to the bottom corner by Kieren Hennessy to make it three to nil. The home side rounded off their dominant first half display when they added a fourth shortly before the break, when another assist from Keith Cahill found Ronan McGuire, and his unstoppable header found the top corner, with the Celtic keeper left flat footed.

With a comfortable lead the hosts could be forgiven for taking their foot off the gas but they didn’t let up and scored their fifth six minutes after the break when Kieran Hennessy scored his second of the day coming in at the back post and firing home from close range. Hennessy secured his hat trick thirteen minutes from the end when he got on the end of a Darragh Byrne cross to make it six. And their relentless pressure led to a Bansha defender  putting the ball into his own net in the final moments to add a seventh, and set themselves up for a huge title push in their final two games.

Sunday 14th of May

Clonmel Town 2 – 1 St Michael’s

Although results elsewhere mean that Town cannot now win the Premier League title, they still managed to put a huge dent in the Saints attempts to win their seventh in a row, by toppling them on a scoreline of two goals to on in a very entertaining game in The Complex. The first half saw both teams really go at it from the start with Town having a lot of possession, however it was the visitors who were looking the more dangerous with Jimmy Carr constantly tormenting the home defence. Evan Comerford was a rock in the goal and pulled off two outstanding saves to keep the game all square. Michaels also hit the bar on two occasions while at the other end Rhys O Reagan, Ashley Laslett and Jack O Donnell all went close. The second half was only nine minutes old when a great ball by substitute Alan O Donnell found Rhys O Reagan who jinked his way past two players before firing under the out coming keeper to put Town a goal up to the delight of their supporters. After this the home side sensed blood and began to pile on the pressure, almost doubling their lead when a scramble in the goalmouth was eventually cleared by the Michaels defence. It was only a matter of time before the hosts did get their second, when Jamie Ahearne picked up the ball twenty five yards out and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner that left the Saints shot stopper stranded. Ashley Laslett was causing all sorts of problems upfront for Town and they had chances to extend the lead, but the league champions weren’t done and began to get on top again, pulling a goal back with a quarter of an hour left to play, when Ashley Kelliher scored with a delightful lob, that set up a tense finish. Michaels were really pushing on now and Evan Comerford once again was to pull off another fine save to keep his side in front. And they were to soak up everything the visitors thrown at them, when the final whistle was blown there was relief among the Town supporters who had waited awhile for this victory over their old rivals.

Clonmel Town 5 – 0 Bansha Celtic

This was the reverse fixture of the same tie last weekend when Clonmel Town dropped two vital points in their title chase, but they were never going to be caught out twice, and took all three points after a comprehensive victory over a Bansha team, now free of the spectre of relegation. The home side started well and opened the scoring in the fifteenth minute when some excellent one touch football saw Cillian Crowe being played through to slot past the keeper. They were completely dominant after this, and some sloppy defending by the Bansha defence allowed Ashley Laslett latch onto a half volley to put his side two up just after the half hour mark. Jack O Donnell put the game to bed with another excellent team goal right on halftime, and although the visitors chose to sit deeper in the second period, they were constantly faced with waves of Town attacks. Rhys O Regan finally made it four, fifteen minutes from time, with an excellent strike, and the same player had the final say when when he tapped home his sides fifth, with almost the final kick of the game

Two Mile Borris 1 – 4 St Michael’s

Although back in another FAI Cup final, the players and managers of St Michael’s will tell people always that the TSDL Premier League title is their bread and butter, and they stayed well in the race for another title this season with a good win away to a much improved Borris side. The game was scrappy in the first quarter of an hour, and it was unsurprising that the first goal would come from a defensive error that was latched on by Rhys Byron to put the visitors in front. After that the game settled into a dour midfield battle that had plenty of grit and determination, but lacked much quality until two minutes before the break, when Byron struck for a second time, to give his side a comfortable half time lead. The game in the second period followed a similar pattern as the first, but Borris were given an opportunity to get back into it, when they were awarded a penalty kick just after the hour mark, that Martin Darmody fired to the net. But they only had the lead cut back to the minimum for less than five minutes when the visitors were awarded a penalty kick of their own, and Joey Mulcahy made no mistake from the spot. The game went into cruise mode after this, and the final score came just two minutes from time, when Russell Quirke fired low into the Borris net from just inside the area, to ensure his sides win

Tipperary Town 1 – 4 Clonmel Town

The home sides season came to a disappointing end when a depleted side were well beaten by a well organised and hungry Clonmel Town side. Both sides created chances early on with Caleb Hickey hitting the post and Ryan Maher missed the target from ten yards out for the home side, while Kevin Kerwin brought the best out of Eric Higgins for the visitors. Darragh Walsh did eventually open the scoring from close range to give the away side the lead midway through the half, but on the stroke of half time Stephen Quinn made a penetrating run into the oppositions defence, and when the ball broke to Caleb Hickey, he hit a goal of the season contender from all of thirty yards out, that gave the away keeper no chance. That left the game one all at the break, but not long into the second period, a visibly tiring home side were picked off by their younger opponents. Sam O Dwyer made it two goals to one, with a good finish from the left while Kerwin scored the third and fourth from close range in the final twenty minutes of the game. The home side knocked on the door a number of times late on, but they never really looked like they were getting back into the tie.

Two Mile Borris 0 – 4 Peake Villa

More clinical finishing by the away side gave Peake Villa victory in this local derby and kept them well in touch for a push to win a first Premier League title in a decade. The home side had the better of the opening exchanges, but were unable to convert any of the half chances that they created, and found themselves a goal behind on the quarter hour mark when a long free kick into the area, found the head of Ronan Mc Guire and he made no mistake from less than six yards out. This shifted the balance of play and Villa took control, adding to their tally ten minutes before the break when sharp shooter Pippy Carroll took advantage of a brilliant through ball to round the keeper and roll the ball into an empty net. Borris had the ball in the net five minutes later, only to see the effort ruled out for an offside flag, and their disappointment was compounded almost on the stroke of half time, when a cross from the right caused consternation in the home defence and one of their own players bundled the ball into his own net. This killed the game as a contest, and the second period was much more pedestrian than the first, with few chances created. Villa finally added a fourth fifteen minutes from time, when a speculative shot by Mc Guire seemed to get lifted by the wind and wrong footed the home keeper before nestling in the back of the net.

Powerstown 3 – 3 Moyglass United

With both teams locked on the same number of points, this final game of the season was a “winner takes all” tie, that finished up with neither taking anything, after an enthralling six goal thriller that seen the spoils shared, and the teams having to do it all again in a play off to be scheduled in the coming weeks. With so much on the game you could have been forgiven for expecting it to be tense and low scoring, but both teams went at it hammer and tongs from the beginning, and Conor Mc Grath opening the scoring for the hosts in the thirteenth minute. A corner caused chaos in the box and Mc Grath reacted fastest to poke home from five yards out. Mark Olney doubled the lead seven minutes later with a bullet header, after Gino Lonergans free kick found him free at the back post. And the hosts looked to have the game, the points and the title wrapped up minutes later when Darren Murphy got the third after he beat the visitors offside trap, slid the ball into the net. But an Adam Lyons penalty seven minutes from the break, was the catalyst for Moyglass’ revival. Stephen Houlihan followed up with a second just moments before the half time whistle to bring and eventful first half to a close. The home side were under siege for much of the second period, but looked to have weathered the storm, and must have felt like they had one hand on the title, when Keith Cleere wrenched it away, coming up with a deserved leveller for Moyglass, to huge cheers from the travelling support, who will no doubt also be in attendance when this absorbing league title comes to a conclusion at a play off to be determined.

TSDL Youths Division 

Clonmel Celtic 2 – 1 Peake Villa

After missing out with their first attempt, Clonmel Celtic finally secured their first ever TSDL Youths title in front of a large crowd at the bypass on Saturday, when they beat a strong Peake Villa side by two goals to one. The home side looked nervous in the opening minutes and Villa sensing there was something there for them began to get on top. The hosts game plan seemed to be to play in the opposition half but every ball they launched forward was carried by the wind and failed to trouble the visiting defence. And they had to mind their own goal, giving up two early chances to the Thurles side, the first of which flashed over and keeper Oisin O’ Donoghue getting down smartly to save the second effort effort. Knowing a win might still allow them to catch the hosts in the table, the visiting team continued to probe and cause all kinds of problems, but were rocked back on the half hour mark, when Celtic finally opened the scoring after a fine free kick from Paddy Ormond found Jake Forrestal ghosting in behind the defence and he applied a clinical finish to put his side a goal up. But the away side were almost level within a minute when a dangerous cross was met by a header that lacked power and was easily saved by O’Donoghue, who was having a solid game between the posts. Then the Villa were presented with a gilt-edged chance to level, when they were awarded a penalty kick eight minutes before the break. However, O Donoghue continued his inspired performance by diving full length to save the subsequent effort. Things got even better for Celtic when they doubled their lead four minutes later, with Michael Prendergast slotting home after great work by Alex Greene to send the hosts to the break two goals to the good. They nearly made the perfect start to the second half when Michael Prendergast raced clear but his effort was saved. Villa still looked dangerous and were very much in this game and on fifty-one minutes they were denied again by O’ Donoghue diving full length to tip a shot on to the crossbar. With 15 minutes remaining Villa finally got the goal their play deserved when a fine half volley from Ciaran Purcell eventually beat the home net minder. They pushed for an equaliser but in truth it was Celtic who should have put the game to bed in the last five minutes with a succession of chances that they couldn’t convert. Fortunately, they didn’t need that third goal and the win against a good Villa side saw them claim their first ever title to huge delight from the crowd.

Gorey Rangers 1 – 2 St Michael’s

Saints showed character and resilience to come from behind in this game and ultimately earn a place in their eight FAI Junior Cup final. After making the long trip to Wexford, the first half was tense and nervy from both sides as the stakes were so high. But the experienced TSDL side had the better of the early chances with Donagh Hickey, and Rhys Byron going close in the first quarter hour. But as the half wore on, the home side began to make chances of their own, and took the lead in the thirty second minute, when Adam Territt managed to get around his marker on the wing, and deliver a pin point cross to Paul Brennan who made no mistake from close in. This gave the large home crowd plenty to cheer about, but it was never going to deter the old Saints heads, and veteran Paul Breen was unlucky not to find an equaliser with a headed effort from a Joey Mulcahy free kick just on the stroke of half time. The TSDL side needed a good start to the second period, but were lucky not to find themselves two goals down only two minutes in, when Paul Brennan found himself in space in their area, but luckily he pulled his effort wide of the target. Young defender DJ Cremins was called upon shortly after that to deny Brennan once again with a well timed tackle. But the visitors got the break they needed in the fifty third minute when Jimmy Carr was upended in the penalty area and and Joey Mulcahy levelled the game from the penalty spot. The game was flowing from one end of the pitch to the other at this stage, with Aido Walsh called into action on a number of occasions, but always finding himself up to the task of keeping his side level. The introduction of Shane Ryan and Ashley Kelliher midway through the second half added a new dimension to the Saints game, and was instrumental in them finding the front with seventeen minutes left to play. Colin Bargary hit a perfect pass for the pacy Kelliher who beat the defence, but was taken down by keeper Kinsella to see the Tipperary side awarded their second spot kick of the game. And for the second time, Mulcahy did the business, going to the opposite side this time, but again sending the home keeper in the wrong direction. After this, the Saints defended doggedly over the final ten minutes, with Paul Breen and DJ Cremins standing solid as a barrage of crosses came into their area. They continued to pose a threat on the counter attack themselves, with Adam McGrath and Russell Quirke unlucky with their efforts. Four minutes of injury time were added and elapsed before the final whistle saw joyous scenes among the travelling supporters, who will no doubt now be relishing a crack at Newmarket Celtic in the final come the end of the month.

Wilderness Rovers 2 – 5 Peake Villa

Peake Villa arrived in Clonmel on Sunday afternoon needing a big result to keep themselves in the hunt for the Premier League title, while their main rivals were on a weekend off, and they delivered in spades against a game Wilderness side who have enjoyed a successful return to the top table after a number of years in Division One. The visitors had most of the possession but were constantly thwarted in the early stages by a resolute Wildies defence. But they finally opened the scoring in the twenty third minute when Evan Mc Cormack got behind the home defence and slotted home from close range. The rest of the half saw the hosts push forward looking for an equaliser but the closest they came was a shot from Daan van Der Wall hitting the crossbar with a fantastic effort, and they went to the break a goal down. The second half followed in much the same vein for the first ten minutes, before the Thurles side added a second after a mix up in the home defence. This could have seen the Clonmel side fold, but they brought the game back to life six minutes later when Michael O Hara headed home a ball swung in from the right hand side. This added momentum to the home side and they were level in the sixty sixth minute when they were awarded a penalty kick and Sean Brown made no mistake from twelve yards out. But this seemed to re-invigorate the Villa and they began to wear down the hosts, retaking the lead eighteen minutes from time when Ronan Mc Guire found the net. Two more goals in three minutes in the final ten minutes assured that the Thurles side would take home all three points, after that mini scare, and keep them well in contention as the season reaches the real business end.

Vee Rovers 1 – 4 Two Mile Borris

Vee Rovers finished out what has been a disappointing season for them with another defeat on Sunday, when they hosted Two Mile Borris in Clogheen. The home side will play their football in the First Division next season and will be glad to see the end of this one, after suffering another defeat against a young Borris side that will hope to consolidate themselves after a good year and hopefully push on to better things in the future. The away side were well on top in the first half and created a number of good chances before finally taking the lead in the twenty third minute. The goal itself was simple enough, a long ball over the top was latched onto by Daniel Rafter and he fired home against the stranded home keeper. Three minutes later, the hosts were caught again in an almost identical situation, unable to deal with a long ball into their area, and again Rafter made them pay by sweeping home his and his sides second goal. The game settled a little after that and Vee would have hoped to get to the break and regroup without conceding further, but they were caught out again two minutes before the break when Zack Hackett produced a tidy finish to send his side into half time three goals to the good. The second period was a more even affair with both sides making chances, but it was again Borris who finally made one count in the seventy second minute when Urban Nolan got a fourth for his side. Ten minutes from time, the home side got a deserved goal thanks to a sublime effort by Mark Hayde, but it was too little too late to make any real difference to the final outcome

Clonmel Town 5 – 0 Mullinahone

Clonmel Town advanced to the semi-final of the First Division shield by overcoming Mullinahone by five goals to nil on Sunday afternoon last. A very youthful Town team were on the front foot from the off and were rewarded on fifteen minutes when Michael O Sullivan unleashed an unstoppable shot from all of thirty yards out that gave the visiting keeper no chance. To their credit the visitors were grew into the game and looked dangerous at times with their crisp passing unsettling the hosts, but the game went away from them again in the thirty second minute when a fine save by the keeper fell to Dylan Guiry who tapped home to make it two nil to the hosts, a lead they took to the break. The second half started with both teams continuing to play some nice football and the away side pressurising the Town defence from set pieces especially, but the hosts dealing with everything thrown at them. Nineteen minutes from time clock Dylan Guiry put the game to bed when he broke the offside trap to slot home his sides third, and within two minutes he completed his hat trick when once again he showed his strength when seeing off the Mullinahone defence to rattle the net giving the keeper no chance. Town weren’t willing to run down the clock and kept attacking in waves and with the last kick of the match Michael O Sullivan was to get his second of the match and the teams fifth when he lobbed the keeper from his own half.

Peake Villa 0 – 3 Old Bridge

A young Villa side took to the field on Sunday against a strong Bridge team who are having a run of fine form in the latter stages of the season fine season. The first half was a very good game with both teams playing good football, and the hosts unlucky not to open the scoring midway through the half when Paul Noonan got behind the defence and his shot was brilliantly saved by Connie Power in the Bridge goal. Noonan got on the end of a cross just minutes later and again it was well saved. At the other end David Purcell was having a fine game in goal for Villa making a few good saves, and with nothing between the sides they went in level at half time. The second half sew Bridge come to the fore with their experience telling and they were starting to find gaps in the young Villa defence. Darren Guiry opened the scoring for the Bridge when he got on the end of a cross and headed home in the sixty second minute. To Villa’s credit they never gave up and tried to get back level but it wasn’t to be and Jake Mulcahy made it two, eight minutes from time after a well worked move through the centre of the pitch. Mulcahy scored again In injury time, from a breakaway when the home side were pushing for a score, to make the full time score three nil to the visitors.

Cullen Lattin 3 – 2 Galbally United

Cullen welcomed neighbours Galbally to Aisling Park Cullen, on Sunday for what was the fourth time the two teams met in all competitions this season. With both sides missing regular players for different reasons it was a chance for other players to shine, and the hosts had the better of the early exchanges, with Fiachra O Grady going close on fifteen minutes when played in by Mikey Stokes. Josh Dineen the almost opened the scoring for the visitors at the other end but Darren Hueston saved well. But eventually the home side got the breakthrough when O Grady played in Stokes just before the half hour mark, and he finished well past the keeper. They doubled that advantage eight minutes before the break Ciaran Ryan’s excellent through ball found Danny O Dwyer who finished well from a tight angle, to send the home side to half time well on top. But the visitors took control of the second period and the hosts had to do some desperate defending for long periods to keep them out. Galbally finally got some reward for their good work Jordan Dineen was fouled in the area in the sixty eight minute, and he stepped up to dispatch the spot kick to the net and bring the deficit back to a single goal. The hosts rolled on some subs to try freshen the side up but the visitors got it all level fourteen minutes from time when a long Josh Dineen throw was flicked on by Bernard O Brien at the front post and Pat Murphy was on hand to head home. It looked like there would be only one winner of this game at this stage, as Galbally were very much in the ascendency, but the home side managed to catch them on the hop late on, when on a rare attack Mikey Stokes teed up captain Alan Hayes to smash a right footed shot from outside the box, that sailed into the top corner, and send his side on to the next round.

Moyglass United 7 – 4 Killenaule Rovers (AET 4-4 FT)

Moyglass United and near neighbours Killenaule Rovers played a rip-roaring Shield quarter final on Sunday last, that went all the way to extra time before the home side advanced. Things looked reasonably straight forward for a home side that is enjoying a really good season this year, when they went two goals up inside the first twenty minutes through goals by Tom Gahan and an Adam Lyons penalty. But the visitors got themselves back to only a goal behind six minutes from the break when Conor Sinnott smashed a free kick to the top corner of the net. But that good work was undone right on the stroke of half time when Keith Cleere got a third goal for the hosts and re-established their two goal lead at the break. Ten minutes into the second period Killenaule had it back to just one again, when Sinnott added a second, but this was followed shortly after by a second Lyons penalty as Moyglass looked to have gotten control of the tie. But the visitors rallied late on, and two goals in a ten minute spell from a Moyglass defender putting through his own net, and a Tommy Delaney effort sent the game almost improbably to extra time. Alas for the away side, this was as good as it got, as Moyglass took control right from the start with a goal by Eoin Byrne, and two more followed in the second period through Mick Lacey and Adam Lyons completing his hat trick, to keep the home side in contention for a league and shield double

Donohill and District 2 – 1 Cahir Park

Donohill got past Cahir Park on Sunday by the odd goal in three after a game that was well contested and in which both sides played some really nice flowing football. The away side were the ones that broke the deadlock when a speculative cross was launched into the home area and a defender deflected the ball into his own net. This gave the away side a lead they kept to half time, but five minutes into the second period, Donohill were level when Michael O Neill headed home a Seanie Ryan cross. Donohill’s high work rate paid dividends fifteen minutes from the end, when Paudie Bradshaw was taken down in the box and Darragh Mooney put his side in front from the spot. For the rest of the game, the visitors peppered the home defence but Donohill stood firm and advanced

Kilsheelan United 1 – 2 Powerstown

Powerstown remained on course for a league and Shield double when they squeaked past Kilsheelan United with a winning goal in the final minute of extra time, after a very enjoyable game of football. It took a while for both teams to get going in the first-half, and it wasn’t until the half-an-hour mark when the deadlock was broken. A Brian McKeown header came back off the post, and unfortunately rebounded off the home keeper into the back of the net to give the visitors the lead. Kilsheelan struggled to create any real chances in the first-half, but attacked with more intent in the second, coming close through Cathal de Faoite, Billy O’Connor & Nathan Dolan on numerous occasions. With eighteen minutes remaining, they found the equaliser through the penalty spot. A long-ball found Jamie Roche, who played Mark Heffernan in down the left-wing before Heffernan was fouled and the referee pointed to the spot. Up stepped captain Nathan Dolan to calmly slot home into the bottom-right corner to give his side a deserved equaliser. And they came inches away from scoring a winner late in the game, when Billy O’Connor’s lobbed effort rebounded off the Powerstown crossbar and out for a goal-kick. This meant the teams faced another twenty minutes of action in extra-time, and despite both going for the win, it was the visitors who grabbed the decisive goal with two minutes remaining when Conor McGrath got in behind the home defence to tap his shot to the net.

TSDL Youths Division 2 Youth Cup Final

Cashel Town 4 – 2 Shanbally United

Cashel Town’s Youths were finally crowned Division 2 Youth league champions with a fine four goal to two win against rivals Shanbally United on Saturday, in a game played away in Shanbally. The eventual champions started well and took the good form they have been showing all year into the game, and opening up a lead inside ten minutes when Lee Riordan found the net. But their opponents have been holding onto their coat tails at the top of the league all year and replied shortly afterwards to level the game through a slickly finished effort by Jessie Kiely. The game flowed end to end with both sides making plenty of chances, and the visiting side regained their lead shortly before the half hour mark when Ciaran Fitzpatrick found the net after some good build up play through the midfield area. Cashel made it three goals to one five minutes before the break thanks to a Callum Butler goal, taking that lead to half time. Shanbally had the wind at their back in the second period, and the wind in their sails when they pulled a second goal back ten minutes into the half, thanks to a fine effort from Daire English. They then controlled most of the play for much of the rest of the game, as Cashel tucked into a very effective defensive game, and quelled most attacks with relative ease. They ensured the win and the title two minutes from time, when a quick breakaway downfield resulted in them being awarded a penalty kick, and Blake Doyle Carroll made no mistake converting the penalty to the delight of his team mates and supporters, who celebrated passionately after the final whistle was blown.

Peake Villa 2 – 3 St Michael’s (AET 2 -2)

Two of the “big beasts” of the TSDL faced off in the quarter finals of the Tipperary Cup at the weekend when St Michael’s travelled to Thurles to take on Peake Villa, and they put on a great show of football for the expectant watching crowd. Unfortunately for the home side, there was a sense of déjà vu to the proceedings, when for the second time in a week, they exited a cup by a single goal in five after bringing the game all the way to extra time. The hosts started brightly and created the first good chance in just the third minute when Ronan McGuire was through on goal, but his effort just cleared the crossbar. With the quality on show from both sides it wasn’t going to be long before a goal came, and when it did just three minutes later, it went to the visitors, with Ed O Dwyer finding the net. Villa then lost Keith Cahill through injury in the sixteenth minute, but they responded positively, by scoring the goal of the game eight minutes later, through a Mikey Wade free kick that gave the Saints netminder no chance to keep out. Dale Loughnane also went close for the home side two minutes before the break, but his shot went just wide of the post. It looked like the sides were going in level but the visitors stunned the home crowd when they broke quickly downfield and created an opportunity for Ashley Kelleher, who made no mistake to send his side into half time in front. The second half saw the home side chase the game trying to  break down a good Michael’s defence and it looked like the visitors were going to hold out, until deep in time added on, Dale Loughnane came up with an equaliser with a fine finish to send the game to a further twenty minutes. But the hosts were dealt a blow only four minutes in when they didn’t clear their lines after an attack and John O Brien scored to put the Saints back in front at three goals to two. Try as they might to extend the game beyond that, the hosts simply couldn’t pick the Saints defensive lock a third time, and bowed out of the cup, albeit with their heads held high

Clonmel Celtic 0 – 5 Clonmel Town

Clonmel Town maintained their title challenge with a big win at neighbours Clonmel Celtic on Sunday morning at the Bypass. Although Celtic will be disappointed with a big home defeat you have to credit Town who were simply too good on the day, as they continue to zone in on what they hope will be a first title winning season in over a decade. The visitors started on the front foot and looked sharp in the early stages, but despite having little to play for Celtic gradually settled into the game and matched their rival’s intensity for the first half hour. Indeed, the hosts came closest to scoring when Darren Sweeney was freed following a good move but his shot was well saved by the away keeper. The league leaders finally hit the front in the thirty third minute when Stephen Kelly powered home a header from a corner, and the watching crowd felt that after going behind, Celtic needed to hold on until half time and hopefully regroup at the interval. But they were denied that opportunity when Town got a crucial second just before the break, with Jamie Ahearne sweeping home a fine effort from just outside the box. The game was effectively over four minutes into the second half when Ashley Lasslett struck a brilliant effort from an acute angle to the top corner to put his side in complete control. The home side visibly wilted and faded and with fifteen minutes to the end Stephen Kelly got his second from close range, before Alan O’Donnell scored a free kick with the final shot of the game, to see the visitors run out convincing winners.

Bansha Celtic 3 – 0 Vee Rovers

The home side knew that nothing less than three points against already relegated Vee Rovers was enough if they are going to climb away from the relegation trap door themselves, and they delivered with a good win on Sunday afternoon in Bansha. But they didn’t have it all their own way, and the first real chance of the game fell to the away side just before the quarter hour mark, when a shot from distance cannoned off the crossbar and went over the top of the goal to safety. That might have been the wake up call the home side needed however and they began to dominate proceedings before opening the scoring in the thirty second minute, when a cross from the right hand side of the pitch was headed to the net by Daniel O Dwyer. This was the only score of the first half and the hosts continued their control of the game in the early part of the second period, but they came up against some very stout defending by the visiting side. Rovers began to tire however and eighteen minutes from time, Celtic were offered a gilt edged chance to increase their advantage when Tony Egan was fouled in the area, and Daire Egan subsequently made no mistake from the penalty spot. Three minutes later they assured themselves of the points when Daire Egan scored his second and his sides third with a delicious curling effort beyond the reach of the Rovers keeper, from all of twenty yards out. The win now draws them level on points with Cashel Town, and Bansha have a number of games to play, but they will face tougher tasks in trying to claim the points they will need to propel themselves to safety and further participation at the highest level in the TSDL

Galbally United 3 – 2 Clonmel Town

After a quiet first half which finished scoreless this game burst into life in the second half, going all the way to extra time before the home side finally prevailed by the odd goal in five to progress to the quarter final of this years Paddy Purtill Cup. The first forty five minutes was played at a fairly pedestrian pace, with both sides not creating a whole lot in terms of chances, the best falling to Peter Morrissey for the hosts in the twentieth minute. And the first quarter of the second period carried on in similar fashion until the visitors eventually took the lead when a speculative shot by John O Connell deflected off a home defender and left the keeper flat footed as he watched the ball pass him and nestle in the net. This sparked the home side into life and shortly afterwards Ger Quinlan stung the palms of the Town keeper, whose brilliant save only parried the ball into the path of Jordan Dineen who reacted quickest and fired home to level the game. Both sides suddenly started to make headway in their opponents’ areas, and the away side retook the lead eleven minutes from time when O Connell again got on the end of a good passing move to fire home from close range. It looked like this would be the significant score in the game, until the final minute when Dineen matched his Town counterpart, getting his second of the day to level the game and send it to extra time. The home sides tails were up by now and the first period of extra time saw Bernard o Brien go close with a headed effort. But time looked like it was going to run out on them and the game be decided by penalties when with four minutes remaining Eoin O Mahony cannoned home a spectacular effort from all of twenty five yards out to win the game for the home side.

Cashel Town 1 – 0 Dualla

Cashel Town turned league form on its head in this cup match, but it was hardly that much of a surprise with the propensity of derby games to always throw up shock results. The game started off with plenty of robust full blooded challenges, but not a lot of decent scoring chances, and the only real action of note in the first half turned out to be the home side being reduced to ten men shortly after the half hour mark. But it didn’t seem to do much damage to the home side in the second half, and when the opening goal finally did arrive, it fell to Niall Hallisey and the hosts, who volleyed to the net from twenty yards out. The visitors day got worse after, when they too had a player sent off, and they were unable to fashion a good enough chance to stop Cashel going through on the day, by the slimmest of margins.

Rosegreen Rangers 0 – 6 Old Bridge

After what was a tough season for much of the time, Old Bridge seem to have caught fire in recent weeks, and continued their good form with an excellent performance and thumping win away to Rosegreen Rangers at Nijinsky Park on Sunday afternoon. The Clonmel side were always in control, and went to the break three goals to the good, thanks to goals from Sean Martin, Jake Mulcahy and Ben Nugent. They repeated the trick in the second period, with Martin and Mulcahy on the scoresheet again, and a six star performance was completed near the end with a final goal from Eoin Leahy.

St Nicholas 2 – 0 Cahir Park

Solohead side St Nicholas provided the shock result of the weekend when they overcame newly crowned First Division league champions Cahir Park at home on Sunday afternoon to advance on the Paddy Purtill Cup. As they are always capable of doing, the Second Division outfit put on a show of both skill and grit to overcome The Park in front of an enthusiastic band of supporters. Both sides approached the game in a positive fashion, and had a number of chances before the Saints opened the scoring in the twenty first minute, when Aaron Ryan Shiner finished an Eoin Riordan free kick to the net, underlying Ryans excellent form in front of goal in recent games. The game continued to be open after that, but there were no more goals scored in an entertaining first half. Riordan himself was unlucky not to score minutes into the second period, when he headed just over from a corner kick. But he made no mistake on the hour mark, doubling his sides advantage, when he converted a through ball to the net. The First Division champions didn’t go down without a fight and were awarded a penalty kick ten minutes from time, but the hosts were not for moving and the spot kick was saved by Jack Wilton to preserve his sides two goal advantage.

Moyglass United 2 – 1 Two Mile Borris

There was one game in the Peter O Reilly Cup at the weekend, and it saw Moyglass United carry their good league form into the Cups, when they defeated Two Mile Borris at home. The home side started well and went ahead in the ninth minute when Craig Nolan headed the ball down into the path of his strike partner Keith Cleere who placed it into the corner of the net from all of six yards out. They continued to dominate the possession and chances, and extended their lead ten minutes before the break when Nolan then got a goal himself after Eoin Byrne played a great through ball to put him clear on goal. But five minutes later, the visitors pulled a goal back through Cathal Mc Elgunn, when he was first to react from a corner kick to fire home from close range. That was how the game went to the break and the second half saw few chances for either team with defences being mostly on top, allowing the home side to move into a semi final and leave them continuing to battle on two fronts for silverware after a number of fallow seasons

Tipperary Youths Cup

Clonmel Celtic 3 – 0 Shanbally United

Clonmel Celtic reached the Tipperary Youth Cup final on Saturday afternoon after eventually coming good against a stubborn Shanbally Utd side, who belied their Second Division status against the newly crowned First Division title winners. The visitors started well and had the better of the earlier exchanges and had they scored first the hosts couldn’t really complain. But eventually the hosts knuckled down and got more of a hold of the game, but the final pass or finish was poor and the first half finished scoreless. Celtic started the second half on the front foot and went ahead six minutes in when Julian Kerton fired home from close range. They added a second ten minutes later when Paddy Ormond’s great cross from the left was turned in by Max Ryan with a brilliant first time effort. And finally Jack Norris’s clever turn in the box resulted in a penalty eight minutes from time, and Norris dusted himself down to coolly slot it home to leave the final score three goals to nil to the home side.

Peake Villa 2 – 3 Fairview Rangers  

There was heartbreak for TSDL side Peake Villa on Sunday last in Thurles, when a late penalty in normal time denied them a famous victory against Limerick kingpins, and then losing out in extra time. The game started at a frantic pace and Villa had the first chance at goal in just the second minute when Pippy Carroll attempted an audacious lob, but his effort slid just inches wide. Carroll was involved again in the fifteenth minute, being the provider this time, to Ronan McGuire whose header went just over. Fairview weathered the storm, and bounced back like so many great teams, and against the run of play they took the lead in the twenty seventh minute when Jeffery Judge scored, slipped beyond the home defence and made no mistake from close in. Villa didn’t drop the heads however, and again Carroll came close from a free kick in the thirty sixth minute, but it was well saved by Josh McCarthy in the Fairview goal. They went to the break a single goal behind and came out with real purpose in the second half, creating chance after chance. They finally made the pressure count in the seventieth minute when a great cross was put in by Darragh Byrne and left back Dale Loughnane who made his way into the box, got on the end of it to steer his shot under the keepers body and level the game. They were then forced to defend almost immediately from the kick off when Fairview almost struck back only for a great goal line clearance by veteran Alan Leahy. The Tipperary side turned the tie on its head, when they took the lead in the seventy third minute, with Keith Cahill playing in Ronan Mc Guire to score with a fine finish. This forced the Limerick side to throw everything at Villa in the search of a leveller, it looked like the home side would hold out, until the final minute of time added on, when the visitors were awarded a penalty that Steven Bradley scored, and sent the game to extra time. Extra time was played and it was clear that Villa having done brilliantly to get back into the game were still hurting after the late equaliser. Just three minutes in, Jack Arra caught the home defence flat and fired home a leading goal for his side. After that the home side tried to get back level again, but Rangers employed all their experience and nous, and played out the final minutes without giving the home side any real chance to get back into the game.

Galbally United 3 – 5 Bansha Celtic (AET 3-3)

This tie went all the way to extra time and produced an eight goal thriller for the watching crowd, before Premier League side Bansha Celtic finally got the better of Second Division side Galbally United on Sunday afternoon. The home side sprang from the traps and opened the scoring just five minutes in when Owen O Sullivan got in behind the Bansha defence to fire his side ahead. But the lead lasted just six minutes, as Celtic hit back level with a fine effort by Eamon Quirke. This didn’t stop the home side having a go, and they showed no fear of their higher ranked opponents, re-establishing their lead just before the twenty minute mark when Cathal O Mahoney stroked home to the delight of the home crowd. After that breath-taking twenty minute spell, the game slowed down and there were no mor goals in the first half. However, the second half was just a minute old when it was level again, when a Danny O Dwyer shot was deflected and left the home keeper stranded as h watched the ball fly past. Five minutes after the hour mark, it looked like Bansha were finally asserting themselves on the game, taking the lead for the first time in the afternoon thanks to a strike by Darren Mc Grath, who came onto a well placed Danny O Dwyer assist. But with ten minutes left to play, the hosts got themselves level when Josh Dineen bundled home a Bernard O Brien free kick from close in. This was the final goal in regulation time, and the teams had to start again in extra time to look for a decisive goal. That finally came when Eamon Quirke put Bansha back in front in the first half to extra time, and then as time began to run out in the second period, the home side over committed to attack leaving themselves open at the back, and Danny O Dwyer finished the tie as a contest scoring a fifth for his side in the final minutes.

Clonmel Town 1 – 1 Old Bridge

Clonmel Town and Old Bridge shared the spoils in an entertaining derby game in the First Division on Sunday afternoon. Both teams settled in pretty well into the game but chances were far and few between in the first half. Shane O Connor pulled off a good save to keep the visitors at bay while at the other end Michael O Sullivan and Dylan Guiry saw their half chances go wide of the post. By the time half time came, the side went in relatively pleased with it being still being all square. The second half was a bit more open and the Bridge were dealt a blow when their goalkeeper received a red card for taking down Dylan Guiry outside the box when it looked like he was going to put the hosts ahead. The red card seemed to galvanise the visitors and they started to get on top, and two minutes after the hour mark, a Jake Mulcahy shot found its way past the home keeper to put the The Bridge a goal up. This seemed to wake Town back into life and they had a number of chances to level the game before Dylan Guiry was on hand to blast home eight minutes from time. The two teams continued to look for a winner, but on a heavy pitch and a with a swirling wind it was hard to create clear cut chances and they had to be satisfied with a point each in the end.

Clerihan 1 – 2 Rosegreen Rangers

Rosegreen made the short trip to Clerihan on Sunday afternoon, and progressed to the semi-finals of the Second Division Shield with a two goal to one win on the day. The game was a tight one with neither side dominating play for any significant time during a tense first quarter. The closest either side came in the first half was in the twentieth minute, when home keeper James Maher was called into action diving to his left touching a strike onto the post and then reacting quickest to gather the rebounding ball from the feet of an onrushing forward. The game went to the break level, but the scoring was finally opened five minutes into the second period when the visitors broke quickly from defending a corner in their box, to finding Gavin Ryan at the opposite end of the pitch and he finished smartly past the advancing home keeper. Five minutes after the hour mark the away side added a second when a long free kick was headed across the box and half volleyed to the back of the net by Jack Marshall. The hosts did rally, and twenty minutes from time cut the deficit in half whne they were awarded a penalty and Aaron Blanche stepped up to slam a shot into the top left corner. But despite this, Rosegreen were able to play out the rest of the game in a controlled manner and assured their win by limiting the home side to hopeful long shots that were easily dealt with for the rest of the game.

Burncourt Celtic 4 – 2 Killenaule Rovers

The home side started very well and could have been a goal up inside the first but for a wonderful save from the visiting keeper. Killenaule then had a period of domination but were unable to make it count, and the home side were the ones that finally opened the scoring eight minutes before the break when Matty Darcy played through Pa Ryan and he made no mistake, finishing high into the away net. Three minutes later they doubled their advantage, when the Cagney brothers David and Sean combined for David to finish at the back post from a pin point cross. This was how the game was at the break, but eight minutes into the second period, the visitors pulled one back when the home side failed to clear, and Tommy Delaney took full advantage from the edge of the area. But it wasn’t long before Eoghan Heffernan restored the hosts two goal advantage after being set up by Pa Ryan. Sixteen minutes from time the away side set up a tense finish when they brought it back to a single goal game after a well taken effort by John Madden who fired to the roof of the net from just inside the box. But inside the final ten minutes, a short corner from the home side saw Sean Cagney head home from a Pa Ryan cross, to ensure that Burncourt would take all three points on the day.

Cullen Lattin 2 – 1 Clonmel Celtic

Played in front of a big crowd in Cullen on Saturday, these two teams treated their supporters to a brilliant game of football. The result may have been a surprise to some neutrals, but to anyone that has watched this Cullen team they would have known that they were well capable of big results. The game itself was played at a great pace with both teams probing and creating chances, and but for some great goalkeeping and some poor shooting, it would have been a surprise that the game managed to get to half time scoreless. But that it did. The second half started similar to the first, but this time goals would be added to the action, and just five minutes in, a Tom Ryan Bob corner was met by Stephen Carey to bullet a header home and put the home side in front. But back came Celtic almost straight away and on fifty-five minutes Alex Greene scored a wonder goal to make it one all. Both teams traded chances for the next twenty minutes, but the decisive effort came fifteen minutes from the end, when Javier Seranno set up Dylan Mc Grath to fire home, and restore the hosts lead. Though both sides had chances after this, the home side shut up shop and held the title favourites out to record a great win.

Two Mile Borris 1 – 3 Peake Villa

Borris’s slim hopes of winning the Youths first division title, were extinguished at home on Saturday against local rivals Peake Villa, when they went down by three goals to one after a game that was played in ideal conditions and was a good spirited and entertaining game. First blood went to the away team when Paul Noonan hit a shot from all of forty yards out, which evaded the reach of the Borris keeper to find the bottom corner of the net in the eighteenth minute. The goal gave the home side a wake up call and they eventually equalised when Jake Cullen Jordan crossed for Charlie Walsh to head past the visiting keeper shortly before the break. Both teams had chances to score before halftime but neither side could find the net. The second half was as even a match as the first with both teams creating plenty of chances. But it was Peake that took advantage of the chances when a speculative cross was dropped by the Borris keeper straight onto the foot of Michael Anthony McCarthy and from ten yards out he made no mistake with a simple finish to an empty net after seventy minutes. The visitors scored their third and final goal of the game when a free kick was crossed into the box and went straight into the Borris net seven minutes from time.

First Division title play off

Cahir Park 6 – 1 Tipperary Town  

On a wet afternoon at Aisling Park in Cullen, this highly anticipated play off final turned into a bit of a damp squib, when Cahir Park blew away their opponents with a magnificent first half performance, to ensure they would head back to the Premier League as champions. The pitch was in perfect condition as the players took to the field, with great credit due to the Cullen club, but it was The Park who raced out of the blocks and into the lead in the sixth minute of the game, when a Stephen Duggen shot for the edge of the area, eluded both defence and keeper to nestle in the far corner of the net to the delight of his teams travelling supporters. Only four minutes later, Cahir doubled the advantage when a long clearance from their keeper fell to Tom Keating and he lobbed the stranded Town net minder from all of twenty five yards out. The Tipperary Town outfit, who had lead the Division One table for nigh on the whole season, seemed shell shocked at this point, but things were to get worse, and they fell three behind on the quarter hour mark when Willie Dunne fired home a low volley from fifteen yards out, to establish Cahir with a vice like grip on the tie. And Dunne as much as put the game to bed in the thirty third minute when he got his second, and his sides fourth, heading home a corner kick from close in. There were no more goals in the first half, and Tipperary Town came out with more purpose in the opening part of the second half, having greater possession, but in truth the Cahir defence were never really troubled and seemed to be happy to soak up the pressure without coughing up any real chances. And once they stretched their legs in attack again, they added a fifth twenty minutes from time, when Barry Cooney rammed home a shot from outside the area. Tipperary Town did pull a goal back almost straight from the kick off, but the final say went to Cahir and to Willie Dunne when he secured his hat trick from the penalty spot five minutes from time, and sent his team up on a high, back to the top level of the TSDL

TSDL First Division

St Michael’s 3 – 2 Peake Villa

This was an entertaining final League game of the season between two youthful sides who tried to play the ball on the deck, and it came alive as early as the fourth minute when Peake’s Danny Treacy played in Kieran Hennessey who brought a fine save from Robbie McGrath, in the hosts goal. John O’Brien then got in a saving tackle two minutes later to deny Hennessey, before the home side had their first real opportunity in the twelfth minute when Danny O’Brien played a good ball in behind to Josh Flannery but it was just too long and the keeper claimed it. After that the game settled down into a tough midfield battle with no real chances until the home side took the lead seven minutes before the break when the ever dangerous Antonio Rea got in behind the Peake defence and produced a good finish which found the corner of the net. That was the only score in an entertaining first half, and the game was level six minutes into the second when Hennessey finally got the reward for his good play, latching onto a loose ball and turning to shoot to the net from the edge of the area. Seven minutes later they took the lead when Hennessy again dispossessed Josh Flannery and fired home from close in. But the home side responded and just after the hour mark they levelled the game after being awarded a penalty that was dispatched to the net by Antonio Rea, for his second of the game. Peake then had a player dismissed twenty minutes from time, and this gave the Saints the impetus to push on looking for a winner, but they were constantly thwarted by an excellent effort from the Thurles sides defence. It looked like it was going to finish honours even until the final minute when substitute Oisin Hogan hit a long ball down the right channel for Danny O’Brien who laid it back for another substitute Colin O’Grady to find Rea, and he made no mistake getting his hat trick. Three goals to ensure three points, and a welcome result for a team that struggled at times throughout the season.

Clonmel Celtic 1 – 2 Cashel Town

Cashel Town gave themselves a fighting chance of escaping the gaping relegation trap door with a win away to Clonmel Celtic in their final game of their Premier League season on Sunday afternoon. The two teams seemed tentative with neither creating anything of note in the first quarter of the game, and it must have seemed ominous to the visitors when they fell behind in the twenty sixth minute to a goal from a long range effort by Rory O Dowd. This was the only goal in what was a tepid first half, but credit had to go to the visitors who came out fighting in the second period and levelled the game within five minutes of the restart when Darragh Browne scored on the second attempt after Fabian Kerton saved his initial effort. It got better for the Cashel ten minutes later when Browne showed some neat control before firing a fine effort to the top corner, to get his second and put his side in front. The home side rallied after this but just didn’t create enough chances and Cashel held on for what could be a vital three points, when the tables are compiled at the end of the season.

Two Mile Borris 2 – 3 Bansha Celtic

With Cashel picking up three points in Clonmel, it was vital that Bansha Celtic got something from this game in Newhill and they delivered with a fighting performance that saw them come from behind to pick up the vital points at stake. The home side started well exerting most of the early pressure and finally got the opening goal in the twenty second minute, albeit from a fortunate source. Jack Hackett had made some ground on the wing, and when he flashed a cross into the Celtic area, he saw the ball deflected to the net by a visiting defender to give the home side the lead. But they only held that lead for five minutes or so, as the visitors drew level when a cross of their own into the Borris area was head back across goal by Darragh Egan, and Eoin Halpin bundled the ball to the net from close range. On the half hour, the hosts thought they had re-established their lead, only to see Jamie Lee’s shot strike the cross bar and rebound to safety. But Lee was involved in the next score when three minutes before the break, he found Darren Ivors alone in the area, and the striker made no mistake with his header from ten yards out. A goal behind at the break, Bansha redoubled their efforts in the second period having, and were level a second time just five minutes in, when taking advantage of the stiff wind, a long range strike by Robbie Byron found the net. Both sides pressed forward looking for a winning goal after that, but the significant score in the game came fifteen minutes from time when Bansha were awarded a penalty kick and Darragh Egan made no mistake from the spot to secure the precious points.

Vee Rovers 0 – 5 St Michael’s

It was a masterclass of finishing by Rhys Byron that gave the league champions the points away to Vee Rovers on Sunday, as St Michael’s push relentlessly towards another Premier League title at the expense of the already relegated home side. The visitors began with a goal inside the first minute as Bryon outstripped the home defence to fire home, and he added a second by the tenth minute to put his side in complete control. By the twentieth minute that had become three when veteran striker Jimmy Carr fired home from the penalty spot, and after that it was just the Saints in cruise control as they went to the break in a strong position, with the home side finding it almost impossible to make any inroads against the meanest defence in Tipperary football. Vee did have some opportunities in the second period, but never really looked like getting back into the game, and Bryon completed his hat trick twenty minutes from time, to ensure there would be no improbable comeback. He completed the scoring five minutes from time with a well taken fourth goal as his side start to really crank up their season and push for what they hope will be a trio of local and national silverware.

Killenaule Rovers 0 – 4 Powerstown

Having achieved promotion last weekend, Powerstown put themselves within one win of a league title with a convincing four goal win away to Killenaule, on Sunday last. They took the lead in the eleventh minute when Conor Mc Grath’s inch perfect corner found Brian Mc Keown who headed it into the back of the net, and just minutes later almost made it two when a Kieran Quirke ball in behind found Darren Murphy on the wing, and Murphy fired it across the box but no one could get the touch that was needed to turn it into the net. The home sides chances were few and far between but when called into action, Kieran Quirke made a fantastic save, in the fortieth minute, touching a well struck strike onto the bar to keep the game at one goal to nil. But the league leaders were more clinical minutes later, getting a second goal through Stephen Lahart, after Brendan Boland carved through the home defence, and his shot that was saved, rebounded out for Lahart to stroke home. They added a third shortly after, when Conor McGrath won the ball high up the pitch, and blasted low into the bottom left corner. They kept up the pressure in the second half, with Mc Grath unlucky not to claim a second, again seeing his shot strike the crossbar before being cleared to safety. But he finally did add his second and his sides fourth ten minutes from time with a strike from the edge of the area giving the home keeper no chance.

Moyglass United 7 – 1 Bansha Celtic

Moyglass remained in the hunt in the Third Division title and promotion race with a big win over bottom on the table Bansha Celtic on Sunday last. The game was tight in the early stages with both sides creating chances, but the home side eventually opened the scoring in the twenty third minute when Tom Gahan fired in an excellent cross from the left and Jamie Walsh headed home at the far post. But the visitors didn’t fall away quickly and found themselves back level two minutes from the break when Cormac Buckley hit an absolute screamer from all of thirty yards out that gave the home keeper no chance, and that was enough to send the sides to the break all square at one all. But that was as good as it got for Bansha as Moyglass were back in front within five minutes of the restart when Eddie O Brien headed home Adam Lyons’ corner kick. This turned the game into one of one-way traffic as the hosts got a third three minutes later when Jack Hayes finished off another Lyons assist. Jamie Morrissey added a fourth on the hour mark when Jamie Morrissey scored and ten minutes later Kevin Cleere added a fifth as the home side took complete control. Cleere got his second eight minutes from time, with Lyons the provider once more and Craig Nolan added a seventh in time added on to complete a good afternoon for Moyglass.

Clonmel Town 0 – 1 Old Bridge

A Tholem Guiry rocket ensured Old Bridge caused the upset of the round as they claimed the scalp of Premier League leaders Clonmel Town in the Tipperary Cup on Sunday afternoon. It was a brilliant performance by the Bridge who reduced the home side to few chances throughout the ninety minutes. Rhys O’Regan had the best opportunity to put the favourites in front but scuffed his lines from the penalty spot and although the ball made its way to the net, referee Mark Jordan correctly adjudged that the ball had hit his standing foot and scratched the goal off. Buoyed by the let-off, Bridge responded well and got the only goal of the game on the hour mark. A Town corner was cleared into the home sides’ half and after Sean Martin outmuscled the home defender, before showing brilliant composure to square the ball to Guiry who unleashed an unstoppable volley to the net. The goal gave the visitors the energy they needed for the remaining half hour and they eased their way into the next round, reducing the hosts to a couple of half chances with goalkeeper Cian Quinn a spectator for the most part.

Clonmel Celtic 1 – 0 Cahir Park

A Darren Sweeney goal twenty minutes from the end, was enough to send Clonmel Celtic through to the semi final of the Tipperary Cup as they overcame Cahir Park on a one goal to nil scoreline at Celtic Park on Sunday afternoon. Celtic were the better side on the day and deserving winners though they found it hard to break down a resilient Cahir side. The home side started brightly with Brian Sweeny denying Seanie Hawkins after just four minutes. The game became a bit scrappy with the hosts failing to create any clear chances although Philly Drohan did come close with a lofted effort that just dropped wide of the post. At the other end a snapshot brought a good save from Fabian Kerton as the first half finished scoreless. The home side upped the pressure in the second half and were nearly a goal up a minute in when Darren Sweeney broke free but he couldn’t keep his effort on target. They were well on top now but were struggling to break the visitors down. But they finally managed to do so, in the seventieth minute, when a smart ball from Rory O’Dowd released Seanie Hawkins and his cross was headed home by Sweeney despite the best efforts of the visiting keeper. The Park rallied late on in search of an equaliser but a great tackle from Jason Hahessy followed by a fine save from Fabian Kerton denied them a late leveller as the home side progressed.

Cullen Lattin 3 – 1 Rosegreen Rangers

Cullen celebrated their return to the First Division and possibly a league title with a win at home in Aisling Park against Rosegreen Rangers on Sunday afternoon. They enjoyed much of the early possession in this game but it was the visitors who struck first when a long throw into the box was headed on by Trevor Downey and Corey Hynes was unmarked at the back post to head home in the fifteenth minute. The home side continued to have the most of the ball but were being constantly frustrated by some excellent defending by the visiting team. That was until ten minutes before the break, when a well delivered Tony O Neill corner was headed goalwards, but was stopped by an excellent save by the keeper, only to fall to the feet of Micheàl Elligott who volleyed the rebound to the net. That was how the game went to the break, and the hosts got their noses in front twelve minutes into the second period when Thomas O Mahoney teed up Tony O Neill and his left footed shot sailed into the bottom corner. O Neill then sealed the victory for the home side fifteen minutes from time, when his powerful shot took a deflection and put the keeper the wrong way, before nestling in the net. Micheàl Elligott also rattled the crossbar with a header inside the final few minutes, but it had no effect on the final outcome of the game, with his sides supporters celebrating the very important win afterwards.

Clerihan 2 – 6 St Nicholas

In this battle at bottom end of the Division 2 table Clerihan got the dream start in the eleventh minute when a Sean Maher Corner was headed home by Nicholas Ryan. After this set back the visitors grew into the game and dominated the remainder of the first half. They were level in the eighteenth minute, when they took advantage of a dropped ball catching the home defence napping, and a through ball and cross found Brian Lowry at the back post for a tap in. Ten minutes before the break, they took the lead from an Eoin Riordan bullet of a free Kick. With the home side knowing nothing but all three points today would be good enough, they pushed forward and got themselves back on level terms seven minutes before the break when Sean Hahessy volleyed home a corner into the area. But just as they had thought they would get to the break at parity, disaster struck and their good work was undone by a long clearance from the visitor’s keeper finding James Scanlan who rounded the keeper and slotted home to give the Saints the half time lead.  The opening period of the second half was scrappy with very little controlled possession for either team, but in the fifty sixth minute the away side extended their lead when Brian Lowry got his second goal of the game. Heads on the home side seemed to drop after this, and the Saints took control, extending the lead to three just after the hour mark when Aaron Ryan Shiner tapped home from a well worked break. With the game seemingly over as a contest Clerihan were giving a lifeline on sixty eight minutes when a back pass was handled by the keeper setting up a free kick inside the box. But with all eleven visiting players on the goal line, the home side were unable to force home a goal. With twelve minutes left, the Solohead outfit assured their win when Philip O’ Doherty added the final goal to round up the scoring and give the visiting side a well-deserved win and guaranteed Division 2 football next year.

Tipperary Town 0 – 4 Powerstown

With things at the top of the Third division table getting tight Powerstown needed a performance and duly turned in a high quality one in Tipperary on Sunday afternoon. After even enough early exchanges the visitors took control of the game after a Gino Lonergan cross was headed onto the cross bar and it was Connor McGrath that reacted quickest to turn the ball home for one nil in the eighteenth minute. The home side were not playing badly but struggled to create clear cut chances, keeping with the league leaders until half time and only one goal between the sides. Early in the second half visitors was awarded a penalty for a hand ball in the area, and Lonergan made no mistake from twelve yards to double his sides lead. Darren Murphy then scored the goal of the game with a moment of real quality from just inside the Tipp half, when he spotted the keeper off his line and lifted a quality strike over his head and into the net, with twenty minutes left to play. Another good strike late on from Davy Grace made it four and even though the home side kept pressing it just wasn’t their day.

Kilsheelan United 5 – 1 Bansha Celtic

Kilsheelan followed up on last weekend’s big win over top of the table Powerstown, with another big win over the bottom side at home on Sunday afternoon. This rounded off their league campaign, which they will look back on as probably having too many lost opportunities, but with plenty to look forward to next season. They got off to the perfect start when Mark Heffernan got in behind the visiting defence after just twenty five seconds, before lofting his effort over the keeper to give themselves an instant lead. But it almost lasted just two minutes, as they had goalkeeper Conor Grant to thank when he pushed a long range effort onto the post and away to safety. But those efforts didn’t do much to dent the dominance that the home side were showing, and they extended their lead in the fifteenth minute when Cian Roche headed home from a Ruairi Doyle long-throw. Just before the half-hour mark, Bansha pulled one back when they scored from a free kick, but the home side regained their two goal advantage just minutes before the break when a clever touch by Mark Heffernan played in Evan Forristal, and he dinked his effort over the stranded keepers head to give his side a two goal cushion at half time. After coming on as a substitute at half time, Cathal de Faoite made it four ten minutes into the second half, when a free kick eluded everyone to nestle in the far corner of the net. And just five minutes later it was five, when Nathan Dolan scored with another well taken placed ball.

TSDL Youths Cup  

Cullen Lattin 4 – 2 Cahir Park

Cullen eased into the next round of the Youths cup with a hard fought victory over Cahir Park on Saturday afternoon. They sprang out of the blocks and opened the scoring in the first minute when Javier Seranno fired home from the edge of the area. They continued making chances and added a second in the tenth minute when Dylan Mc Grath was brought down in the penalty area, and he stepped up to fire the resulting spot kick home. This put the home side in cruise control and allowed the visitors to fight their way back into the game, and the Park got a deserved goal ten minutes from the break through a Lee Murphy strike. The rest of the half was very competitive but it remained the same scoreline to half time. The away side started the second half on top, and levelled the game just before the hour mark with a second Lee Murphy strike. The introduction of some substitutes by the home side though, changed the momentum of the game, which seemed to be running away from the hosts, and they regained control of the central parts of the pitch. With ten minutes to go, they retook the lead when a wonderful free kick delivery from Jake Ryan was headed home by Tom Ryan Bob. It was all Cullen after this, and with five minutes left Jason Henley got the goal he deserved racing in behind the defence to slot home, making it four goals to two to the home side, a scoreline they didn’t give up from there to the end.

Clonmel Celtic 6 – 0 Slievenamon Celtic

Clonmel Celtic Youths continued their recent good form and are through to the Tipperary Cup semi-final after a six goal win against Slievenamon Celtic in Clonmel on Saturday. The visitors had the better of the early exchanges and were unlucky not to take the lead in the seventh minute when a header at the far post from a free just went to wrong side of the upright. But eventually the hosts took control, but could not convert this into scoring chances until four minutes before the break when Paddy Ormond’s ball in to the box was pounced on by Jack Aylward, who after a bit of indecision by the visiting defence fired his side into a lead going into the break. They got a second in the fifty sixth minute when Alex Greene spun his marker from Max Ryan’s pass and slotted home. And it became three just minutes later when Jack Lawlor was fouled in the box and Paddy Ormond put away the penalty. They took complete control after this, and added a fourth in the sixty seventh minute when Alex Greene crossed for Julian Kerton to head home. They made it five ten minutes from the end, when Reece Farrells pass found Michael Prendergast unmarked and he slotted home, and the sixth arrived right on the final whistle, when Paddy Ormond found Alex Greene in space and he rounded the keeper and finished to the net.

TSDL Youths Div 1

Two Mile Borris 2 – 3 Clonmel Town

The home side went into this game at Newhill on Saturday, knowing nothing less than a win was required if they wanted to keep the Division 1 title race alive, but they were unable to take the points, going down to Clonmel Town by the odd goal in a five goal thriller. The visitors started the livelier and had were unlucky not to open the scoring inside the first ten minutes. But Borris eventually settled and took charge of the game, opening the scoring in the twenty fifth minute when Tristan Kelly broke into the Town area and was tripped, resulting in a penalty for the home side. Kelly stepped up and made no mistake from the spot, drilling it to the left and beyond the reach of the keeper.  Ten minutes before the break, the home team were awarded a second penalty, but it was driven against the post and cleared to safety. But astonishingly they were awarded a third minutes before half time, and this time managed to hit the net, to give Borris a comfortable two goal cushion. But the second half, belonged to Town. Right from the get go, they were winning possession and making chances, getting a goal back in the fifty third minute when Ronan Walsh converted after some good work in the build up. They continued controlling the game, and added two more goals in the final fifteen minutes, through John Buckley and a second Walsh goal, to take a deserved win, and effectively hand the title to local rivals Clonmel Celtic.

Cashel Town 0 – 2 St Michael’s

Cashel Town put out a youthful side against league champions St Michael’s on Sunday afternoon, but were undone by the experience of veterans when they went down by two goals to nil at Palmershill. The home side started well but found it difficult to create chances against a very compact Saints defence. As the first half progressed the visitors came more into the game, and finally opened the scoring in the thirty second minute when a long throw was flicked on into the home area, and Jimmy Carr finished at the back post. The hosts thought they had got a leveller five minutes before the break, but a goal bound shot was cleared off the line to the dismay of the home supporters. The second half followed a similar pattern to the end of the first, with the away side having the majority of the possession but Cashel kept them at bay until eight minutes from time when the visitors were awarded a penalty which Jimmy Carr converted for his and his sides second of the game, a goal that was enough to ensure the Saints would pick up all three points.

Vee Rovers 0 – 6 Peake Villa

Although the final score might suggest otherwise, the already relegated home side gave a very good account of themselves for the first hour of this game, before the greater fitness of the title challengers from Thurles asserted themselves on the game and came away with a comfortable win. Both sides had their chances in what was an even first half, with special mention going to sixteen year old debutant Ryan Breedy in the home goal pulling off some excellent saves to deny Villa on a number of occasions. However even he couldn’t keep them out when on the stroke of half time, a flying header by Eoin O Dwyer sent Villa to the break in front. The first fifteen minutes of the second period followed a similar pattern, but as it went on, the away side began to turn the screw and they finally got a second on the hour mark when substitute Ronan Maguire headed home from a corner kick. Ten minutes later they scored a third through Kieran Hennessy, and from then on ran the home side ragged. They added two more goals in two minutes through Keith Carroll ten minutes from the end, before Breedy in the home goal capped his debut with a penalty save. Even he though couldn’t stop Evan Mc Cormack adding a sixth on the stroke of full tim

Wilderness Rovers 3 – 2 Bansha Celtic

Promoted to the Premier League at the beginning of the season, Wilderness Rovers all but ensured they will be staying at the top table of TSDL football when they carved out a hard earned win against a struggling Bansha Celtic side in Clonmel on Sunday afternoon. As they have done in a number of recent games, the Wildies flew out of the traps attacking from the off and it took just six minutes for them to get their noses in front, when Sean Brown set up Dan van der Wal for his first goal of the season. In a first half where the home side had plenty of chances, their failure to convert left them vulnerable and they were made pay just on the half hour mark when Celtic took advantage of confusion in the home defence and sneaked a goal to draw the game level. But the response from Rovers was positive and four minutes later a long ball by Ciaran Stapleton found the head of Van der Wal turned provider for ace striker Brown to hit the net from close range and put the home side back in the driving seat. But the scoring in the half wasn’t completed yet, and six minutes later the game was back all square when the away side were awarded a penalty and made no mistake from the spot. That was how the game went to the break, and with so much on the line for both sides, the early part of the second period was a cagey affair with both teams relying more on long balls to the front, rather than playing through the middle. Chances were created by both, but neither were able to capitalise. A turning point seemed to arrive just after the hour mark when the home side were reduced to ten men, but incredibly they seemed to use this as the catalyst to raise their game even more, and ten minutes from time forced a penalty kick from their opponents. With so much riding on the shot, Sean Brown was coolness personified and made no mistake, sliding the ball to the corner of the net, and re-establishing a lead for his side for the third time in the game. They showed massive resilience after this as the visitors threw everything at them to try to salvage a precious point, but in the end the Wildies prevailed to the delight of their management and supporters.

Two Mile Borris 0 – 3 Clonmel Town

Although this game finished with what looked like a reasonably comfortable win for Clonmel Town, it was anything but, with the visitors scoring two late goals to put a gloss on the scoreline. The game started evenly enough with the two sides sharing some chances before the visitors took the lead when Lee Costello deftly flicked the ball to the net from a corner kick in the fifteenth minute. After that Borris came close with Jamie Lee heading just over the bar, and Jack Hackett seeing an effort skidding the wrong side of the upright. A big moment in the game came in the thirtieth minute when the home side were reduced to ten men after a sending off, but they still dominated possession and had chances for long periods in the rest of the first half and much of the second. Town were very content to sit back and look for chances to arise on the break, and two came very late in the game. The first minutes from time saw them awarded a penalty kick which Ryhs O Regan fired home, and while the home side sent most of their players up for a corner kick in time added on, Town broke again and Ashley Laslett got a third goal with a very tidy finish.

Rosegreen Rangers 4 – 1 Cashel Town

Rosegreen Rangers picked up the bragging rights in the local derby with close neighbours Cashel Town on Sunday afternoon, sending the vanquished down to the Third Division and securing a very respectable mid table position for themselves in the process. The home side started the game well went and had already had a number of chances before they opened the scoring in the fifteenth minute through a Ben Young header. The game flowed over and back after that with Cashel having a number of efforts of their own, but the second goal also went to the home side when Jamie Lennox rose highest to head home ten minutes before the break. In control at this point the only blip for the home side was being reduced to ten men just before the break, but they held their two goal lead to half time. Cashel regrouped in the second period and dominated much of the possession for the opening fifteen minutes, finally pulling a goal back just after the hour mark. This gave them the impetus to push on looking for an equaliser, but the home side showed resolve and scored a third goal ten minutes from time, when they were awarded a penalty kick that Pakie Farrell rolled to the net. Five minutes from time a snap shot by Jack Marshall caught the Cashel keeper unawares and gave the hosts a fourth goal, which was the final significant action in the game.

Galbally United 2 – 1 St Nicholas

Galbally United came from behind in a nervy encounter to put themselves in the promotion spots and potentially winning a title, on Sunday afternoon against local rivals St Nicholas. Both teams were making basic errors in passing early on, with neither able to impose themselves, before the visitors made the best of their first real chance in the twenty second minute and James Scanlon looped a headed effort over the stranded home keeper. This seemed to settle the home side and five minutes later Cathal O Mahoney went close with a low angled shot after cutting in from the right wing. The game continued to be pretty even until a minute before the break, Galbally finally got level, when Owen O Sullivan headed home a Bernard O Brien corner kick. The second half saw the game become a midfield battle with neither side creating much for the first thirty minutes, until Peter Morrissey headed onto the crossbar for the home side. Five minutes later, they finally got the goal they chased when substitute Ger Quinlan finished well after being put through on goal. With so much at stake in the game, the home side sat back to try to ensure their points, and invited the visitors onto them. But they held firm and if anything had the best chance to score a third, when John English hit the post late on.

Powerstown 0 – 5 Kilsheelan United

Powerstown’s hopes of winning the Third Division title suffered a blow when they fell to a heavy defeat at home to Kilsheelan United on Sunday afternoon. In a result that will come as a surprise to many, the home side were always second best to a much hungrier Kilsheelan outfit on the day. The away side served their intention of causing an upset as early as th thirteenth minute when they took the lead after a corner kick found Nathan Dolan all alon in the penalty area and he made no mistake from ten yards out. They were dominant throughout the half and doubled their lad ten minutes before the break when Mark Heffernan finished off a devastating counter attack. Ten minutes into second half, Billy O’Connor got the third goal, when his shot from outside the box found the top left corner, giving the home side a mountain to climb of they were to get anything from the game. But the visitors made sure that wouldn’t arise and hit two goals in two minutes around the sixty fifth minute mark through John O Dwyer and Jamie Roche, leaving the league leaders shell shocked and nervously looking over their shoulders before the final few games of the season.

Bansha Celtic 1 – 2 Tipperary Town

It was derby day at the patch in Bansha when the home side welcomed local rivals Tipperary Town for this Third Division clash. They played out a pretty even first fifteen minutes as a lot of the ball was played with in the middle of the field. As the half progressed the home side started to control the game and opened the scoring when a ball played through by Alan Carter into David Ronan’s feet, saw him taken down in the area, and Kyle Hayes stepped up to convert. The visitors came roaring back after this however, and fashioned a number of opportunities before getting an equaliser ten minutes before the break. The home side re-grouped and got a hold of the game, almost re-taking the lead five minutes before half time when a ball broke to Jamie Buckley, whose excellent strike from twenty five yards out drew a magnificent save from Mikey Ryan in the Town goal. Bansha continued pressing in the early part of the second half, creating chances numerous chances, but the away side held their own by and large. The significant moment in the game, came ten minutes from time when a speculative long ball over the top of the home defence was latched onto by a Town striker and h was taken down, resulting in a penalty for the away side that was tucked away to give them a lead that they held until the end of the game.

Burncourt Celtic 2 – 3 Cahir Park

This game was played on Saturday night in the magnificent astroturf facilities in Cahir Park, and was a very competitive game throughout. Both teams had early chances before the Park opened the scoring in the twenty fourth minute, when a cross from Shane Bennett took a deflection off a Celtic defender, and ended up in the net. But Burncourt continued making chances and found themselves level ten minutes later when some fine work by Pimmy Darcy along the endline gave Pa Ryan a simple tap in to make it one all. That was how the game went to the break, and five minutes into the second period a shot from Cahir’s Dean Fitzwater from the edge of the box ended up in the bottom corner of the net to put his sid back in front. But Celtic were not going down easily, and with twenty minutes left, were level again when Nathan Byrne headed home from a Shane O Neill free Kick. Both sides had half chances after this, but the game looked like it was petering out into a draw, until the final minute, when a strike by Ikaro Matteus again took a wicked deflection off a Burncourt defender and ended up in the net, giving the hosts all three points on the night.

TSDL Division 2 Youths Cup final

Shanbally United 3 – 4 Cashel Town

Cashel Town’s Youths twice came from behind to win this thriller of a Youths Cup final by the odd goal in seven at Scart Park on Saturday afternoon. Both teams have been the standard bearers at the top of the Second Division in Youths football this season, and promised a great final, and they began to deliver as soon as the third minute when the home side broke downfield and were awarded a penalty kick that was despatched to the net by Ben Carey. But the visitors responded and upped their game, having a couple of half chances before finally levelling the games thanks to a Lee O Riordan effort in the twenty third minute, when he finished off a sweeping movement by planting a headed effort to th net at the back post. The rest of the half flowed up and down the pitch but no mor goals were scored. It took just eight minutes of the second period to change that, and again it was the hosts that took advantage when they found Ben Doyle in space in the Cashel area and he headed to the net from eight yards out. But this just presaged a period of dominance from the away side, and they levelled six minutes later when Blake Doyle Carroll found the net with a shot from the edge of the area. Five minutes after that, the visitors finally got their noses in front for the first time when Ciaran Fitzpatrick fired home, and it looked to be all over when Ciaran Fitzpatrick extended the lead to two goals twenty minutes from time. But the home side showed their battling qualities and reduced the deficit to a single goal five minutes from the end, when they were awarded a second penalty and Carey made no mistake for a second time. This set up a grandstand finish when the home side threw everything at their opponents to try to bring the game to extra time, but Cashel held on to finish deserving winners in front of a large crowd of supporters.

TSDL Youths Division 1

Clonmel Town 0 – 3 Clonmel Celtic

Clonmel Celtic made another giant leap towards securing the Division One Youths title with a comfortable three goal victory away to neighbours Clonmel Town last Saturday. Celtic who won the opening league game of the season against the same opponents very comfortably, went ahead after just ninety seconds when Jack Aylward pounced on indecision in the Town defence to finish neatly past John O Connell. Smelling blood right from the off, the visitors went in search of a second and only a last ditch tackle from James Power deprived Reece Farrell in the tenth minute. However Town eventually settled down and both Cian McGrath and John Buckley produced two good saves from Oisin O Donoghue, as the Celtic netminder showed his importance to his team. But nine minutes from the break, Celtic got a deserved second when Jack Aylwards free kick from the edge of the box, missed everyone and ended up in the corner of the home sides net. Town should have pulled a goal back immediately but Cian McGrath couldn’t manage to finish after being put through by a great Ronan Walsh pass, and the league leaders almost ended the half three up when Alex Greene’s shot hit the butt of the Town post and cannoned away to safety. The second half was a far more balanced affair. In the sixty seventh minute O Donoghue pulled off a great save to deny Dara Walsh and then Joey Browne did well to set up a shooting chance for himself but his shot lacked any real power. But right on the stroke of full time, the visitors made the points certain when Julian Kerton and Jamie Ryan, who were both excellent in midfield, combined to set up Alex Greene for a goal that his work rate deserved and with it complete a comfortable afternoons work for the Champion’s elect.

Slievenamon Celtic 1 – 1 Peake Villa

Slievenamon Celtic wrapped up their historic first season in the top Division of TSDL Youths football with a very respectable draw after coming from behind against a strong Peake Villa side on Saturday afternoon. A poor start from the home side led to an early goal from the visitors inside the opening five minutes when a well worked short corner got pulled back to the edge of the box before being struck to the net by James Woodlock. After that the game settled down into a cagey affair with neither side creating any more clear cut chances before the break, and the visitors going in a goal up. The second half saw a much improved home side spring into life, as Tommy o Connor and Ben Power started to dominate in the centre of the pitch. This hard work finally paid off with ten minutes left on the clock, when a short Sam Power throw found Eoin Condon who put a quality delivery into the back post finding Tommy O Connor for the leveller. Both sides pushed on looking for the winner after that, but despite creating a number of half chances were unable to find the net and had to be content with a share of the spoils.

Tipperary Youths Cup, 2^nd Round

Cullen Lattin 4 – 2 Bansha Celtic

After beating Clonmel Town in the previous round, Cullen welcomed Bansha Celtic to Aisling Park today for the second round of the cup on Saturday afternoon. On a beautiful day for football the home side started really well and were on top in most parts of the field. In the twentieth minute, the finally made the early pressure count when Jake Ryan fired a cross field ball that was met by Dylan Mc Grath at the back post to put the home side ahead. They continued to dominate the game putting massive pressure on the Bansha back line, and this finally told when after another good move Tristan Stokes received the ball about twenty yards from goal and struck a great effort into the bottom corner. The visitors finally awoke from their stupor and started to make some inroads into the home sides territory, but were unable to pull a goal back prior to the break. They continued this at the start of the second half, but against the run of play Michael Ryan Bob got in behind the visiting defence to finish well, and put Cullen three up and very much in the box seat in the fifty third minute. The visitors did finally get some reward just on the hour mark, when they were awarded a penalty and Adam Hennessey made no mistake to bring it back to three goals to one. But that just seemed to get the home side focused again, and they got a fourth fifteen minutes from time when Dylan Mc Grath fired home his second of the day. A gutsy Bansha forced a penalty with ten minutes to go, and Adam Hennessey put away to make it four goals to two, but after that the home side shut up shop and made sure their name would be going in the hat for the next round of the competition.

Springfield Ramblers 0 – 3 Peake Villa

This game might have seemed curious to the casual observer who thought that Springfield had already dispatched Peake Villa from the Munster Junior Cup in the previous round, but that was the Thurles sides second team. On Sunday, the “big brothers” arrived back in Cobh, and handed down a revenge dish to cruise into the quarter finals of this years competition. The TSDL side started well and went close in the eleventh minute when Darragh Byrne hit the post. But netminder Willie Tierney was called into action six minutes later, when he made a good save, underlining the danger that any complacency about the tie Villa might have had, would very quickly be punished by this very capable Cork outfit. There wasn’t much between the teams and the best chance before half time fell to Villa’s Keith Cahill, who came close, but wasn’t able to turn the ball into the net. The Tipperary side came out in the second half and showed some real purpose and were finally rewarded in the sixty third minute when a Mikey Wade corner was headed to the back of the net by Dale Loughnane to give them a deserved lead. On top now, they pressed home their dominance and added a second in the seventy third minute when Mikey Wade scored to make it two nil. They added a cherry on top of what was an all round excellent performance when Jack Ryan Casey capped a fine performance to score and make the final result three goals to nil.

Bansha Celtic 0 – 1 St Michael’s

St Michael’s continued their push for another Premier League title with a single goal win in their local derby battle with a Bansha side struggling for points to try to move away from the dreaded relegation zone. The home side started the game well and were well set up in a game that was nip and tuck for the first quarter of an hour. But eventually the visitors began to dominate exchanges in the middle of the field and got what proved to be the winning goal in the twenty fifth minute. The ball fell to the always lively Russell Quirke who evaded two tackles before curling the ball into the top corner from fifteen yards out. This spurred the home side into action and ten minutes before the break were unlucky not to be level when Eoin Halpin cut in from the right only for him to hit straight at Adrian Walsh in the visitor’s goal. Both sides had some half chances before the break but both keepers were equal to them. The second half started the same as the first ended with plenty of good football played on a heavy Celtic Park. Ten minutes in, the visitors almost extended their lead only to for David slattery to be denied by the post. Darren McGrath then had a great chance to level the game but couldn’t get a clean shot away. Fifteen minutes from time, Saint’s Adam McGrath was unlucky to see his free kick come back off the crossbar, in what was the last real chance in a very entertaining game with plenty chances.

Two Mile Borris 3 – 0 Cashel Town

This was an important mid table game with the visitors having the opportunity to go ahead of the hosts in the table if they managed to pull off a victory. However the home side were in no mood to roll over and picked up the three points that all but assures they wont get sucked into a relegation battle over the coming weeks. The home side started better and had two good chances to open the scoring in the first quarter of an hour, first through a Jamie Lee shot that forced a good save from the visiting keeper and then a Jack Hackett shot that flew narrowly wide. But it looked like a goal was coming and it arrived when Jack Cleary got in behind the Cashel defence in the twentieth minute and he made no mistake from close in to fire his side into a deserved lead. After that the rest of the first half finished evenly enough with both teams having chances but neither really making the respective keepers work. Once the second period began the hosts began to dominate again and extended their lead just after the hour mark when an intelligent Jamie Carey ball found Jack Hackett and he deftly chipped a ball over the stranded keeper in the Cashel nets. Ten minutes from time Hackett got a goal his own performance deserved when he got on the end of an Urban Nolan pass and finished from close in. Throughout most of the second period, while Cashel played well they were reduced to chances from set pieces and will now be nervously looking over their shoulders as they try to secure enough points that will make them safe by season end.

Old Bridge 0 – 1 Cahir Park

Cahir Park secured a place in a playoff for the First Division Title with a narrow victory over Old Bridge in Clonmel on Sunday afternoon, after a tense game with neither side playing to their full potential. While both sets of players can be complimented on their commitment and effort there was a lack of quality on show, so it was fitting that it was a moment of real excellence which produced the only goal. After a very sketchy first half in terms of chances, in the final minute a corner found its way to Barry Cooney on the edge of the area and he hit an unstoppable shot to the back of the net, to the delight of the away crowd. The Bridge had had the better of things up to that stage with Luke O ‘Donnell going close, shortly before the opening goal. Kian Quinn made a good save in the early stages of the second period as Cahir attempted to stretch their lead, but the home side upped the ante again and dominated much of the middle section of the game, creating chances for Sean Martin, Jake Mulcahy, Shane Foley and Darren Guiry. At this stage, the visitors seemed content with what they had and apart from a few long range shots they kept it tight, making sure they would keep a hold on the prized play off position. The Bridge finished strongly, creating more chances, but that goal never came and Mark Jordan’s final whistle brought great delight to the many Cahir Park followers present. The Park had a job to do and they were effective in their pursuit of it, while Bridge will be frustrated but their inability to score cost them again, as it had done so often during the season.

Clonmel Town 1 – 2 Peake Villa

Peake Villa travelled to Ferryhouse to take on Town’s reserves in an unusually early kick-off with both teams playing for positions in the league. With both squads depleted this game was set up for an all-action contest, and in the seventeenth minute the home side hit the front when a quick kickout from Shane O Connor cleared the visitors defensive line, and the onrushing Harry O Connor was left in plenty of space to put the hosts a goal to the good. To be fair on Peake it was totally against the run of play as they were playing the better football, which they continued to do after, but could not find that equaliser before the break. The second half was a continuation from were the first half left off with the Thurles side dominating but they had to wait until fifteen minutes ffrom time to get some reward when Danny Treacy was to get on the end of a long ball and slot the ball past the stranded Town keeper. Well in the ascendancy now, they got a second seven minutes from time when Scott Brennan got on the end of a cross to put his side two goals to one up. This sparked the home side into a bit of life but it was Peake who missed glorious chances to put the game to bed. With the clock gone well into injury time Paul Shanahan saw his header go agonisingly wide but to be honest it would have been harsh on Villa if they had left without all three points.

Cullen Lattin 1 – 2 Dualla

Cullen Lattin welcomed Dualla to Aisling Park on Sunday, in a top of the table clash, that the visitors knew they had to get something from if they were to have a real chance of picking up this season’s Second Division title, and they delivered in style after a very good game of football. The hosts had the better of the early chances with Danny O Dwyer causing trouble down the right, and Micheàl Elligott almost sent Thomas O Mahoney away but his squared ball was fired high and wide. Once they had settled, Dualla had a succession of frees kicks that were well delivered into the hosts area, but by and large they were dealt with easily enough. But the first real talking point of the game came midway through the first period when the home side were reduced to ten players after they lost a player to a second yellow card offence. Despite this they continued to create the better chances and Elligott caused havoc almost any time he got the ball and ran at the visitors defence. The half however remained goalless and it took just ten minutes of the second period for the away side to break the deadlock when Gavin Ryan shot from out wide, and saw his effort sail beyond the reach of the keeper into the top corner of the net. Within five minutes the home side thought they had fashioned an equaliser, when Darragh O Brien played in Timmie Heffernan, but he couldn’t force the ball past the alert Dualla netminder. The home side sensed that an equaliser was coming, and it arrived midway through the half, when Heffernan was fouled just outside the penalty area, and up stepped Ben Carey to fire the ball into the top corner and tie the game. But it would only stay level for less than ten minutes, with Dualla striking on the break, and finding Gavin Ryan on the edge of the area, from where he lashed home his and his sides second goal to put the league leaders back in front. A late chance by Elligott was the closest the home side to getting back on terms a second time, but his effort came off the crossbar and was cleared away to safety. The result now sets up a grandstand finish to the Divisional title, with three teams still in with very realistic chances of ending the season at the top of the pile.

Galbally United 2 – 0 Suirside

Galbally United stayed right in the hunt for the Second Division title but ended the hopes of early frontrunners Suirside of even getting involved in a promotion battle with a comfortable two goal win in Galbally on Sunday last. The game was a tight affair with neither side really threatening in the first quarter, before Paul Kennedy went close in the twentieth minute. The home sides best chance came five minutes before the break, when Owen O Sullivan was unlucky to shoot just wide after some great set up play by  Cathal O Mahoney, rampaging down the wing. The game was scoreless at the break, and the early part of the second period followed the same pattern as the first, until the home side were awarded a penalty kick just on the hour mark, which Jordan Dineen made no mistake with to put his side in front. The game really opened up after this, with chances at both ends, but Galbally assured themselves of the points, when Dineen scored again ten minutes from time.

Burncourt Celtic 2 – 4 Powerstown

Burncourt welcomed pacesetters Powerstown to Ballyhurrow on Sunday last, hoping to slow what looks like their relentless march towards the Third Division title. The game started scrappily enough but as it wore on, the visitors started to make some chances and in the thirty fourth minute, they got a reward for their pressure when a miscued clearance by ended up in the home net, which gave Powerstown a single goal lead at the break. Four minutes into the second period they doubled that lead when Jack Barlow latched onto a ball over the top of the home defence and slotted home. Just after the hour mark, following a defensive mix up the visitors looked to have made the points safe when they added a third through a smart finish by Brian McKeown. But the home side continued to push for something from the game themselves and they got it when Dylan Ryan got on the end of a good through ball to bring the score back to three goals to one, in the sixty eight minute. But Powerstown showed how they lead the division by responding again quickly and adding a fourth through Cian Crowe who finished with a smart drive from just inside the box. Celtic kept plugging away and got a second goal after Pa Ryan was fouled by the Powerstown defender, and Dave Baker stepped and cooly slotted the penalty to complete the scoring.

Tipperary Town 1 – 1 Cahir Park

Tipperary Town welcomed Cahir to the Abbey on what was a perfect day for football, on Sunday morning in the Third Division. The game started well with both sides committed to passing the ball, and after early chance’s for both sides it would be the home team that struck first. In the twenty second minute a well worked throw in saw the hosts move the ball into the visitors area, and it was expertly steered into the net by Cathal Ryan who reacted quickest. The Park had a good spell for the remainder of the half and were value for a goal when a coming together led to a penalty just before half time. The penalty was dispatched with the minimum of fuss by Dean Fitzwater, and that took the teams to half time at one all. The second half started with the home side on the front foot with attacks leading to shots on goal but they just couldn’t find the second. Midway through the second half it was Cahir’s turn to boss the game a bit and just like the home side they too couldn’t find the net with Mickey O Dwyer doing well in goal. Chances came and went but both keepers stood firm and a share of the spoils seemed a fair ending.

Donohill and District 1 – 0 Two Mile Borris

Donohill and District stayed in the promotion hunt, but put a huge hole in Two Mile Borris’ chances of winning the Third Division when they defeated them by a single goal after  agood game of football on Sunday last. Both teams tried from the start to play enjoyable football and got the ball moving as often as they could, but were still finding it hard to create clear cut chances in a tight first half. Neither goalkeeper was tested in the first half, and the second half continued in much the same fashion. That was until twenty minutes from time, when as the teams tired, Donohill’s Dinny Crosse was taking down in the area, and Jerry O Neill stepped up to take the resultant penalty. But his effort came back off the crossbar and was scrambled away to safety. That could have knocked the stuffing out of the home side but they kept pressing and with ten minutes left, Crosse scored from a free kick that was enough to ensure his side would take the three points, despite a flurry of late pressure from the visitors.

Kilsheelan United 8 – 2 Killenaule Rovers

Eight goals from eight different players must be some kind of a record in TSDL football, but that is what Kilsheelan achieved in a very good win over local rivals Killenaule on Sunday last. Despite the win, the home side started poorly and found themselves a goal behind after just three minutes, before Mark Heffernan headed home from a Ruairi Doyle cross in the tenth minute, to level the scoring. Kilsheelan took control after that and took the lead on the half-hour mark when Cathal de Faoite netted from close range, before John O’Dwyer and Cian Roche found the back of the Killenaule net to give the home side a comfortable lead at the break. Only minutes into the second-half, the visitors were reduced to ten men, making their cause even more difficult and Kilsheelan continued their control of the game, when on the hour-mark they netted their fifth through Nathan Dolan who fired home a free-kick from twenty five yards out into the bottom corner. Minutes later it was six, when Ruairi Doyle progressed into the Killenaule half before firing home from distance to net his first of the season. The hosts scored twice in the final ten minutes, with two substitutes Lee Ryan and Conor Neville both getting on the scoresheet, before Killenaule scored a consolation in the final few minutes, as United rounded off a fantastic performance with an eight goal to two win.

TSDL Youths Division 1

Clonmel Celtic 1 – 0 Bansha Celtic  

Clonmel Celtic moved back to the top of the TSDL Youths Premier League with a hard fought single goal win against Bansha Celtic on Saturday afternoon. The home side rode their luck at times and were pinned back in their own half for much of the second half but they held on to secure three important points. It was by no means a vintage performance from Celtic as they struggled to hold on to the ball and put together any real meaningful passages of play. Indeed, it was a scrappy encounter lacking in any real quality, but as they say at the business end of the season it’s all about points and not performances. Even though they played into the wind in the first half it was the visitors who looked more dangerous and could have gone ahead on a couple of occasions but for some poor finishing. Celtic were struggling to create any real chances before they hit the front four minutes before the break, when Jack Lawlor powered home an in -winging Paddy Ormond corner. The wind strengthened in the second half and the visitors took control, putting the home rear-guard under severe pressure. But realising the importance of the three points the hosts dug in and battled away, though they had Oisin O’Donoghue to thank for a brilliant save fifteen minutes from time. The keeper was coolness personified under increasing pressure with his ball handling excellent in difficult conditions, and he and his team were relieved when the final whistle blew. A third successive win and clean sheet puts them in a strong position with just four games remaining.

Cullen Lattin 1 – 1 Slievenamon Celtic

Cullen hosted Slievenamon on Saturday in very testing conditions with strong wind and rain blowing for the whole game. This stopped any chance of good football being played and after a dreadful first half with no real chances either way it ended up level at nil all at half time. The hosts had to raise the tempo in the second half and backed by a strong wind they started to take control. After a succession of shots and corners they finally broke the deadlock ten minutes in, with Dylan Mc Grath heading home another excellent Tom Ryan Bob Corner. Shot after shot rained in for the next thirty minutes with the visiting keeper needed to make at least two top class saves to keep his side in the game. And his efforts were rewarded five minutes from time when on a rare break upfield, a low cross into the box from Ben Power, fell to Darragh Landers, whose attempted shot was well blocked before falling kindly to James Harte, who made no mistake from well inside the area. This was enough to gain his side a share of the spoils in a game that finished one all.

Bansha Celtic 1 – 0 Clonmel Celtic

Languishing at the bottom end of the Premier League table, Bansha Celtic really needed something from this game, and they delivered in style, with a single goal victory against a Clonmel Celtic side that continues to blow hot and cold on their return to the top division. The home side started this game on the front foot and had a couple of half chances inside the first ten minutes as they attempted to impose themselves on the tie. The finally made a chance count on the quarter hour mark, when a long throw into the box was flicked on and Liam Murphy was on hand to finish from close range. This prompted a response from the Clonmel side, and they were a better team for most of the rest of the first half, but the home sides defence managed to restrict them to a couple of long range efforts and they were unable to equalise before the break. The hosts lost two players to injury at half time and found themselves on the back foot, for the remainder of the game, with the away side camped in their half, and peppering their goalmouth with efforts. But Bansha still maintained a threat on the break, and eventually held out to take all three precious points, that will help them get back into the mix to climb to safety by season end.

Cashel Town 2 – 2 Wilderness Rovers

This was a massive game for both clubs, in the hunt for points to get themselves away from the relegation zone, and although they had both to be content with a share of the points, both will also have a case to make for leaving behind the three when the final whistle sounded. The home side started the better and were well on top for the first twenty five minutes, missing a couple of decent chances to poor striking and excellent defending by Rovers. Cashel were made to pay for that profligacy when the visitors were awarded a penalty just before the half hour mark, that was converted by Graham Kelly, to give the Clonmel side the lead. To their credit, the home came straight back with a goal of their own, through Kyle Ryan who finished well from ten yards out and levelled the game. The tie remained one all at the break, and the second half was a tight tense affair with both sides wary of giving away too much, given the potential importance of the final result. The home side finally took the lead nonetheless in the sixtieth minute, after a great cross from Kevin Keating was turned in to his own net by a Wilderness defender. On top at this stage, they failed to capitalise and were punished a second time when a corner was headed in from close range by Sean Browne late in the game. A point each seemed a fair result at the end, but it leaves both still looking nervously over their shoulder as the season draws close to its conclusion.

Cahir Park 2 – 1 Clonmel Town

After seeing their rivals win earlier in the day, a nervy Cahir Park had to come from behind in a tight tense game, to overcome Clonmel Town and remain in the title race in the First Division. The visitors started much better here, as the Park didn’t seem to be able to get to the pitch of the game, and took the lead in the twelfth minute when a free kick came back off the hosts crossbar and was scrambled to the net via the despairing legs of a home player. After this the visitors remained the dominant team and were unlucky on a number of occasions not to add to their lead. They were left to bemoan this when in the twenty ninth minute the home side were awarded a penalty and Willie Dunne fired an equaliser to the net. The game went to the break level, but the home side started better in the second half, and went in front just three minutes in, when Tom Keating swung in a free kick and it was headed home by Ger Quinn. This presaged a period of dominance by the home side and they should have put the game to bed shortly after the hour mark, but were denied a goal when a Darragh Conway chance was expertly saved. But as the finishing line started to come into view the nerves came back for the home side, and the visitors took control again, forcing home keeper Brian Sweeney into a series of saves that kept his side in front, and in the title race. Tempers boiled over late on, but no more goals were scored and the home side remained in with a chance of winning the Divisional title for at least another week.

Tipperary Town 3 – 1 St Michael’s

Tipperary Town assured themselves of Premier League football next season, and placed one hand on the First Division one title, as they finished out their season with a good win against local rivals St Michaels at the Arra Road on Sunday afternoon. They settled whatever nerves they might have had when they got off to the perfect start with Markie Roche opening the scoring in just the second minute, cheekily back heeling a Dylan Cummins cross to the net. Shortly afterwards he brought a good save from Robbie McGrath in a one on one, as they threatened to overrun their opponents. But eventually the visitors played themselves into the game, and were level in the ninth minute when home keeper Eric Higgins misjudged a Dean Thompson shot, and saw it fly past him to the net. After that the game settled into a midfield battle with few enough clear chances, the best being a Kevin Browne effort which stung the hands of Robbie Mc Grath in the Saints goal, three minutes from the break. Mc Grath had to be alert again, a minute into the second period, to smother a ball at the feet of Vinny Godfrey after he latched on to a Marky Roche flick on. But the home side soon began to take control and retook the lead just before the hour mark when Roche forced Adam Roche into a foul inside his area, and Michael Ryan Tadger converted from the spot kick despite Robbie McGrath moving the right away. Saints did win a few set pieces after this, but huffed and puffed a bit, before Matty Moroney put the points to bed fifteen minutes from time, when he created space in from the left and finished well to the net for the league leaders. Both sides used their benches over the last quarter of an hour, but the game was over as a contest, and the winners will now anxiously wait for results next weekend to decide whether they go back to the Premier League as champions, or if a play off awaits.

Peake Villa 1 – 0 Mullinahone

Peake Villas seconds entertained already relegated Mullinahone on Sunday, and as the scoreline suggested, it was a tight enough affair, with the home side desperately chasing points to try to ensure they didn’t join their opponents in making the dreaded drop. The Villa did most of the pressing in the first half without making too many clear-cut chances. And as the half went on, Mullinahone grew into the game and had a couple of good chances before half time, but David Cashin in the Villa goal saved well for both, seeing the sides go to the break level at nil all. The home side changed it up in the second half and brought on Luciano Carelli, and he had an instant impact up front holding up the ball and bringing players and Villa’s young midfield into the game. Carelli was involved in the Villa’s goal, taking the corner, at which captain Jack Kelly jumped highest, and his header found the top corner to make it one nil in the fifty first minute. The hosts took control of the game after this, and had further chances to extend their lead ahead through Danny Treacy and Tony Galvin, but those chances were spurned. To Mullinahone’s credit, they continued to look for chances to get back into the game, and Cashin was called upon again near the end, making another good save, to ensure his side took all three precious points.

Dualla 1 – 1 Rosegreen Rangers  

Dualla’s hopes of winning the Second Division title were dented on Sunday when they dropped points against local rivals Rosegreen on a cold Sunday evening in the mid Tipperary village. Rosegreen came to play and were in the mood to upset the home team, and in the early stages did exactly that, often pinning their hosts back through long balls and direct attacking. It was from one of these early attacks that the visitors won a corner kick, and when the home keeper spilled the set piece, Dan Corbett toe poked home to give his side a lead in the game. The rest of the half continued in this fashion, with both sides creating chances, but the away team often looking the more dangerous, without adding to their score. The home side were happy with the break and took stock, starting the second period much more improved. They were still being reduced to living off scraps as the away defence constantly broke up the attacks that might have looked like producing a levelling goal. That was until the home side won a free kick at the edge of the Rosegreen area, and Tossy Ryan drilled his effort low and hard into the net. The game flowed over and back after this with the visitors coming close to retaking the lead through a Gavin Ryan effort. The home side also had their opportunities with chances falling to Micheál Mc Dermott and Bozzy Walsh, but in the end, there were no more goals, and both teams could feel happy with their share of the spoils.

Clerihan 0 – 2 Cullen Lattin

Cullen Lattin welcomed Clerihan to Aisling Park Cullen on Sunday with both teams needing points for different reason. And it was the relegation haunted Clerihan that started the brighter pushing the title prospects back to the edge of their own area countless times in the first quarter of an hour. But the hosts eventually settled and enjoyed the most of the possession for the remainder of the half, opening the scoring midway through when Mikey Stokes released Micheàl Elligott down the right wing his excellent low cross found Tony O Neill who controlled well and finished to the net. Alan Hayes thought he made it two just before the break, when he took on the visiting defence, but his left footed shot just went narrowly wide. Desperately needing something from the game, Sean Maher thought he had got Clerihan back level five minutes into the second period, but his right footed shot from twenty yards out was tipped over by Darren Hueston in the home goal. But after that the title challengers controlled the game, and added an insurance goal five minutes from time when Fiachra O Grady played Danny O Dwyer through on goal, and O Dwyer showed excellent feet to finish well past the stranded keeper.

Moyglass United 2 – 0 Tipperary Town    

Moyglass United continued their promotion push with another win on Sunday morning against struggling Tipperary Town. The home side were always in charge and dominated possession of the ball in the first half, but through a combination of excellent defending by the away side, and poor finishing by the hosts, the game went to the break scoreless. The second half followed a similar pattern and the home side must have felt time was running out for them, before they finally broke the deadlock just eight minutes from time, when Eddie O Brien was taken down in the Town penalty area, and Adam Lyons picked up the ball and blasted the resulting penalty to the net. This seemed to knock the stuffing out of the away side and they conceded a second five minutes later when Adam Hayes went on a mazy run and dinked a clever finish over the onrushing keeper, to ensure all three points for his side.

Burncourt Celtic 2 – 4 Bansha Celtic

Bansha Celtics seconds picked up just their second win of the Third Division season when they came out on top away to Burncourt Celtic on Sunday afternoon. In the early exchanges it was the home side that dominated but despite creating three or four clear chances in the first quarter of an hour, they were unable to get the ball into the net. They finally did so in the twenty second minute when Pa Ryan collected a through ball and made no mistake in sliding it past Alan Carter in the Bansha goal. The game settled down and it looked like staying as is until halftime, but the visitors got level with a late goal in the first half, when Aidan Coffey finished smartly after a deft ball over the top. The second period began as the first ended with the visitors on top, and they took the lead just three minutes in, when Adam Hennessy finished smartly from just inside the box into the bottom right corner. They added a third less than seven minutes later when Cormac Buckley finished from close range. After this the home side stirred back into life, but they were unable to find the net until ten minutes from the end, when David Cagney shot from just inside the area, into the top corner, to set up a cracking final finale. But as often happens when a team chase looking for a goal, they leave their flanks unprotected and following a mix up in the home defence, Craig Maher stole in to seal the points for the visitors with just minutes left in the game.

Clonmel Town 2 – 1 Bansha Celtic  

Clonmel Town’s youths put a big dent in the title hope of league leaders Bansha Celtic when they took all three points in a keenly contested game at Ferryhouse last Saturday. The home side had the better of the early exchanges with a Monsur Bambiata header going inches wide as early as the fourth minute. Cian McGrath was then put through by an excellent Harry Ryan Tobin pass only for Josh O’Dwyer to make an excellent tackle to deny the striker getting a shot off. The hosts finally looked to have broken the deadlock in the twenty third minute, when Joey Browne unleashed an unstoppable shot from all of twenty five yards out, that flew past Bansha net minder, only to see the ball cannon off the underside of the bar and be scrambled to safety. But three minutes later Town finally got their deserved goal when Ronan Walsh finished off a great move to shoot powerfully past Tyler Barry in the away goal. Despite being under the cosh up to that point, the visitors almost made an instant reply, when a Daniel O’Dwyer header just went the wrong side of the post. The rst of the half turned out to be topsy turvy with both sides having chances, but there were no more additions to the scoreline. The hosts started the second half on the offensive once again, and Alex Lawless hit the post within two minutes of the restart. His disappointment at this miss evaporated minutes later, when he added his sides second goal after his deflected shot found the corner of the net. Adam Hennessy should have pulled one back for the away side when a super ball from Bill Quirke split the Town defence but with only John O’Connell to beat, Hennessy put his effort wide. Both sides were guilty of missing chances and when Danny O’Dwyer did finally score for the away side, it was in the final minute and it came too late to have any real effect on the final outcome of the game.

Two Mile Borris 2 – 1 Cullen Lattin

Two Mile Borris took advantage of the slip up by Bansha Celtic to move back to the top of the Division One table, with a hard fought win over Cullen in Newhill on Saturday afternoon. Still smarting after a close defeat last week, they knew a win was vital to remain in the race for what is becoming a very exciting season in youths football in the TSDL. For the opening twenty five minutes, the away side had the upper hand and had a couple of good chances to score, but the home side weathered the early storm and eventually took a foothold in the game, dominating the final fifteen minutes, without finding the net. They started the second period on the front foot and pinned the away side back time and again in the early portion of the half. The breakthrough eventually came from an unlikely source when a corner dropped to the feet of centre back John Lacy, who stroked the ball into the bottom corner of the net to give his side the advantage. They kept the pressure on and with twenty five minutes left scored a second, when Lacy again came up for a corner, and headed to the net. Things were looking good at this stage, until the visitors Caoimhin Doody scored a screamer of a volley with ten minutes left to set up a nervy ending. But the home side regrouped and held out to put themselves back on top of the division as the teams start the run in at season end.

TSDL Youths Round up.

There were two more games in the Youths league on Saturday, both having implications at the top end of the First and Second Division. Clonmel Celtic travelled to Thurles on Saturday to take on a Peake Villa team that had to win the tie to have any chance of getting involved in the title race, while the Clonmel side needed the points themselves to stay ahead of them. And it was Celtics day, as they came away from the Tower Grounds with all three points after a comprehensive four goals to nil victory. In the Second Division joint league leaders Cashel Town travelled to Cahir to move clear at the top of the table, and they did so after a three goals to nil win that puts them in touching distance of winning a first league title at Youths grade in a number of years.

Wilderness Rovers 4 – 1 Vee Rovers

This was a massive game for both clubs on Sunday morning, with the home side battling to cement the Premier League place they won last season, and the visitors knowing they desperately needed points to try to stay in the division they’ve graced over the past number of years. And by the end, it was the home side that was happiest, despatching Vee with aplomb. They went at their opponents right from the beginning of the game, putting together some fantastic passages of play before they opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Sean Brown found the net after a brilliant Cillian Hogan assist. This gave them the impetus to really go after the visitors and they forced them back time after time in a dominant first half performance that only lacked a second goal. The second half began where the first finished off, and the second goal finally came, albeit by the direct route, when a long kickout by Wildies keeper Oisin Lavin played a ball in behind the Vee Rovers centre backs for Cillian Hogan to capitalize with a smart headed effort over the advancing keeper. Not satisfied with a two goal lead they pushed for a third, and got it when Danny Hogan found Graham Kelly alone in the box and he put the chance away coolly. With nineteen minutes left to play, they made it four, as they threatened to run riot, with Niall Kelly finishing off some good work by Brown at the top end of the pitch. To their credit, the Vee side never stopped trying to get back into the game, and although the final result was a foregone conclusion at that stage, eight minutes from time, they did pull a goal back, to make it four goals to one. But they were never going to see that as anything more than a consolation effort as the home side closed the game out for a very important win.

St Michael’s 1 – 0 Two Mile Borris

It might have seemed strange that Premier League title holders St Michael’s went into this game starting behind their opponents from Borris, but they had played a few games less this season due to commitments in other competitions. By the end of the game, they had leap frogged them, but they were made to work very hard against a young but competitive Borris side, who look to be bearing the fruits of some good foundation work at underage level over the past number of years. In the end it was a fortuitous goal that separated the sides, with a DJ Cremins header being deflected that wrong footed the Borris keeper to give the Saints a one goal to nil lead at half time. The second half was mostly played in the middle third of the pitch, with a lot of stop start play that never really allowed either side to build up a head of steam, and chances that were already few and far between constantly went a begging. The one first half goal ended up being enough to separate the sides and Michael’s began what they hope will be a steady climb up the standings between now and season end.

Bansha Celtic 2 – 3 Cashel Town

This was destined to be a huge result for either and both teams, when Cashel travelled to Bansha with both sides the wrong end of the Premier League table. And after some sharp criticism in recent weeks, the young Cashel squad felt that they had something to prove, and did so, coming out on the right end of a five goal thriller. The visitors got off to a dream start and had the ball in the net inside the first thirty seconds, when a long ball fell kindly to the feet of Kyle Ryan, and he made no mistake from six yards out. Still shell shocked from giving that early goal away, the home side were two behind within five minutes, when once again they didn’t deal with a direct ball into the area, and Kevin Keating smashed home after a couple of blocked efforts eventually saw the ball land at his feet. The home side eventually settled down and got into the game, and pulled a goal back on the half hour from a Tony Egan free kick from all of twenty five yards out. This started a period of domination for the home side and it was all Bansha for the rest of the half, but Cashel defended well and went to the break a goal to the good. The break seemed to kill the hosts momentum, and the visitors started the half well. But they were caught on the break just before the hour mark when Darren McGrath forced the ball home from close range. It was nip and tuck from then until the end, with both sides desperately needing the goal that would give them all three points, but that eventually fell to the away side, and Celtic will be kicking themselves when they look back as the reason why. Poor defending caused confusion in the home box, and after some scrambling and scuffed shots, eventually the keeper was beaten by a deflected effort, to the delight of the visiting team and their supporters. Both teams will still face a slog to stay up across the rest of the season, but Cashel’s journey will feel just a little lighter after this win.

Clonmel Town 1 – 0 Peake Villa

A Lee Costello penalty twenty minutes from time was enough to give Clonmel Town all three points in the big Premier League clash against Peake Villa at the Dr Pat O Callaghan sports complex last Sunday. Peake started the game without their talisman striker Pippy Carroll who is out injured, and this aided the home side in dominating the first half, with Rhys O Reagan the tormentor in chief as he forced the visiting defence into some last ditch defending. In the twenty eight minute he looked to have been upended in the box but his claims were waved away, and just two minutes later Peake missed a glorious opportunity to go in front when Dale Loughnanne did brilliantly to evade two Town defenders to pull the back but with the goal at his mercy Kieron Hennessy scuffed his shot wide. As the game flowed over and back the away side were almost made to pay for that miss, when Jamie Ahearne was tripped in the box, and a penalty awarded, only for the Villa custodian Willie Tierney to be equal to Alan O Donnell and save the penalty with his feet. Jack O Donnell and Lee Costello then had efforts on goal but they never troubled Tierney as the sides went in at half time all square. It was the Thurles side who started the second half the better, and in the fifty seventh minute, Evan Comerford did brilliantly to deny Jack Ryan Carey, before the follow up shot from Dylan Cody was cleared off the line by Jamie Ahearne. Peake then thought they had the ball in the net when Cian McCormack managed to get up at the back post but his header from a Darragh Burn header hit the side netting. These missed chances seem to reenergise the home side and in the sixty fourth minute Jack O Donnell saw an effort from a Craig Guiry knock down scream inches wide. Minutes later Tierney was on hand again to push away an excellent Lee Costello free kick. Town were now dominating proceedings and were forcing Peake to concede a number of corners, one of which led to a second penalty decision. Lee Costello didn’t pass up the opportunity this time, as he buried the ball into the left hand corner of the net, to give the hosts the precious lead. The last twenty minutes were played at a frantic pace with both sides fully committed to the cause. Town nearly added a second, when Jack O Donnell was fouled on the edge of the box but once again Willie Tierney was equal to Lee Costello’s effort. Town introduced a number of substitutes late on, and the fresh legs proved decisive as they held on for a massive three points in their quest to win a first league title since 2011.

.

Peake Villa 1 – 1 Tipperary Town

Peake Villas second team bounced back from provincial action last weekend, to entertain league leaders Tipperary Town on Sunday afternoon, and came out with a draw that will have put a serious dent into the visitor’s title hopes. It was a highly entertaining encounter with a lot at stake for both sides, especially as the away side knew a win would edge them closer to that coveted league win and promotion back to the top table of Tipperary football. But at the other end, the hosts are perilously close to the relegation zone, and that was enough to spur them into producing a magnificent performance. Both sides played good passing football in what was a good opening half, but although each team had some decent half chances, neither did enough to trouble the opposing goalkeepers and the game went to the break level at nil all. The second half was a more open affair, and the away side took the lead five minutes after the hour mark, when Vinny Godfrey scored with a fine header. To Villa’s credit, they didn’t sit back and took the game to Tipp and were rewarded in the seventy fourth minute, when a Jack Condon free kick was headed into the net by the Tipp defender for an own goal. Both sides went for it in the last twenty minutes with some great chances being created at both ends, but it wasn’t to be with both teams guilty of some good chances missed. In the end, a share of the spoils was a fair result, and the drama that is the First Division title and relegation races, carry on for at least another week.

Clonmel Town 2 – 1 Mullinahone

Clonmel Town took all three points here, after a late Harry O Connor penalty was enough to seal the victory after hard fought game in Ferryhouse, that also condemns the away side to relegation back to Division Two a year after the joy of promotion. Town were on top at the start and with eleven minutes on the clock, Sean Kenny sent an unstoppable shot into the top corner to put the hosts a goal up. They had chances to extend their lead but a great save by the Mullinahone keeper from a James Power header kept them at bay. Oisín Looney went close again only for the crossbar to save the away team, but as the game wore on, Mullinahone were starting to grow into it, but just couldn’t add the necessary quality in front of goal to get reward for their good build up play, and they went to the break a goal behind. The early part of the second half was more evenly contested with Mullinahone becoming very threatening on the break. The hosts defence though were holding firm and a breakaway from James O Reilly saw his effort from all of thirty yards once again rattle the crossbar in the fifty third minute. Within minutes however, the away side got their equaliser when a move down the left was excellently crossed in by Alex Maher and finished to the net from close in. This sparked the home side back into life, but they had to wait until two minutes before the end to get the winner, after they were awarded a penalty, and Harry O Connor stepped up to rifle it home into the top corner. It would prove to be enough as a relieved home side were happy to hear the final whistle leaving with all three points.

Dualla 2 – 1 Galbally United

Dualla and Galbally played out a thriller in Dualla on Sunday morning, as both teams knew that three points would go a long way to putting them in prime position to not just be promoted, but even take the Second Division title. From the off the home side hunted in packs and pushed high up the pitch, and were rewarded early on after great work from the midfield saw the ball played between the visiting keeper and centre backs, who were beaten by Tossy Ryan, who had timed his run perfectly to slot the ball home. The visitors though had chances of their own, and looked very dangerous especially from set pieces throughout the game, forcing good saves from the home custodian Luke Kevin on a number of occasions. But late in the half, the hosts added to their tally and punished the poor finishing of the away side, when Spanner O Dwyer found the ball at his feet, right on the penalty spot, before opening his body out and burying the ball to the roof of the net with a brilliant finish. Just before the break it was nearly three after a Micheál Barron free kick hit the crossbar, but the home side went in, happy with their half’s work. After the break the league leaders came out with guns blazing, pushing high up the pitch and attacking with numbers, soon getting on the score sheet through a great strike from the edge of the box. They continued to pin back the home side, and for most of the final twenty minutes, camped themselves around the home area. But Dualla held their nerve, and with the aid of a late stunning save from Luke Kevin in the goal, took the points and ascended past their opponents to the top of the table on Sunday night.

Cullen Lattin 1 – 0 St Nicholas

Cullen welcomed neighbours St Nicholas to Aisling Park, for yet another derby in the Second Division, with the home side on a bit of a late title run, and the away side looking to get back to winning ways after a defeat last weekend. The home side had the brighter of the early exchanges, but they were finding it hard to beat the experienced Mark Lowry in the Saints goal. Darragh O Brien played in Micheàl Elligott in the twelfth minute, but Lowry saved with his feet, and Tony O Neill thought he had opened the scoring ten minutes later when Jack O Halloran’s cross to the back post, found him in space, but again the veteran keeper was up to the task of keeping him out. The away side came into the game a bit after this and has a succession of corner and free kicks that Jason Sutton and Aaron Ryan Shiner delivered well into the box but Cullens defences stood tall, ensuring that the game went to the half time break scoreless. In the early stages of the second half a mix up in the home defence, allowed Ryan Shiner to lift the ball over home keeper, but Mickie O Brien’s goal line clearance kept the game all square. The deadlock was finally broken five minutes after the hour mark, when Dan O Dwyer found Micheàl Elligott in the box, and though his initial strike was once again saved, the rebound fell for Tony O Neill who calmly put in the net while under pressure. This spurred the away side on in the last quarter of the game, and for the last ten minutes the hosts had to soak up a lot of pressure, but they dealt with all that Nicholas could throw at them, and recorded a well earned one goal win.

Cashel Town 0 – 0 Suirside

Both teams really needed the three points from this game, but in the end, they were both disappointed in having to settle for a nil all draw that really didn’t have a lot for either set of supporters to cheer. After a great start to the season, Suirside’s title and promotion aspirations have fallen away, while the home side are growing increasingly likely to slip through the relegation trap door. This scoreless draw saw very few chances created in either half. The home side did have a goal disallowed for offside in the first half, and they missed a couple of half chances near the end, but the visitors had the best chance in the final minute, that was missed from close range, summing up the day that both teams had.

Moyglass United 2 – 1 Kilsheelan United    

Moyglass United’s win in this game, kept their promotion hopes alive for another while, but effectively ended those of their opponents, who have fallen away in recent times, after they had put themselves in a good position to rectify the relegation that they suffered last season. The home side started very strong and had a few early chances, before they opened the scoring in the sixteenth minute, when a long kick out from David McCormack was flicked on by Darragh Hurley, to Brian Delahunty who hit a neat shot to the bottom corner. This was the only goal in a nervy first half, but the hosts doubled their advantage twelve minutes into the second period when Stephen Holohan scored an absolute cracker from all of twenty five yards out, curling a sweet effort into the top corner. Kilsheelan improved after this and started getting a bit of forward momentum, finally getting a goal back eight minutes from time, when Brandon Cagney scored, but the home side held out until the end to seal the three points.

Donohill and District 2 – 1 Killenaule Rovers

The home side here but a dent in Killenaule’s promotion hopes, and gave themselves a small chance of going up themselves when they pulled off a deserved victory after a tough battle on Sunday morning in West Tipperary. The the home side had a lot of the ball in first half but missed chance after chance, before getting caught on the break six minutes before half time, when the visitors were awarded a penalty that was fired to the net by Conor Sinnott. That left Killenaule a goal to the good at the break, but again the home side dominated the ball in the second period and finally got a gilt edged chance for an equaliser when they were awarded a penalty kick of their own, nine minutes in. But the visiting keeper was up to the task and kept his side in front with an excellent save. But twenty minutes from time, the pressure on the away defence finally took its toll and Dinny Crosse got an excellent equaliser. Killenaule battled hard to try to retake the advantage, but ten minutes from time, a third penalty of the game was awarded, a second for the home side, but once again it was missed. However, almost immediately they made up for the miss when Crosse found Paudie Bradshaw who scored a stunning goal to win the game for the home side.

Burncourt Celtic 0 – 2 Two Mile Borris

Two Mile Borris made the trip to Burncourt on Sunday morning chasing three points to keep themselves in touch with the top of the Division Three table, and went home with all three points after scoring goals early and late in the game. They started the stronger, and after a succession of corners, Darren Flood finally put the away team ahead when he finished well at the near post. The home side were unlucky not to go in even at half time when a shot from Alex Meaney just went past the post. During a rather dull second half, neither side ever really tested either keeper until with ten minutes to go, a shot from the edge of the box brought a good save from the Borris keeper. Nevertheless, in time added on, Cathal Mc Callgon scored the insurance goal for the away side, after blocking down a Burncourt clearance to make it two goals to nil, and secure the all important points.

TSDL Youths Division 1

Clonmel Celtic 3 – 0 Slievenamon Celtic

After their first league defeat of the season, Clonmel Celtic were determined last Saturday to get back to winning ways, and did so with a comfortable three goal win over a Slievenamon Celtic side that has been showing some very good form of late themselves. The home side started brightly and created most of the early chances, but an inspired performance by Kyle Grant in the visitors’ goal denied both Alex Greene and Michael Prendergast’s attempts to opening the scoring. Their patience was rewarded however in the twenty seventh minute, when Max Ryan found Julian Kerton outside the box and Kerton fired home to the bottom corner. Three minutes later they doubled their lead when they won a corner and Jack Lawlor headed home Paddy Ormonde’s cross at the far post. This was how they went to the break, and in the early part of the second half, they dominated the game, scoring a third just before the hour mark. This time it was all Max Ryan, as he cut in from the left and lashed home a shot that gave the keeper no chance. The visitors did continue to battle, and had a couple of half chances, but nothing that really worried the home sides defence and the Clonmel side took the points in the end.

Cullen Lattin 5 – 3 Clonmel Town

Playing each other for the second time in a couple of weeks Cullen and Clonmel Town played another high scoring entertaining game on Saturday afternoon in front of a vocal crowd of supporters from both sides. Playing against the elements the home side raced into a two-goal lead inside the first half hour, with Tristan Stokes scoring the first after some good build up play and Dylan Mc Grath scoring the second after a well worked corner kick routine. But they seemed to take their foot of the gas before half time and allowed Town back into the game, when they scored eight minutes from the break. Stand in goalie John O Brien then had to pull off an excellent save to keep it his sides lead by the time they went off, and they seemed to take the funk with them onto the early part of the second period, with Town levelling the game within the first ten minutes. This seemed to finally shake the home side from their torpor, and they regained control of the game, by adding two more goals within a ten-minute period. First is was Javier Seranno who scored after bursting behind the Clonmel defence, and then Paddy Downey made it four with a brilliant strike from outside the box. But again, they got caught against the run of play for the away side to bring it back to four goals to three, before straight from the kick off, Tom Ryan Bob with his fourth assist of the day sent Tristan Stokes away to round the goalie and make it five and assure his side of the points. A long awaited but much deserved league win for the home side.

TSDL Youths Division Two

Cashel Town 4 – 0 Mullinahone

Cashel Town maintained their grip on the top of Division Two of the Youths league, with a four goal win over a young Mullinahone side on Saturday. They were two up at the break thanks to a twelfth minute goal by Niall Hallisey, and a strike by Paraic Ryan just after the half hour mark. Two more in the second period from Alex O Sullivan and Blake Doyle Carroll ensured that the home side would finish the weekend where they began and the top of the pile. Special mention was also given to the young away keeper who had an excellent game in goal, despite being beaten on four occasions.

Shanbally United 3 – 0 Cahir Park

Shanbally United kept in touch with the top of the table with a win over local rivals Cahir Park on Saturday afternoon. The home side were always in control and goals from Ben Doyle, Cathal Tobin and Ryan Breedy were enough to take all three points on the day.

Riverstown (Cork) 2 – 3 Peake Villa

In what is a novel happening with both Peake Villas first and second team advancing outside of the TSDL area to the open draw in the Munster Junior Cup, the firsts won past Cork side Riverstown on Sunday morning to take their place in the fifth round, winning by a single goal in five after an exciting game. The tie itself started at a frantic pace, with both sides having early chances, the best coming from the visitors Jack Ryan Casey came close in the fifth minute, but his well struck shot was parried away. Once the home side settled into the game, they took the lead after a quarter of an hour, when the Peake defence was caught flat footed, only able to watch Fionn Barry leap and score from a header from six yards out. But Villa were not behind for long, and only four minutes later, the ever industrious Kieran Casey found Keith Cahill in space and he slid his shot past the Cork keeper to the delight of the visiting fans. But while the Thurles side were celebrating, the home side struck back almost immediately and retook the lead a minute later through a Killian O Sullivan effort. The game was wide open at this stage and the TSDL side were rewarded for their attacking efforts in the twenty sixth minute when a Dylan Coady corner was headed into the net by Sean Wade to make it two all, the score that the game went to the half time break at. The second half Villa start to get on top and create some good chances through Keith Cahill and Kieren Hennessy, but the all important goal came in the sixty eight minute when Alan Leahy crossed to Sean Wade who put his side in front for the first time in the game. They began to boss the tie from this point onwards, and Dale Loughnane came close on two occasions late on, but in the end, they were happy to finish on the right side of the result especially after the disappointment of last weekend.

Springfield Ramblers 4 – 2 Peake Villa

Peake Villas B team were also in fourth round action in the Munster Junior Cup, and travelled to Cobh Sunday afternoon to play out a thrilling cup tie against Springfield. It was always going to be an emotional day for this young side after the past few weeks but they played out of their skin and ran a good Springfield side all the way to the final whistle. Villa took the lead in the twentieth minute when Danny Treacy was taken down in the box and was awarded a penalty, which he got up to put away himself. After that, despite being under intense pressure, the Tipperary side looked like they were going to hold onto that unlikely lead until disaster struck in the final minutes of the half, when the home side got two goals in quick succession to head to the break in front. The young Tipperary side could have easily thrown in the towel, but they were up for this and took the game to the hosts, levelling matters eleven minutes into the second period, when Conor Murphy played in Alex Moloney, to fire to the net. The game turned however minutes later, when the home side scored a contentious goal to get their noses back in front, and shortly afterwards Villa were awarded a penalty kick, that was saved by the Cork net minder. The sucker punch then came seventeen minutes from time, when Springfield added a fourth to finally put the game beyond the brave young Thurles team. This Villa side lost their popular manager Paul Twomey only a few weeks ago, but certainly honoured Pauls memory with this battling performance, and they can be proud of themselves when they continue to cheer on their club mates in further rounds.

Wilderness Rovers 2 – 2 Two Mile Borris

All the main action of this tie came in the second half, with the two sides sharing the spoils as they try to cement their position in the Premier League for another season. Though the first half was very competitive, with both teams trying hard to create chances, none were clear cut enough for either side to take advantage and the teams went to the break level at nil all. The second half continued in similar fashion, and when goals came, two came in quick succession, both for the visitors. It was Daniel Rafter who got the brace, underlining his ability as a deadly striker that has made him an important member of the Borris team this season, scoring in the fifty third and sixty second minutes. At this stage the away side were in control and it looked like the hosts had a mountain to climb, but after making some astute substitutions, they clawed their way back and reduced the deficit in the seventy third minute when a free kick delivered into the Borris area by Stephen Woods found Sean Brown, who controlled the ball and turned to strike it across the keeper into the corner of the net. After that the home side laid siege to the Borris goalmouth firing effort after effort towards the goal to no avail. Or at least that’s what it looked like until deep into time added on when a throw in from Cillian Hogan, saw Niall Kelly flick onwards to the back post where Kevin McGrath stuck the equalizer with a trademark header, to the delight of the home supporters. That was the last real chance of the game and the points were shared, which will probably be enough to see both safe come the end of the season.

Cashel Town 2 – 2 Vee Rovers

This game was vital for both sides as they fight to hang onto their Premier League status, and while neither side would probably have recovered from a loss in the game, they will both look back on the draw as a chance spurned to pick up what would have been three priceless points. The game itself was a helter-skelter affair with the home side starting brighter but unable to convert the chances created. This allowed the visitors to take advantage and they did so when they took the lead in the twenty third minute when Zak Keating latched on to a poor clearance from the Cashel defence and tucked the ball past the stranded Cashel keeper and put his side a goal up. After that the game settled into a tough midfield battle but there were no more goals in the half, and Vee went to the break in front. The hosts needed a strong start to the second period and they did come out all guns blazing, but similar to the first period they just couldn’t seem to find that final touch to rally trouble an obstinate Vee backline. Then things got worse for the home side, when a second defensive error lead to a Shane Mc Grath free kick which was initially saved by keeper Gearoid Slattery buy only into the path of the onrushing Rob Childs to fired home to double his sides lead. In fairness to Cashel Town, they could have folded at this point, but they showed great resilience and rallied, getting a goal back when a corner kick fell to the feet of Ciarán Fitzpatrick and he finished to the top left of the goal, ten minutes from the end. This set up a grandstand finish and the home side were awarded a penalty kick with five minutes left. But the chance went a begging as it was fired over the crossbar. This could have broken the home side, but they kept going and got their reward in the dying minutes when a ball was swung in from a corner kick by Darragh Browne and Kyle Ryan headed to the net to the delight of the watching home support. That was the last chance of note in the game, with the spoils shared, and both sides now desperately chasing points as the sands of the seasons begin to finally run out.

St Michael’s 3 – 3 Cahir Park

St Michael’s second team put a big dent in Cahir Park’s title hopes on Sunday morning when they held them to a draw in a very competitive game at the Complex. The two teams showed they were up for the game with both starting quickly and the hosts went close to opening the scoring in the ninth minute when Antonio Rea saw his header saved from a Cian O’Dwyer cross saved well. The visitors first clear chance came ten minutes later when Willie Dunne saw his shot saved by Robbie Mc Grath, but they finally opened the scoring just before the half hour mark when Darragh Conway’s header came back off the post and deflected off a defender to nestle in the net. This was the only goal of a half that was bubbling but hadn’t really exploded as it promised to do in the second period. The first quarter of the second half turned into a midfield battle with neither defence troubled until the home side finally created a clear-cut chance in the sixty fifth minute and David Buckley headed home a flick on from Adam Roche after a Cathal Berrigan corner. Within two minutes they had gone from behind to the lead, after Antonio Rea latched on to a defensive error and his delicate chip dropped under the bar, to the delight of the watching supporters. But they had barely finished celebrating when the visitors brought it back level again, after Barry Cooney found Seanie Kiernan who rose highest to plant a header in the back of the net. The game got frantic now, with both sides going hard for the win, and The Park looked to have won it when they went three goals to two up six minutes from the end, when Tom Keating’s corner saw Willie Dunne dive and head past the stranded keeper. But right at the death the home side got an equaliser that their work on the day deserved when a Dean Thompson free kick took a deflection off the wall and found left the visiting keeper standing helplessly flat footed as they ball found the back of the net. Cahir still pushed for a fourth that would secure another vital two points, and forced Robbie McGrath into making two fine saves in stoppage time, and right at the death a Stephen Duggan header hit the underside of the bar but stayed out, with the game finishing with a share of the points and a breathless watching crowd.

Old Bridge 2 – 0 Mullinahone

Though a lot hung on this game for both sides, for long periods of the game, it was a lack lustre affair with neither side really looking like they were able to really dominate the game. Bridge forced the issue early on and for the first quarter of the game, looked most likely to open the scoring, with chances going close from Colum Guiry, Jake Mulcahy and Jack Burke.  In fact Burke had the ball in the net but it was ruled out for offside, and he also saw an effort come back off the crossbar. But the game had to wait until ten minutes before the break before the breakthrough finally came when a Shane Foley corner was headed to the net by Johnny Cagney despite the despairing efforts of a Mullinahone defender on the line. With half time approaching Kian Quinn kept out a Mullinahone attempt with a very good save. The second half continued along similar lines with the hosts putting on most of the pressure and they added a second when after a deflected shot went out for a corner kick, Cagney once again popped up to head the set piece home. Mullinahone to their credit did respond but the home defence dealt capably, and the game lost its shape after that as both sides made changes. The chances that were created in the final fifteen minutes were few and far between and Bridge were more than happy to take the points at the end, while Mullinahone, barring a miracle now, will be playing football back in the Second Division next season.

Cashel Town 0 – 2 Cullen Lattin

Cashel Town’s seconds look increasingly beleaguered at the bottom of the Second Division after going down to a home defeat against form team Cullen Lattin on Sunday afternoon. The game was a competitive one with both sides swapping chances in the early part of the match. Sean Cormack went close for the hosts midway through the half but his shot slid wide, and Jack Price suffered the same fate with a headed effort shortly after. Cullen though were always dangerous on the break, spurning some good chances which left the game scoreless at the break. Five minutes into the second period the away side finally hit the front when a corner kick was swung in by Tony O Neill and after a scramble in the area, Mikey Elligott finally tucked away the ball to give Cullen the lead. The next twenty minutes saw the home side dominate as they tried to get back into the game, but the visitors defence held well and the hosts never really got a clear sight of goal from which to get an equaliser. With ten minutes left, Cullen secured the points with a second goal, with Mikey Stokes side footing home another peach of a cross by O Neill, pushing their side right into contention at the top end of the table.

Rosegreen Rangers 6 – 2 St Nicholas

Rosegreen had to travel to Solohead to play this game, but they travelled in style, putting in their best performance of the season to win by six goals to two against a St Nicholas side that would not be used to being turned over by such a scoreline on their own patch at Danny O Dwyer Park. A very early sending off reduced the home side to ten players and this didn’t make their job on the day any easier, when the visitors opened the scoring in only the seventh minute courtesy of an effort by TJ Ryan. It only took six minutes for Rangers to add a second as they home defence were being overwhelmed by the constant attacks, and Ryan was once again found in space from where he made no mistake, doubling his and his sides tally. The added a third in the twentieth minute and looked like they were going to overrun the hosts, but the Saints pulled a goal back four minutes before the break when the always dependable Aaron Ryan Shiner crossed for James Scanlon to head home from close in. But any chance of this being a starting point for a comeback was shattered when just a minute later a Daithi Bargary goal for Rosegreen restored their three goal lead, which they took to the half time break. The home side made some half time changes, and only three minutes into the second period, they got a second goal when substitute Eoin Riordan fired home a brilliant effort from the edge of the area. Seven minutes later Rosegreen were awarded a penalty kick, but the shot struck the post and went to safety. But shortly afterwards, Ian Shelly was given the chance to make amends when the visitors were awarded a second penalty, and Shelly made no mistake from twelve yards out to extend the lead back out to five goals to two. The final goal came right at the end of the game with Gavin Ryan added a sixth in the final minutes, to cap off a good day for his side, and move them level with their opponents in the league table.

Clerihan 1 – 2 Galbally United

A game which had big points at stake at both ends of the table, saw Galbally start brighter and they took the lead in the twelfth minute when a cross come shot held up in the wind and after been tipped onto the bar and Eoin O’Sullivan was on hand to tap in from close range. Clerihan struggled to gt back into the game after this and had to wait until the half hour mark to have their first real chance of the half when a free kick was fired just over the bar. There were no more goals in the half, and both teams seemed anxious to commit too much forward in the second period. But eleven minutes in, a corner for the visitors was flicked on at near post and parried away, but before any defender was able to react to the save, O’Sullivan was on hand to head to the empty net for his and his sides second goal. Clerihan had to dig deep to get back into this game and almost did minutes later, but Sean Maher’s headed effort flew narrowly past the upright. With just nine minutes left, Maher wasn’t to be denied again, when he fired a free kick direct to the net, giving the visiting keeper no chance.  Galbally quickly responded to this and minutes later hit the post, and a good chance thwarted by the excellent Eoin Power in the Clerihan goal.  However those misses made no difference and they held on to claim the three points that will see them back at the top of the Second Division table.

Moyglass United 3 – 2 Powerstown   

Moyglass United threw the cat back among the pigeons in the Third Division and promotion races when they inflicted the first loss of the season on league leaders Powerstown on Sunday morning. Fired up for a good performance the hosts started the better, but it was the visitors who went ahead after a counter attack that Cathal McKeown finished off midway through the half. And just before half time things got better for the away side when they created a pacy counter attack and cut open the home defence before Darren Murphy finished to the net. This was how the game went to the break, and not many would have put money on the home side getting back into the game, but they started well again and pushed the league leaders back numerous times. But it still took until twenty minutes from time before they managed to make a clear enough chance to profit from and when that came Jamie Morrissey made no mistake to reduce the deficit. Five minutes later, they were level this time when Darragh Hurley found the net, and they has Powerstown the ropes. The knockout blow came inside the final ten minutes when a long Mike Hickey throw in caused the defence all kinds of problems, and ended up in the back of the net, giving the home side the three points and putting them firmly back in the promotion race.

Tipperary Town 4 – 1 Bansha Celtic

Not much separated these sides in Division Three and a tight game was expected, but with only minutes gone, the home side forced a corner, taken by Ryan Maher who found Nicky Cummins to head home from close range. That settled the home side and even though Bansha were a constant threat in the game with Kyle Hayes looking lively it would be the home side that doubled their lead just before the twentieth minute. With some excellent passing in the middle of the pitch, eventually finding Marian Duta who lifted the ball stylishly over the head of the Bansha keeper and into the net. Chances came and went for the visitors who again were left cursing their luck when the score went to three nil, after a quick ball from midfield saw Marky Roche step past the static defence and with a tidy finish over the keeper sent the home side into the break three to the good. The away side started the second half the better side and got a great chance to pull a goal back ten minutes in when they were awarded a penalty, but Mickie O Dwyer came up big with a fantastic save to keep his sides three goal lead. Minutes later, more pressure by Celtic resulted in a second penalty being awarded, and they made no mistake with the second effort with Kyle Hayes finishing beautifully to the keepers right, to make the score three goals to one. But this did not knock the home side out of their groove and they re-established their advantage fifteen minutes from time when Matthew Moroney picked the ball up in the centre circle, took off on a run, and once finding himself in the penalty area he side footed right into the corner to kill the game and shut the door on an unlucky Bansha who will definitely feel like the scoreline didn’t fully reflect the game.

Kilsheelan United 1 – 2 Donohill and District

In form Kilsheelan United suffered a disappointing defeat on Sunday afternoon to a rapidly improving Donohill & District side, as things start to hot up at the top end of Division Three. Both teams settled into the game quickly, as the midfield area turned into a battle, with few real opportunities for either side of note. Those that were created seemed to fall to the home team with Billy O’Connor, Cathal de Faoite & Nathan Dolan all coming within inches of opening the scoring. However, the sides went into the break level. It was the visitors who settled better in the early moments of the second period, and they got the opening goal ten minutes in, when they were awarded a penalty and Michael O Neill slotted the spot kick home. Just after the hour-mark it became two to nil when a breaking ball fell to the feet of Dinny Crosse, who curled it into the bottom corner to give themselves some breathing room. Kilsheelan responded with some good work and deservedly got a goal back when a bouncing ball twenty five yards out fell to the feet of Jamie Roche and he volleyed into the top-corner of the Donohill net to get his side back into the game. The hosts had thee better of the last twenty minutes of the game, but were unable to get the equaliser and the visitors returned home with all three points.

Tipperary Youths Cup, 1^st Round

Two Mile Borris 4 – 3 Peake Villa (AET)

This local derby kicked off in dreary and cold conditions in Newhill on Saturday afternoon, but by the end of the game had warmed up into a real ding dong cup battle between two very good youth sides. The away team got off to a dream start when a home defender put a cross into his own net after just five minutes, and this gave Peake the impetus to dominate the early part of the game. It was panic stations for the home team who haven’t played a match in over two months and the lack of games really showed, when the Thurles outfit doubled their advantage in the twentieth minute thanks to a brilliant free kick from Michael Anthony McCarthy. Borris eventually woke up and started to get a hold on the game and pulled a goal back when Aaron Shanahan deservedly scored from a great strike outside the box. The hosts were starting to play some nice football at this stage and Jack Delaney and Tom Ryan created some great chances to score, but the ball just wouldn’t go in the net. Peake responded to this by restoring their two goal lead ten minutes before the break when Kieran Purcell was quickest to react to a defensive mix up to pass the ball into an empty net from six yards out. This was how the game went to the break and it was the home side that seemed to make the most of the stoppage, coming back out in flying form and pulling a goal back when Eamon Long hit a cracker into the bottom corner of the Peake net to make it thre goals to two, just before the hour mark. They continued to press and with fifteen minutes left in normal time were denied a goal when a defender stopped a shot from Jack Delaney with his hand on the goal line. Awarded a penalty and with the visitors reduced to ten men, Borris levelled the game when Louis Coughlan made no mistake with the spot kick as he drilled the ball into the bottom corner of the net. This was the final score and the game went to extra time, being eventually decided by Eamon Long, who emulated his famous uncle Shane, and drilled another unstoppable shot past the Villa keeper from just inside the box to give Borris a hard fought comeback win after extra time

Moyglass United 0 – 6 Shanbally United

Division Two Youths form team Shanbally United travelled to Moyglass on Saturday and finished with another good win that brings them level at the top of the league as it enters its final stretch. They started on the front foot from the first minute, and had a few half chances before eventually opening the scoring in the eighteenth minute This allowed the visitors to play with more freedom and they added a second before the break when Luke Morrisey found Cian O Reilly with a free kick, and the strike made no mistake from close in. Two up at the break, the second half was only four minutes old when Cathal Tobin added a third and pretty much put the game beyond the hosts. After that the visitors were able to let off the handbrake and they added another three goals in a very dominant second half performance with strikes by Luke Morrissey, Ben Frazier and Liam Carroll.

Howth Celtic 1 – 3 St Michael’s

Despite conceding an early goal Saints powered into the last 16 of the FAI Junior Cup with a good win away in Dublin at Howth Celtic on Sunday afternoon. They had an uncharacteristic slow start and went a goal down in the fourth minute when after a Chris Higgins foul, Gary Honan found the top corner of the net from all of thirty yards, with a rocket of a free kick. But once they settled the TSDL side began to make some good chances and almost levelled the game in the nineteenth minute when David Slattery saw his header come back off the bar following a Jimmy Carr cross. Ed O’Dwyer fired wide minutes later, and Slattery was unlucky again just before the hour mark. The pressure finally paid off in the final minutes of the half, when the veteran centre half Paul Breen was on hand in the area to head home from a Joey Mulcahy corner kick, and send the teams to the break all square.  Six minutes into the second period, the visitors had to survive a scare when a pass from DJ Cremins was intercepted by Niall Cullen who played in Gary Honan, but the strikers shot just went outside the post much to the relief of the travelling support.  As the game opened up, both sides began to create chances, and it was the Saints who finally made it pay ten minutes from time when Jimmy Carr recycled a ball following a Joey Mulcahy free kick and his floated cross saw Paul Breen head home, for his and his sides second goal. Howth pressed forward over the last ten minutes, but the game was finally put to bed three minutes from time when substitute Adam McGrath latched on to a loose ball, and his finish from the edge of the area flew past the stranded home keeper.

Peake Villa 0 – 1 Killarney Celtic

Peake Villa faced their first game back after Christmas and after the loss of much loved member Paul Twomey, with a very difficult FAI Junior Cup tie against one of the favourites for the competition Killarney Celtic on Sunday, and came up just short after a good game at the Tower Grounds in Thurles. The game started at a frantic pace as both teams tried to put their stamp on the tie, and when they finally settled down, it turned into a very cagey affair with neither side wanting to make a mistake and hand the advantage to the other. The first real game changing incident came in the twenty fourth minute when the home side lost their talismanic striker and captain, Pippy Carroll who had to be replaced by Robbie Stapleton after picking up a knock. There was nothing between the sides coming to the break, but out of nowhere in the thirty ninth minute, a mistake in the home defence was capitalised on by Stephen McCarthy who made know mistake and scored to put the visitors a goal up. This set the Thurles side back, but just on the half time whistle they almost levelled the game when they were presented with a great chance after Jack Ryan Casey’s shot from the edge of the box seemed goal bound only for Shay O Meara in the Killarney goal to get down and turn it around the post to make a great save. The second period was all Villa, as they went at their Kerry opponents from the off, being on top so much, that Willie Tierney in the Villa goal, was no more than a spectator for the duration of the half. Mick Ryan had a good chance just before the hour mark, but it was saved well. They continued to press, but the Killarney defence was holding well until fourteen minutes from time, when Villa got a corner, and they hit the crossbar close in. Just a minute later, from another corner, Alan Leahy came close from a header. It looked like it wasn’t going to be Villa’s day, and that proved right as they pressed high up the pitch in the last ten minutes, but the elusive goal simply would not come, and they ended the game on the losing side for the first time all season. The long layoff after Christmas may have played a part in the performance, but they will have to get back on the horse quickly, when they face another difficult Cup game next weekend in Cork.

Powerstown 0 – 0 Tipperary Town  

League leaders Powerstown surprisingly dropped points to Tipperary Town the weekend when they had a chance to really open a significant gap at the top of the Third Division table. Chances in the tie were few and far the between early on, with the poor underfoot conditions making it difficult for either side to string passes together. Conor McGrath came closest for the home side in the first half, when his shot direct from a corner kick appeared to cross the line but the play was waved on. After that a flurry of Powerstown corners caused chaos in the visitors box but somehow none of them found their way into the net and the teams went to the break level. In the second half, Darren Murphy was effective down the right for the home side, picking out his forwards regularly, but try as they might through a combination of excellent defending by the visitors, and some poor finishing, the league leaders simply could not find that vital goal that might have opened up the tie. In the end they had to be content with a scoreless draw, and will be hoping that this result will be just a blip on their title and promotion charge come the end of the season.

Bansha Celtic 2 – 4 Donohill and District

A six goal thriller in Bansha saw Donohill get back to winning ways on Sunday afternoon in the Third Division. The away side started the brighter team putting the home defence under a lot of pressure, but the Celtic backline was up to the task until the twentieth minute, when Donohill turned over a ball in the middle of the pitch and found Liam Crosse who made no mistake from the edge of the area. This seemed to wake the hosts from their torpor, and they took control of the centre of the pitch, creating a number of chances before fashionisg an equaliser ten minutes before the break when Alan Carter found David Ronan in space, and he took forced the keeper into an excellent save. However, to the keepers misfortune, he only palmed the ball into the path of Adam Hennessy who was on hand to slot home from six yards out. There were no more goals in the first period and Donohill came out in the second half the stronger, retaking the lead ten minutes in, when Michael Bradshaw from the edge of the area. Bansha continued to battle and levelled the game for the second time midway through the half, when a ball was played out defence, right through the middle and ended up at the feet of Adam Hennessy who calmly slotted home to make it two all. But that was to be the highpoint in the game for the hosts. The visitors were in no mood to be denied and took the advantage for the third time ten minutes from the end when a super strike from all of twenty five yards out by Paudie Bradshaw gave the home keeper no chance. With Bansha now forced to chase the game in the final minutes, they left gaps at the back, and these were exploited by the visitors, who made sure of all three points with a goal late in the game by Sean Ryan who was played in behind a very open defence, and he made no mistake when he found himself one on one with the home keeper.

FAI Under 17 Cup, 4^th Round

Clonmel Celtic 1 – 2 Evergreen (Kilk)

Clonmel Celtic U17’s battled until the very end on Saturday afternoon against illustrious opponents Evergreen of Kilkenny, but ultimately it was in vain as they went down by two goals to one, after a well supported and well contested game at the bypass in Clonmel. Despite a good start by the Tipperary team, a defensive error saw Eric Kouffre put the Kilkenny side ahead in the tenth minute. Celtic battled back but couldn’t create any clear cut opportunities and were still behind by that single goal going to the half time break. Ten minutes into the second period, the always impressive Kouffre added a second to put the visitors two ahead from a rebound after a fine save from Peter Boland. The hosts kept going and were rewarded when Jamie Brunnock scored with twenty minutes remaining. They tried hard to get an equaliser, and Jack Aylward came close with a header late on but the visitors held on in the end to progress.

Munster Youths Cup 4^th Round

Middleton 2 – 0 Clonmel Town

Clonmel Town’s adventure in the Munster Youth Cup came to an end in Middleton last Sunday afternoon but not until after a wonderful display where they died with their boots on and can consider themselves extremely unlucky not to come away with a win. Two goals in the eightieth and eighty fourth minute, from Daniel Bagnell was the difference between the two sides and saw the Cork side advance to the last eight. The game was played on a very heavy pitch, which made good football almost impossible but credit to both sides who provided a great ninety minutes entertainment where the first goal was always going to be crucial. Town were desperately unlucky not to open the scoring when Monsur Emiabata got on the end of a wonderful through ball from Cillian Fahey and his shot beat Jack Mills but his shot came back off the inside of the post. The impressive Evan Bolster was causing the visitors defence a few problems but on every occasion John O’Connell and Harry Ryan cleared the danger and as a unit, the Town team along with goalkeeper Oisin Martin got to half time with their goal intact. In the second half Darragh Cronin saw a great shot hit the foot of the post as the end to end action continued. Billy Woods then twice hit the Town crossbar. The Tipperary side then lost the services of the influential Joey Browne to a nasty head injury, but they looked to have secured the vital first goal sixteen minutes from time, when John Buckley’s shot was intercepted at the last second by Middleton defender Colm Riordan and the ball went agonisingly the wrong side of the post. Two minutes later a Ronan Walsh free kick was saved superbly by Mills, and from the resultant corner Cillian Fahey saw his shot just go inches over the crossbar. These near misses proved costly when the game entered the final ten minutes, and the Cork side made the breakthrough when Bagnell rose highest to head home an Evan Bolster corner. Four minutes later he was on hand again to finish off an excellent breakaway goal for the home side and with it ended Towns dream of a fourth Munster Youth Cup title.

TSDL Youths Division Two Cup semi finals

Shanbally United 2 – 1 Mullinahone

This was keenly contested game played in misty conditions at Scart, and the home side got off to the better start creating some good chances through Daire English and Ryan Breedy, but bad finishing and good defending on the side of the visitors, meant the game stayed level until the twenty fifth minute, when English went on a jinking run into the box but was tripped by the defender, to earn his side a penalty kick. Jessie Kiely stepped up and fired home to put the home side in front, a lead they took to the break. The second half was a real battle, as the visitors opened up a lot more in search of an equaliser, and they got it when Adam Doyle to popped up to finish off a good move midway through the half. It was nip and tuck from there on, and looked like the game was heading for extra time, until five minutes from the end, the hosts Ryan Breedy turned his marking defender and curled an exquisite side into the far corner of the net and win the game and a place in this seasons final.

Cashel Town 8 – 2 Cahir Park

In the other semi final a dominant first half performance by Cashel Town, who were at home to Cahir Park, helped them book their place in the final. Completely on top, the hosts were six goals to one ahead by the break, and although the second half was a tamer affair they still managed to add another two goals, one a brilliant strike by Callum Butler Burke to ease their way past their opponents.

Two Mile Borris 2 – 3 Charleville (Cork)

Two Mile Borris’ Munster Junior Cup journey came to an end at Newhill Park on Sunday when they fell to Cork side Charleville FC, and they will feel that they left the game behind them after a very good performance that ultimately fell just short in front of their large band of supporters. The TSDL side started well and made all the early running, but couldn’t carve out a clear enough chance to get the goal their build up play deserved. And they were punished for not making that domination count ten minutes before the break, when a long ball out of the Charleville defence caused a mix up in the home sides back line, and a ball was knocked past the keeper by one of his own defenders to give the away side an unlikely lead courtesy of an own goal. This was how the game went to the break, and the second half continued to follow the same pattern as the first, with Borris having the greater possession but being unable to make it count. Eventually the visitors started to make chances of their own and they doubled the lead just after the hour mark when the always dangerous Shane Dillon beat two defenders and fired home from the edge of the box to double his sides lead. But it took only five minutes for the hosts to finally claw a goal back when Micheal Foley skinned the visitors back line before finding Martin Darmody in the centre of the area and he made no mistakes from ten yards out. Five minutes later it looked like Darmody had got the leveller but he inexplicably managed to put the ball over the crossbar when it looked easier to score. And the away side compounded that misery when ten minutes from time a quick counter attack forced a penalty kick from Borris, and Dillon added his second and his sides third from the penalty spot. But again the home side hit back, and almost from the kick off brought it back to a single goal deficit when Jamie Lee found the net from the edge of the area. This set up a grandstand finish with the home side bombarding the Charleville goalmouth, but the Cork side stood strong and managed to keep them out, causing heartbreak for the Tipperary side.

Clonmel Celtic 1 – 2 Wilderness Rovers  

In the only Premier League game to survive the poor weather at the weekend, Clonmel Celtic edged out Wilderness Rovers by two goals to one in an entertaining tussle at Celtic Park on Sunday morning. The visitors had the better of the encounters in Division 1 last season but Celtic have turned the tables and todays win sees them complete the double over their neighbours at the higher level. That said, the visitors got off to better start and won a penalty within ninety seconds of the kick off, which was converted by Graham Kelly to give them the lead. The hosts struggled to get going, and were not helped by too many misplaced passes, while the visitors constantly looked to exploit the mistakes that the home side were guilty of. Sean Browne looked well capable of doing that with a couple of efforts that were just off target, and the Wildies will look back on the game wondering what might have been if they had managed to secure that second goal. Celtic gradually got into the game with Philip Drohan looking lively up front, and Jack Purcell did well to get his head to a corner but his effort was well saved. They were unable to pull the deficit back before the break, but they upped the tempo in the second half as they went in search of an equaliser, and didn’t have long to wait as Darren Sweeney fired home a fine free kick ten minutes in, to make it one all. Both sides battled to get the upper hand and it was the home side who got themselves in front twenty minutes from the end with a well worked goal. A free kick to the far post was headed back across the goal by Cian O’Sullivan and Jack Purcell was on hand to nod home from close range. The visitors rallied in those final minutes and were unlucky not to equalise when Graham Kelly was denied by Fabian Kerton, and the rebound was headed against the bar before the home side managed to scramble the ball clear. They eventually did hang on until the end for three very hard won points that look now as if they will have assured that the Clonmel side have made a safe return to Premier League football.

Cahir Park 3 – 2 Old Bridge

Cahir Park took another huge step towards regaining their Premier League status when they came from behind to beat Old Bridge at home on Sunday morning. The Clonmel side started better, and were controlling the game against a tentative home side in the first quarter of an hour. They finally managed to make their pressure count when they forced a penalty kick and went in front when it was converted by Johnny Cagney. After that, the home side knuckled down and managed to get themselves back in the game with an equalising goal five minutes from the break, through a spectacular free kick that was blasted home by Andy Fitzpatrick from all over twenty five yards out. The game went to the break level, but the Park took the lead two minutes into the second half when they were awarded a penalty of their own, that Willie Dunne fired home. The home side were on top after this, but were unable to push through their advantage, and missed a number of chances to extend their lead. The Bridge looked like making them pay for this profligacy, when they levelled the game eighteen minutes from time, after a through ball found Jack Burke and he rounded the keeper to slide it to the net. But ten minutes from time, the home side went back in front when Benny Cooney volleyed home from six yards out, after finding space in the area. The visitors pushed hard after this to try to get back level for a second time, but the home defence held strong and made sur they kept claim to the three points that could prove vital come season end.

Mullinahone 0 – 2 Tipperary Town

Tipperary Town maintained their lead at the top of the First Division and look to have almost guaranteed themselves promotion back to the Premier League with a well-earned win against bottom side Mullinahone on Sunday morning. Played in picturesque Kickham country, the visitors started on the front foot and had two good chances with Dylan Cummins and Kevin Browne, but both came up short. That didn’t stop the league leaders from dominating the first half and they finally got their noses in front when good work from Tony Byrnes set up Matthew Moroney who finished low and hard to the net, giving the keeper no chance. They maintained the lead to the break and continued to boss the second period, with Michael Tadger and Aidan Duggan controlling the game from a deep lying midfield role. They left multiple chances behind them, but finally assured themselves of all three points in the final minutes when Vinny Godfrey dispossessed the home keeper at the edge of the area, rounding him and rolling the ball into an empty net, much to the delight of his team mates and supporters. Only two games remain for the away side in this years season, and they will now have an eye firmly on both a title and promotion push.

Tipperary Town 0 – 1 Killenaule Rovers

In a tight affair, the away side started well and had the Town defence under pressure without creating any clear-cut chances. As the half went on, the home side seemed to grow into the tie and put pressure of their own on, but again good chances were at a premium on a pitch that made it tough to perform fluid football. The only goal of the game came from nowhere in the twenty fifth minute when a speculative cross into the home goalmouth was misjudged by the keeper and sailed over his head to nestle in the corner of the net. The hosts didn’t drop their heads and for the rest of the first half battled hard but unsuccessfully to try to get back on level terms. The second period was a more open affair with both sides willing to throw men forward, but time and again the respective defences came out on top. Unfortunately for Town despite throwing everything bar the kitchen sink in the final minutes of the game, they were unable to find that final piece of quality and Killenaule continued their good run in this seasons league with another three points to add to their already impressive tally.

Powerstown 5 – 4 Two Mile Borris

On an afternoon, where the points mattered significantly to both teams, it was Powerstown who came out on top by a single goal in a nine goal thriller to further cement their position at the top of the table. But it was the away side that started the brighter and could have found themselves ahead inside the first ten mins only to be denied by a fantastic Kieran Quirke save. But they continued to attack and after sixteen minutes, found themselves in front after a ball was tapped to the net from close range. This kicked off a whirlwind few minutes with the hosts almost instantly hitting back after David Grace was fouled in the box to win his side a penalty. But his initial attempt was saved, only to see it ordered retaken, and he made no mistake with the second attempt. Gaining confidence from this, they took the lead shortly after when Darren Murphy was hand to finish a sloppy back pass to the net. They continued to attack with incredible intensity and should have had a third in the twenty third minute, when a ball in behind found Brian McKeown ten yards, and only the keeper to beat, but he somehow put his effort wide of the goal. But they kept the pressure up and found the third goal in the twenty seventh minute when Conor Mc Grath coolly finished to the net after a David Grace effort came back off the post. But the visitors kept creating chances of their own and pulled a goal back nine minutes from the break, to send the teams to half time on a three goal to two scoreline. Chances were few and far between in the opening stages of the second period,  where the quality of football was second to the quality of the surface which had taken a real battering due to the recent weather. However, the hosts made it four to two and found some breathing room when a Conor McGrath free kick was spilled to the net by the opposing keeper just after the hour mark. The last twenty minutes saw three more goals scored and plenty of drama. The away side brought it back to a single goal game after they were awarded a penalty ten minutes from time, but Darren Murphy stretched it back to two goals of an advantage again minutes later with an impressive strike from the right hand side of the box. But Borris couldn’t be shaken off easily and they got the final goal of the day, deep into time added on. Unfortunately for them time ran out and the home side were mightily relieved to hear the final whistle in the end.

Bansha Celtic 2 – 5 Wilderness Rovers  

With other games being called off due to the poor weather, Wilderness Rovers travelled to Bansha in what was a must win game for both sides, as they both skirt with the lower regions of this seasons Premier League, and came away with a precious three points that will ease some of their worries, but left the hosts in a very precarious position regarding their efforts to continue to maintain Premier League football. The Wildies started brightly playing some very composed football and caught the home side flatfooted on several occasions especially due to some fantastic work by Jayden Cagney and Michael Morrissey. Chances were created but again it was finding that much needed goal which has been the Achilles heel in previous games, and they had to wait until the half hour mark before striker Sean Browne found the net with a tidy finish across the keeper and gave them a slender lead, which they kept until the break. But they started the second period almost perfectly, when Browne found the net within the opening minute to double the lead and ease some of the nerves. But Bansha dug in and pulled a goal back in the fifty second minute when they reacted quickest at a set piece. This swung the momentum on the game for the next fifteen minutes and the hosts levelled in the sixty fifth minute, carving open the Wildies back line, and throwing the game right back into the melting pot. But as the half went on it was becoming more obvious the effects that they lay off was having on the players legs and it was the away side who seemed the fitter, finishing much stronger than the home team. With ten minutes left, a teasing ball was swung in by Niall Kelly and deflected past the hom keeper to give the visitors the lead once more. This seemed to take the air out of the Bansha sails and three minutes later Sean Browne completed his hat trick to put real light between the sides once again. Forced to chase the game now, Bansha were caught again late on from a speedy counter attack that finished with Gavin Kennedy finding Niall Kelly who made no mistake from twelve yards out to ensure his side would take all the points in this game.

Cashel Town 3 – 6 Clonmel Celtic

A nine goal thriller warmed the watching supporters as these two sides resumed after the break at Palmershill on Sunday morning, with the Clonmel side taking the spoils. The game was only three minutes old when the visitors went in front, thanks to a close range finish by Darren Sweeney after the hosts failed to deal with a corner. The same player doubled Celtics lead in the seventeenth minute, with another finish from close in after the defence were caught ball watching from a cross, and showing the rustiness of the layoff. Two became three on the half hour mark as the away team threatened to run riot when Davy Garrett headed home unopposed from six yards out. But the home side finally showed some life six minutes later when they pulled a goal back thanks to a headed effort from Kyle Ryan. One all at the break, the destination of the next goal was going to be vital to the outcome of the game, and eight minutes in, Philip Drohan got a fourth for the visitors with another goal from a Celtic cross and header. Well in charge now, Ayo Williams got his first of two on the hour mark, with a shot from the edge of the area, after the Cashel defence backed off, and although the home side got a second fifteen minutes from the end, through Callum Meagher, Williams fired home another mid-range effort ten minutes from the end, to get his sides sixth goal of the day. Darragh Browne got a consolation goal for the home side two minutes from the end, with a great free kick from all of twenty five yards out, but it was too little too late to change the outcome of the game.

Cahir Park 2 – 1 Suirside

Both these sides were in good league form when the league began its midseason break before Christmas, and both would have fancied runs deep into this competition before they were drawn together, so that set up a feeling of anticipation when they faced off against each other in Cahir on Sunday morning. The home side got off to the perfect start though when Willie Dunne headed home a Tom Keating cross from eight yards out, in the early minutes of the game, to put them in front. After this, they dominated much of the opening half and could and probably should have added to the lead on a number of occasions, but were kept at bay at times by some heroic defending from the visitors. All the while, Suirside kept them honest with some smart breakaway chances, but in the end, the hosts went to the break a goal to the good. The visitors then began to up their game right from the off in the second period and were constantly dangerous from set pieces with Jason Coffey delivering some really good quality ball to his attackers. It was no surprise then that they levelling goal came from a corner kick, when Colm O Gorman headed home from close range midway through the second half. But the Park didn’t panic, played themselves back into the game, and got what proved to be the winner ten minutes from the end, when Connor Murphy found himself one on one against the visiting keeper, before slotting into the net to the delight of his team mates and supporters.

Cullen Lattin 1 – 2 Galbally United

Cullen welcomed Galbally to Aisling Park Cullen for the first round of the Paddy Purtill Cup in a local derby on Sunday afternoon and both sides played out a very entertaining encounter before the away side took the spoils in the end. Galbally started well, and got in front in the twelfth minute when a Cullen defender was dispossessed just outside his own area, and Cathal Flynn squared the ball to Ger Quinlan to tap home. They doubled their advantage ten minutes before the break when a Josh Dineen ball over the top, fell to the waiting feet of his brother Jordan Dineen who used his blistering pace to skin the defence and finish well when one on one with the home keeper. The home side reshuffled their pack for the second period and made three changes, which seemed to give them extra impetus to take the game to their opponents. From the start the changes paid off, and substitute Michèal Elligott played Tony O Neill in on goal, to score ten minutes in and bring the game back to a single goal. However although the game really opened up after this with lots of positive attacking play from both sides, there were to be no more goals, and the visitors took their place in the draw for the next round, very satisfied with their afternoons work.

Peake Villa 1 – 1 Rosegreen Rangers (AET, Rosegreen Rangers win 4-3 on penalties)

In their first game back after the break, Peake Villas seconds welcomed Rosegreen Rangers to the Tower Grounds in the Paddy Purtill Cup, and were beaten on penalties after a good game of football in front of a good crowd in Thurles on Sunday. There was nothing between the sides early on with some half chances for both sides, before the hosts took the lead in the twenty first minute courtesy of a goal by Scott Brennan after he was found in space by a Tony Galvin through ball. Villa’s lead only lasted ten minutes however as the visitors were awarded a freekick which they scored make it on all. The teams went in at the break level, and although Villa got on top they couldn’t get a second goal despite creating numerous chances. At the other end the home sides defence was holding steady limiting the visitors to a few efforts, and the game finished level at the end. Extra time could not separate them either and it went to penalties with the away side holding their nerve the better sending them through to the quarter finals after winning on a scoreline of four goals to three.

St Nicholas 4 – 3 St Michael’s (AET)

A local derby that could have been dubbed All Saints Day, saw victory in extra time for the home side on Sunday last, after they came from behind before despatching their more illustrious opponents at Danny O Dwyer Park. The visitors started better and took the lead thanks to a Cian O Dwyer goal in the seventh minute. But just eight minutes later the home side were back on level terms when James Scanlon equalised after some really neat build up play in front of the visitors goal. But Micheal’s were back in front in the twenty second minute when Cian O Dwyer added his and his sides second with an excellent strike from the edge of the area after twisting and turning around a number of home defenders. And Dean Thompson put Micheal’s in control of the tie when he made it three goals to one on the half hour mark. But the goals kept coming and the home side pulled a goal back to make it three goals to two when Aaron Ryan Shiner found the net five minutes before the break with a cheeky lob from the edge of the box. This was how the game went to the break, and the second period kept the goals flowing with Ryan Shiner levelling the game just on the hour mark to set up an exciting final thirty minutes. Both side had their chances in this time to finish the game without the need for extra time, but defences finally got on top and there were no more goals before the referee blew for time and set up the additional twenty minutes. Ryan Shiner continued his excellent form in the added time, and looked set to put his side in front before being hauled down inside the area, resulting in a penalty kick for his side. It was Mark Flannery who stepped up and he made no mistake, putting the home side in front for the first time in the game. And that was enough to ensure the win, as they defended excellently till the end to keep out the increasingly desperate Michael’s side.

Moyglass United 2 – 1 Tipperary Town

It went all the way to extra time, but Moyglass United advanced to the semi-finals of this year’s Peter O Reilly Cup with a hard fought win over Tipperary Town on Sunday last in Moyglass. They were well on top in the early period of the game, and finally took the lead in the thirty third minute when Craig Nolan scored after some good build up play through the middle of the pitch. They held this lead to the break, but the visitors got on level terms five minutes into the second period when Markie Roche, who was a massive threat to the hosts all throughout the game, won a penalty and then converted it himself. After that the game degenerated into a battle of attrition with the two sides finding it hard to create any clear cut chances, and it was no surprise when the final whistle went without either side adding to their tally. Into the early part of extra time, the game began to open up, no doubt a result of tiring legs and minds, and three minutes into the second period, a long throw by Mike Hickey eluded the Town defence and landed at the feet of Eoin Barry who made no mistake from fifteen yards out to put the home side in front. After that the visitors threw the kitchen sink at Moyglass and got a gilt-edged chance to level the game in time added on, when they were awarded a penalty kick. But David Mc Cormack proved to be the hero for the home side when he saved both the penalty and the rebound to send the Village through to the next round.

Donohill and District 1 – 2 Killenaule Rovers

Donohill suffered heartbreak in the first round of this seasons Peter O Reilly Cup when they gave up an early lead before being beaten at the death by a Killenaule side that have carried over the pre break form into the New Year. The hosts started the better and Ned Lowry put them ahead inside the first quarter of an hour with a screamer from well outside the penalty area. But indiscipline cost them and they were reduced to ten men before the half hour mark giving the impetus in the game to their opponents. This changed the course of the game, but Killenaule were level ten minutes before the break, thanks to a goal by Conor Sinnott. Level at the break, the second half was a fairly even affair with the home side probably having the better of the chances despite being a man down, and were unlucky not to add to their tally. And that came back to haunt them, when with both sides having one eye on the extra time likely to come, Killenaule broke quickly from defence and Mark Doyle scored a fine goal to win the game.

Dualla 2 – 1 Tipperary Town

Flying majestically at the top of Division Two, Dualla swanned to victory against the Division One league leaders Tipperary Town, in one of only two ties that survived the artic weather conditions in Tipperary at the weekend. The visitors seemed to have stalled in recent weeks after their bright start to the season, but started this game on the front foot and opened the scoring early on, when Vinnie Godfrey’s super strike capped some excellent play by the visitors. But this seemed to awaken the home side and they responded with some excellent performances all over the pitch. They harried and harassed their opponents, pushing a high line, and finally were rewarded when the excellent Tossy Ryan cut inside two defenders and rocketed the ball to the roof of the net ten minutes before the break to level the game. This was how it was at half time, and after the break it was nip and tuck until mid-way through the half and the home team started to get on top. They were dominant and creating chances at will, finally finishing one fifteen minutes from the end, when Mikey McDermott got a ball to his feet and moved it quickly onto his right, before slamming the ball to the net. Dualla finished the game strong again this week and could have added more goals were it not for the woodwork and great defensive clearances by a rattled Town side. In the end though, the single goal advantage was enough to put them through to a quarter final, where they will fear no other team as they attempt to secure some silverware for themselves.

Clerihan 0 – 5 Old Bridge

The visitors pretty much dominated this game from the start, having the bulk of the possession, but finding it hard to fashion any real clear chances against a resolute Clerihan defence But they finally got a stroke of luck in the eighteenth minute when a stray pass across the back line was picked up by Jack Burke who made no mistake finishing to the corner of the net. After this, and with the home side needing now to come out more in looking for a leveller, the Bridge were happy to sit and pick them off on the counter, getting a second in the twenty eight minute when Simon O’Donnell cut in from the left, avoided a number of tackles and walloped home from just inside the area. The second half became a lot more of an open game, with the home side stepping on and creating some half chances but leaving themselves open at times. Just before the hour mark, the hosts were punished again for some slack play when an attempted clearance could only find Sean Martin free and in on goal, making no mistake and adding a third for his side. This knocked the stuffing out of the home side and twelve minutes from time, Shane Foley found the back of the net to cap of a good individual performance with a well-deserved goal. Deep in time added on, Sean Martin got his second and his sides fifth with almost the last kick of the game, to send the Bridge through to the next round

Wilderness Rovers 0 – 0 Cashel Town

Wilderness Rovers returned to league action on Sunday after their run in the FAI Junior Cup, and faced off against a young Cashel Town side, in a game that both teams wanted to get something from, as they try to move further away from the wrong end of the table. The home side started the brighter, with some excellent passages of play and they dominated the ball for most of the first half. However, they found it difficult to fashion any really clear chances, and when they did, they found the visiting keeper in fine form and he ensured that the sides would go to the break scoreless. The momentum of the game switched after the break, with Cashel now beginning to see a lot more of the ball, but again chances were at a premium on a day that was really all about the two defences. Midway through the second period, the home side were reduced to ten players, but even with the advantage in manpower, the visitors were not able to break down that home sides back line and in the end the two teams had to be happy with a share of the points.

Peake Villa 1 – 0 Two Mile Borris

Peake Villa lined out on Sunday afternoon fresh from their FAI Junior Cup success in Limerick last weekend, to face another tough task against local rivals Two Mile Borris. Missing some regulars the home side knew this was not going to be an easy game and that was proved throughout the afternoon. They did start brightly and had some good efforts in front of goal with Pippy Carroll, Robbie Stapleton and Mick Ryan coming close. But keeper Willie Tierney was also called into action on a few occasions in the first half before the sides went to the break scoreless. The second half was pretty much a carbon copy of the first with the home side always looking the most likely, while being wary of getting caught at the back, but they eventually overcame the resistance of Borris when with ten minutes left to play, a free kick was sent into the visitors area, and Robbie Stapleton headed to the bottom corner to the home supporters delight. The last ten minutes was end to end and the last chance of the game fell to the visitors who were awarded a free kick which struck the crossbar before it was scrambled away to safety, leaving the home sides perfect start to this season intact.

Clonmel Celtic 2 – 1 Vee Rovers

Clonmel Celtic’s unlikely title push stalled in recent weeks, but they still had enough to grind out this hard-fought win against a Vee Rovers side rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table. The home side had the best of the early play and opened the scoring in the fourteenth minute when Seanie Hawkins finished off an assist by Darren Sweeny. This was how the game eventually went to the half time break as Rovers put in a hug defensive effort to nullify the Clonmel side. The second half continued much as the first ended, but the visitors did carve out a few half chances without really looking like they could open up the home team. But Celtic themselves had to wait until four minutes from time to get the insurance goal when Hawkins added his and his sides second by turning home Paddy Ormonde’s attempted shot from close range. As the clock ran down, the visitors pulled a goal back deep into time added it when Alan Condon converted after a defensive mix up, but the home side held on to claim the three points.

Cahir Park 5 – 2 Peake Villa

Cahir Park took advantage of other teams slipping up at the weekend to go joint top of the First Division, thanks to a comprehensive win over a Peake Villa second team who would already have had their eyes on next weekends Munster Junior Cup tie in Cork. The home team took control of the early exchanges and took a deserved lead in the eight minute when Willie Dunne headed home a Shane Regan cross from six yards out. After that they dominated proceedings but were unable to add to the score line before the half time break. They remained the better side at the start of the second period and finally added a second two minutes in when Conor Murphy finished from close range following good play on the wing by Stephen Duggan. The visitors to their credit didn’t lay down and found a way back into the game when Danny Tracey finished from close range five minutes later. But within a minute Stephen Duggan restored the home teams two goal advantage when he headed home at the edge of the area. The topsy turvy nature of the second half continued when Villa added a second in the sixty seventh minute, after Jack Kelly finished after a scramble from a corner kick. But the home team kept the pressure on and added two more goals before the end through Willie Dunne and Hichem Berim, to ensure they would take all three points on offer.

Tipperary Town 1 – 2 Clonmel Town

Clonmel Town’s second team put themselves right back into the First Division title race, when they upset league leaders Tipperary Town on Sunday morning, but taking an away victory that wasn’t envisaged before the game started. The home side made the early running and had two good chances of opening the score in the first five minutes. But they were made to pay for those misses when the away side was awarded a penalty in the twenty fifth minute, which although the initial spot kick was saved, Lekan Oki fired home the rebound from close range. This was the only goal of the first half, and it looked like the hosts would get back on level terms early in the second period, when they were awarded a penalty of their own, but the Clonmel keeper guessed correctly and kept his side in front. Midway through the half things got better for the visitors when confusion at a corner kick allowed Shane Heffernan in to score a second with a neat header. Unperturbed the home side kept throwing men forward in search of a goal, and they pulled one back twenty minutes from time when Vinny Godfrey set up Tony Byrnes to dispatch a curling effort to the top corner. The home side sensed an equaliser was coming after that, and had a number of good chances, the best falling to Matty Moroney and Vinny Godfrey, but in the end they couldn’t break down a resolute Clonmel side who held on for a well earned win.

Mullinahone 1 – 1 Old Bridge

Both goals in this game came in a frantic first half, with both sides trying to get points that will move them away from the bottom half of the First Division table. The home side have been having a tough run since the early part of the season, but managed to get in front here in the twenty fourth minute when Liam Hicks fired to the net. But they were never really dominant in the game and the Bridge got back level twelve minutes later with a well worked team effort. Both sides were well matched in the game, and as the second half wore on, a sticky wet pitch made it harder for either side to get any real fluidity going and they had to make do with a point each at game end.

Galbally United 2 – 3 Cullen Lattin

Cullen put a stop to neighbours Galbally United’s recent run of wins with a late goal to push themselves back into the promotion race in Division Two. The away side were well on top in the early stages, as the league leaders had a sluggish start, but eventually Galbally played themselves into game and took the lead in the twenty seventh minute when Owen O Sullivan finished well from a clever Cathal Flynn cross. But just three minutes later, the visitors were back on level terms when Jack O Halloran was fouled in the area, and Mikey Stokes stood up to fire home the resulting penalty kick. One all at the break, Cullen took the lead almost from the resumption of the second half when the ever lively O Halloran pounced on a Galbally mistake and slid the ball past the stranded keeper. But just after the hour mark, the home side levelled things up once again when Cathal Flynn fired home and unstoppable volley from fifteen yards out. The game ebbed and flowed from then until the end, and it looked like the game would finish all square. However, right at the death the away side managed to manufacture one last chance, and Mikey O Brien popped up to score the decisive goal that gave his team all three points.

Suirside 1 – 2 Rosegreen Rangers

Suirside would have been hoping to take advantage of Galbally’s slip up to restore themselves to the top of the Second Division, but they were frustrated by an excellent performance from a Rosegreen side who have put their early season travails behind them as they push higher up the table. The home side started the more dominant and had a number of early chances, but were not able to apply the little bit of quality needed to open the scoring. Gavin Ryan and John Darmody had the best of the chances of the half, but they found the visiting keeper in inspired form, and he was the main reason that the game went to the break scoreless. Rosegreen then started the second half better and had a couple of opportunities from set pieces, but again, goals seemed impossible to come by. The home side did finally take the lead four minutes after the hour mark, when Jason Coffey was played in my Gavin Ryan and he made no mistake from twelve yards out. Like busses however, after waiting so long for a goal, two arrived almost together when within four minutes the visitors were level thanks to a Niall O Brien finish. This set up a barnstorming finish as both sides went for broke in pursuit of a winning goal. Jason Coffey and Gavin Sheehan both went close for Suirside before Rosegreen snatched the game with a late goal from Seanie O Halloran who chased down a long clearance before firing low and hard beyond the keeper, and breaking the home sides hearts and hopes.

Pike Rovers 2 – 2 Peake Villa (AET, Villa win 4-2 on penalties)

In flying form domestically, Peake Villa travelled to Limerick on Sunday to take on one of the favourites in this seasons FAI Junior Cup, Pike Rovers, in one of the most eagerly watched ties of the round. Conditions for the start of the game were ideal, and in the first twenty minutes, the defences were on top as the side felt each other out. The visitors did have the best chance of the opening period when Alan Leahy found Keith Cahill in space, and he played in Pippy Carroll, but the final shot was fired straight at the keeper. When the deadlock was finally broken in the twenty third minute, it turned out to be worth waiting for, after Carroll unlashed a screamer that flew into the top corner of the net from all of twenty five yards out. On top now, Villa tried to press home the advantage and thought they had a second when Eoin O Dwyer played in Keith Cahill, just after the half hour mark, but his shot went wide of the post. The home side were living off scraps at this stage, but always remained a danger from set pieces and came close ten minutes from the break, with a free kick that just cleared the bar. But that was good as it got for them and Villa went in at the half time whistle a goal to the good. The second half went back to being a cagey affair with neither side wanting to open up too much, and conditions worsened as the half went on with persistent rain falling that made conditions difficult. Eventually a second goal arrived, but it went to the home side when they finally made a set piece count, with Robbie Williams saying take that, and making it one all with a smashing finish. The TSDL side now required a little patience as they had to absorb a period of pressure from Rovers, but they continued to probe for chances and retook the lead eleven minutes from the end when great work from Keith Cahill saw him cross to the far post to find Alan Leahy, headed home to make the score two goals to one for the Tipperary side. It was time now for the Thurles supporters to pray that they could hold on, and it looked as if they would, but deep into injury time their defence was to come undone and Rovers managed to score a second and bring the game into extra time. A supreme effort was now needed and Villa were determined that this was not going to be another of these days when they looked good but didn’t bring home the result. Both sides are giants in their respective leagues and neither wanted to be the one doing something stupid that would see the tie lost, so they defended stoutly and saw the game left to be decided by penalty kicks. This was where Villa finally got the chance to shine and they ended up taking the spoils on a four goal to two scoreline, to advance to the next round.

St Mary 1 – 0 Wilderness Rovers

Wilderness Rovers made the long trip to Cork on Saturday to represent the TSDL in the fourth round of this seasons FAI Junior Cup, and put up an excellent performance that unfortunately fell just short after a great game of football. The conditions were tough at the beginning of the game, with high winds and relentless rain, and the Clonmel side got off to the worst possible start, conceding a goal from the first attack of the game, when the Cork side broke from the kick off and whipped a ball in from the left that caught the visiting keeper unaware and was tapped in at the back post. Wilderness responded fantastically though, creating chance after chance with the best opportunity falling to Graham Kelly on the half hour mark. Unfortunately, just as he was about to pull the trigger on his shot, the ball got stuck under his feet allowing the Cork defenders to scramble the ball away to safety. Rovers continued to press down the right-hand side with Danny Hogan and Jayden Cagney combining very well together, but just couldn’t seem to break down a strong home defence. The second half followed a similar pattern as the first, with the away side dominating possession and chances, and the home side happy to sit back and wait for chances to arrive on the counter attack. As the game progressed however the weather worsened making it almost impossible to build any fluidity into the game and Rovers just could not force home a goal that might have taken the game to extra time. In the end, they just fell short, but can have no qualms as to the level of effort that they put in, and will now be re-doubling their efforts to ensure they remain in the top flight of local football and building hopefully for more successful days in this and other competitions.

Dualla 3 – 2 Cashel Town

This local derby turned into a firecracker, with Dualla bouncing back from a defeat last weekend, to put more pressure on a Cashel Town team currently rooted to the bottom of the Second Division. The visitors started well and forced some early saves from home net minder Batman Fitzgerald. But fifteen minutes in, they over committed to an attack and were caught out by a classic counter, that saw Tossie Ryan slipped through to finish superbly and give Dualla the lead. Just before the break the hosts produced almost a carbon copy of the first goal to add a second when Ger O Dwyer timed his run into the area perfectly, and headed neatly to the top corner, to double the home sides lead. They held this to the break, and midway through the second half, found themselves three up after some hard work and pressure from Mark Downey on the Cashel backline, finished with him rifling a shot high into the roof of the net. But Cashel never gave up and with fifteen minutes left they got rewarded for their good play when Murty Browne, drilled a shot low and hard into the bottom corner, to make the score three goals to one. Minutes later, a panicked Dualla defence failed to clear their lines and Darragh Browne reacted quickest to tap home a second goal for the visitors, setting up a grand stand finish. And they looked to have levelled the game in the final moments, only to see a shot come back off the crossbar when they home keeper was well beaten. But Dualla managed to hold out, and take the precious points, leaving Cashel in a very precarious relegation position that will need them to start being more clinical in the future if they are to stave off relegation to the division below.

Suirside 0 – 4 Galbally United

The top two in the Second Division faced off in Ardfinnan on Sunday afternoon, when league leaders Suirside hosted in-form Galbally United in a game that will have repercussions on where the title may land at the end of the season. And it took only two minutes for the away side to show their intent when they took the lead thanks to a wonderful strike from all of thirty yards out by Patrick Murphy, that fizzed to the net and left the home keeper flat footed as he watched it fly by. The home side eventually settled and almost equalised ten minutes later when a goalmouth scramble saw the ball fall to Gavin Ryan, but his effort was blocked and kicked away to safety. Six minutes later a John Allen free kick was touched around the post by the visiting keeper, when it looked destined for the net. Three minutes later the home side were to rue the missed chances as the visitors added a second when a Bernard O Brien free kick deceived the home keeper and flew directly to the net, giving Galbally a very strong position in the game. Despite the home side pressing, they were unable to break down the Galbally defence and the away team went to the break leading by two goals to nil. The second half saw Suirside press forward at every opportunity as they tried to get back into the game, but in doing so they were leaving gaps behind in defence which Galbally were looking to exploit on the break. The home side were desperately unlucky on the hour mark to see a John Darmody effort shave the post, but go wide. Seven minutes later, they were dealt a hammer blow, when Galbally added a third, courtesy of another wonder strike by Patrick Murphy, much to the delight of his team mates. John English added a fourth eighteen minutes from time as the visiting side seemed to be trying to outdo themselves in terms of the quality of their goals, with another long range effort that saw the rigging in the home goal tested. From then until the end, the visitors just toyed with the home side and ran out easy winners to also take their place at the top of the Second Division table.

Burncourt Celtic 1 – 3 Kilsheelan

This game went ahead with the underfoot conditions heavy, and the visitors continued their recent upturn in league fortune, going ahead in the fifth minute when Jamie Roche headed home a cross from the right at the back post. In the twentieth minute the same player doubled his sides advantage with another fine headed effort, as Kilsheelan took control of the game. From there to half time, neither side fashioned any chances as conditions underfoot began to deteriorate, making fluent football difficult. Burncourt started the second half well and pulled a goal back nine minutes in when Alex Meaney won a ball on half way line, before beating a couple of defenders and finishing well from just inside the area. The home side were well on top for the next twenty minutes, but could not get the vital equaliser as the visitor’s defence held firm. Then with a quarter of an hour left, Roche completed his hat-trick with a fine side footed finish from a cross from the left, re-establishing their two-goal cushion. Rovers created a couple of chances late on, but failed to take any and the visitors ran out three goals to one winners.

Killenaule Rovers 2 – 3 Powerstown

Powerstown had to come from behind in this game to continue their unbeaten run in the league, and put them in prime position to challenge for the Third Division title. In a game switched to Redmondstown, Killenaule started the brighter of the two sides, and Dylan Walsh’s deflected effort from the edge of the box put them in front in the nineteenth minute. Seven minutes later Conor Dwyer doubled their lead, when a swift counter attack exposed Powerstown and Dwyer clinically fired to the net. Well on top now, they were unable to add to the scoreline and went to the break two goals to the good. But the league leaders turned the game on its head in the second half, with Gino Lonergan pulling a goal back just before the hour mark with a fantastic free kick from all of thirty yards out, to halve the deficit. Pushing on in search of an equaliser, they dominated possession, but found it hard to break down a resolute Killenaule defence. However, with just five minutes left to play, Powerstown’s persistence paid off, and Brian McKeown levelled the game. A ball crossed in caused havoc in the visitor’s box and Mc Keown got the crucial last touch to put it in the net. It looked like ending in a draw, but two minutes from the end, the hosts got a third when Conor McGrath fired a ball into the box from the right-hand side, and found Cathal Mc Keown finished, who blasted the ball to the net. A nervy final few minutes ensued, but the home side held on to secure the victory in a game which could have huge implications on the TSDL Division 3 title race.

Donohill and District 1 – 0 Tipperary Town

Donohill took the points after a scrappy game against local rivals Tipperary Town on Sunday morning in West Tipperary. The hosts started the better, and created several early chances but found visiting keeper Michael O Dwyer in fine form. But just before the half hour mark, they finally breached the visitors defence, when a Darragh Mooney pile driver flew to the roof of the net. That was the only goal of the first period, but they continued on top in the early part of the second half. Their best chances fell to the very lively youth player Alex Webster who went close on a few occasions. On the other side, the visiting attacks were limited and what chances were created were dealt with easily enough by the home defence. In the end the home side took the points, and will hope to build on this result in upcoming games as they try to play themselves back into contention for promotion.

Peake Villa 12 – 1 Kilsheelan United

Peake Villa are the real form team in the TSDL at the moment and they showed their form when they crushed Third Division side Kilsheelan United in Thurles on Sunday afternoon. The result went the way it was expected to go, but the Premier League side were given an early scare when a mix up in defence in the twelfth minute left Kilsheelan in to open the scoring. But they only managed to keep the lead for ten minutes and it was Captain Fantastic Pippy Carroll who drew the game level in the twenty first minute, heading home a Darragh Byrne free kick. Byrne himself got in behind the visitors defence six minutes later to put the Thurles side in front, and this opened the floodgates in the game. Two more goals before the break left Villa in front by four goals to one and in the second period they took advantage of their superior fitness to open up a much bigger lead in the game and advance to the second round with ease.

Bansha Celtic 2 – 1 Cashel Town (AET)

With Celtic Park in Bansha unplayable, this game took place at Palmershill in Cashel, and it took the majority of the first half for the tie to really get going with both sides coming at it with cautious approaches. Cashel had the first real chance of note when a Kyle Ryan header was saved at the front post, but Celtic had some good opportunities themselves but were lacking some quality and accuracy in the final third. With no goals in the first half, the first ten minutes of the second half was pretty much the same with, neither side creating anything of note. In the fifty fifth minute however, Cashel opened the scoring when Kyle Ryan capitalised on an under hit pass out of defence and shot high to the roof of the net giving the Celtic keeper no chance of saving the shot. But the lead was short lived and within two minutes, Bansha were level when Tony Egan found the top corner from all of twenty yards out, to the delight of his team mates and management. Both sides pushed for the winner after this, but more often than not simply cancelled each other out, and the game played out to the end with no more goals. In the first half of extra time, it was evident bodies were getting tired and the game became very scrappy. The second half saw both teams throw everything they could at each other to get the winner before they had to go to the dreaded penalty shoot-out. The hosts probably had the better of what few chances there were, but in the last minute of extra time Liam Murphy delivered a ball to the back post and Tony Egan rose highest and headed Bansha into the next round.

Cullen Lattin 0 – 4 St Michael’s

Still stinging from their loss in the Munster Junior Cup last weekend, Cup holders St Michael’s travelled the short distance to Cullen to play in the first round of this year’s competition, and eased into the second round with a routine win. This was their first visit to Aisling Park since it was re-developed six years ago and the pitch was looking in very good condition for the tie. The visitors as was expected had a lot of the ball in the early stages, but some good defending by the home side made chances hard to carve out. The hosts full back Timmie Heffernan did excellently to deny David Slattery with a sliding block in the twelfth minute, and at the other end, Tony O Neill tried his luck from distance on two occasions but his effort was easily saved. Saint eventually found the break through midway through the first half when Russell Quirke crossed for Slattery to head home, easing the visitors’ nerves. But the hosts were unlucky not to get back in the game minutes later when O Neill ran at the visitor’s defence before playing in Darren Neville who forced the keeper into a good save. The away side started the second half in the front foot and were soon two goals up when Jimmy Carr did well down the right before finding Slattery, whose first shot was saved, but he was on hand to tap home the second attempt in the fifty third minute. Five minutes later, Russell Quirke crossed to the unmarked Slattery who tapped home to complete his hat trick. Jimmy Carr then made it four in the sixty fifth minute, when he ran at the Cullen defence before rifling a shot into the bottom corner. Both side emptied the bench after this and the game was even for the last twenty minutes, with no real chances of note, allowing the Premier League side to go into the next round without too much discomfort.

Peake Villa B 1 – 2 Old Bridge

After their exploits in the Munster Junior Cup last weekend, Peake Villas seconds were brought down to earth in the first round of the Tipperary Cup on Sunday, when they exited the competition after going down by the odd goal in three, to fellow First Division rivals Old Bridge. After a lot of rain fell during the week, the pitch at the Tower Ground still looked in perfect condition as the game kicked off, but the game itself started slowly and there were no chances from either side before the away side started to get on top and opened the scoring in the twentieth minute. This woke the home side up and Villa went close on a few occasions with Kevin Patan and Scott Brennan having good chances, but they were unable to pull a goal back before the half time break. Unfortunately, they were unable to bring that momentum into the beginning of the second period and were caught in defence by a mistake that cost them, going two down in the fifty fourth minute. To their credit they continued to battle and pulled a goal back twenty-two minutes from the end when Conor Murphy was taken down in the box and he stepped up to score from the resulting penalty kick. It was all the home side now and they had a gilt-edged chance with ten minutes left but Danny Treacy’s shot went over. Jack Kelly also went close in the final minutes, but the Bridge eventually held on for the win.

Vee Rovers 3 – 1 Two Mile Borris B

Premier League side Vee Rovers hosted Third Division Two Mile Borris in the first round of this years Tipperary Cup, and after making hard work of the first half, eventually eased past the lower league opposition to make it to the next round. The game started evenly enough, with the visitors having a strong breeze behind them, but there was a dearth of clear chances until the home side eventually broke the deadlock in the eighteenth minute when Thomas Quirke headed to the net from a corner kick. But the Borris players kept trying to make chances and were rewarded just after the half hour mark when they found an equaliser, again benefitting from a set play, scoring again from a corner kick. That was all the goals from the first period, and with the wind behind them in the second, the Premier League team took control of the game and began to dominate. They turned that pressure into reward when Sean Casey chased down a hurried goalkeepers clearance in the sixty third minute, to coolly slot the ball back past the stranded keeper and into an empty net. Eight minutes later, the same player struck a bullet of a shot to the net after Borris had given the ball away in a defensive mix up, and that was enough to allow Rovers comfortably run down the clock to the end and go into the hat for the next round.

Two Mile Borris 3 – 0 Burncourt Celtic

The roles were reversed for Borris’s first team when they were the ones welcoming Third Division opponents to Newhill on Sunday morning. The Premier League team have been enjoying good form of late, and took control of the game from the get go. The opposing keeper did well to keep the game level making good saves from Darren Ivors and Jack Hackett, but Borris eventually broke the deadlock in the thirty second minute when Loran O Toole reacted quickest to a goal mouth scramble following a corner kick, and he whipped the ball to the net from less than eight yards out. There were no more goals in the first half and the Third Division side did come a little back into the game in the second half but never really threatened the Borris goal. Before they could build any real momentum, Burncourt found themselves two goals behind when Jack Cleary got in behind their defence and fired an angled shot into the corner of the net from just inside the area. The home side emptied their bench after this, giving some of their youths players a chance to shine, and a number of them combined five minutes from time to put the final touch on the game, setting Danny Rafter up to scored a third goal.

Clerihan 2 – 2 Cashel Town

There was a lot on the line for both teams who started the day at the wrong end of the table and this game started at a frantic pace, with both teams comfortable when in possession but lacking any real goal threat. It took until three minutes before the break, for the first score, with the visitors opening the scoring through a very smart finish from Donnie Reidy, a lead they held until the break. The second half started in similar fashion with both teams trying to get the upper hand, and it looked like it was going to be the visitors after substitute Alex O’Sullivan scored four minutes before the hour mark, to double the visitors’ advantage. O Sullivan got on the end of a stray back pass before firing to the roof of the net, leaving the Clerihan keeper with no chance. But shortly afterwards an injury to the visiting keeper seemed to knock Cashel off their stride, and with twelve minutes left, Aaron Kiely struck a wonder goal from all of thirty yards out, to drag the home side back into the game. Four minutes later they were level, thanks to another long-distance strike, this time from Blain O’Brien. At two all both teams threw caution to the wind for the final ten minutes and both defences and keepers were tested, but neither side could find the all-important goal and the spoils were shared in the end.

FAI Youths Cup, 3^rd Round

Salthill Devon 2 -1 Clonmel Celtic

TSDL Youths Division One league leaders made the long trip to Galway to take on one of Irelands strongest outfits in the third round of this year’s FAI Youths Cup. The Galway side were quick out of the blocks and caught the Clonmel side cold within two minutes when a they capitalised on a defensive error to fire in the opening goal. Celtic worked themselves back into the game after that but clear chances from either side were hard to come by, and the teams went to the break with no more goals being scored. The second half started with the Tipperary side dominant, carving out good chances by Ciaran Fitzpatrick and Senan Butler, but they could not apply that bit of final quality that would have seen them draw level. And they were punished for this fifteen minutes from the end, when they were caught by a speedy breakaway from the edge of the Devon area, and went two goals behind. The visitors kept plugging away and pulled a goal back four minutes from time thanks to a Michael Prendergast wonder goal, but despite throwing everything at their opponents in the final minutes, they were unable to pull back an equalising goal and bowed out of the competition.

Fairview Rangers 4 – 2 Peake Villa

Peake Villas youths travelled to Limerick on Saturday evening to take on Fairview Rangers in the FAI Youths Cup, and although they put in a spirited performance, they came out on the wrong end of the result. The TSDL side started brightly and Kieran Purcell was unlucky with a strike that just went wide of the post after a great team move in the tenth minute. Soon after Danny Moore forced their keeper into another good save, but as the game progressed the home side began to exert control and took the lead on the half hour mark with a well worked free kick to make it one to nil. There were a few more half chances for both side before the break, but neither could score, and the sides went in with just the single goal separating them. The wining of the game however, came early in the second half when the home side scored two quick fire goals within five minutes of the restart.

Villa to their credit kept at it and pulled a goal back on the hour mark, when Danny Moore rounded two players and squared for Michael Anthony Mc Carthy to finish. But hope of getting back into the game was quickly extinguished when Fairview were awarded a penalty as Villa pushed forward and they converted to r-establish their three-goal lead. Michael Anthony Mc Carthy scored his second with ten minutes to play and Villa pushed hard to the very end, but could not close the gap and th Limerick side advanced.

TSDL Youths Division 1

Clonmel Town 3 – 3 Slievenamon Celtic

An injury time equaliser from Darragh Landers was enough to give Slievenamon Celtic a more than deserved share of the points against Clonmel Town last Saturday in Ferryhouse in a very entertaining First Division Youths game. The early part of the tie was cagey enough but the visitors finally took a deserved lead in the twenty ninth minute when Darragh Landers tapped home after an Eoin Barry free was well saved by Cian Mc Grath. However, their lead was short lived, as Ronan Walsh scored yet another stunning goal, this time turning inside Jamie Ryan to unleash a thirty yard strike that gave the visiting keeper no chance, only two minutes later. That stunned the visitors, and they found themselves going to the break less than fifteen minutes later, two goals behind when first Cillian Fahy was fouled in the area and Alex Lawless converted the penalty, before two minutes later in the forty third minute, Lawless ran clear to shoot past Boyle from an acute angle to make it three goals to one at half time. Celtic were very quick to reduce the deficit in the second half, when man of the match Gus Nolan scored five minutes after the re start. It was end to the end for the remainder of the half and it looked as if Town had done enough to earn the three points until Darragh landers twenty-five-yard strike flew past Cian McGrath minutes from time. Town almost won it in the end when a brilliant run from Ronan Walsh ended with Sean Boyle pulling off a great save with his feet at the near post, but winning goal would have been harsh on the visitors, whose overall play was deserving of at least a point

Peake Villa 2 – 1 St Michael’s

In the most anticipated game of the weekend, there was at the end of this game a feeling that it could signal either another false dawn or more likely a changing of the guard in Tipperary football, when Peake Villa survived a late onslaught by St Michael’s to advance to the open draw phase of this years Munster Cup competition. The two teams have had some titanic battles in recent years, but the Tipperary town side always seemed to find a way to advance. That is, until Sunday last, when Thurles’ finest showed serious grit along with skill to finally put them to the sword. Conditions were poor from the off and the wind and rain did not let up for the whole game, but Villa still started well, and had the best of the early exchanges. Captain Fantastic Pippy Carroll came closest midway through the half but his shot was saved well, while Mick Ryan and Keith Cahill were doing well in midfield and were winning good ball. The visitors suffered a blow midway through the first half, when their keeper got injured and had to be replaced. The first big call of the half came ten minutes from the break, when the home side felt they should have been awarded a penalty but it was waved away, and at half time, neither team had managed to break the deadlock. The second half started to open up more and the home side finally hit the front in the fifty sixth minute when Keith Cahill crossed a great ball and Carroll jumped highest to head to the bottom corner of the net. The game opened up more afterwards and there were half chances for both sides but it was Villa who doubled their lead when Darragh Byrne made a great run down the flanks and into the box where he was taking down and the referee pointed at the spot. Pippy Carroll stepped up and scored to make it two, with only two minutes left in normal time, and it looked like the win would be accomplished without too much further ado. But in the first minute of time added on, the Saints were awarded a penalty of their own, and although the initial effort was saved by Willie Tierney, Irish amateur International Jimmy Carr was quickest to react and put the rebound away. This set up a frantic finish and Tierney was brave shortly after when coming out to a through ball and got injured, also needing to be replaced as Shane Mc Guire took his place between the posts. It almost seemed like injury time would never end, lasting for all of ten minutes, but the home side held out to scenes of delight from their management and supporters at the end condemning their illustrious opponents to being out of a competition they hold the record numbers of wins in, even before they get out of the local league area.

Two Mile Borris 6 – 2 Bansha Celtic

Two Mile Borris are enjoying a very good season this year, and continued their good form by knocking fellow Premier League side Bansha Celtic out of this years Munster Junior Cup, with an excellent performance on a very poor day weather wise in Newhill Park. The game started in very wet conditions, but the home side adapted better and opened the scoring in the tenth minute when Loran O Toole rose highest to head a corner kick to the net. Playing with confidence now, the home side doubled their lead eight minutes later when Jamie Carey picked up a ball at the edge of the Celtic area, and smacked a low drive beyond the reach of the visiting keeper. But Bansha were creating chances of their own at this stage and pulled a goal back minutes later when Kevin Power found the net from a well taken volley from the edge of the area. But minutes afterwards the Celtic cause became a more difficult one, when they were reduced to ten men, and Borris compounded this by adding a third goal ten minutes before the break through Jamie Lee. Looking in control now, Borris got caught from a quick break out of the Bansha defence which saw Darren Mc Grath get on the end of some good play to re-establish the home sides two goal lead at the break. With conditions worsening in the second half, and Celtic struggling without their full compliment of players, the home side took control and dominated the half from start to finish. They added a fourth goal when Carey got his second on the hour mark, and made any idea of a comeback redundant five minutes later when Michael Foley got his sides fifth with a bullet header to the net. Four minutes from time Jamie Carey completed his hat trick and added a sixth, to take Borris into the open draw where they won’t be wanted by any team in the next round.

Vee Rovers 1 – 2 Peake Villa B

Peake Villas seconds joined their first team in the Open draw for this years Munster Junior Cup when they pulled off an upset in beating Premier League strugglers Vee Rovers in a very wet and windy Clogheen on Sunday afternoon. The weather made it particularly difficult for both sides to get into any kind of rhythm and there were very few real chances created by either for most of the first period of the game. It looked like they were about to go to the break scoreless until a late Villa attack saw the home side concede a penalty that was despatched to the net to give the Thurles side a single goal half time lead. Twenty minutes into the second half, the same player was at the end of the best move of the game and he finished coolly from twelve yards out to make it two for Villa and look like they were going to advance comfortably. But only five minutes later, Rovers pulled a goal back when Dylan Walsh fired home a twenty yard drive to reduce his sides deficit to the minimum again. After that the hosts dominated and fired everything they had at the Villa, but as has been the problem so often this season, they were not able to turn chances into goals and the away side took the win in the end.

Cahir Park B 0 – 2 Galbally United

On a game played on Saturday night on the Astro pitch in Cahir, Galbally United continued their good recent form easing past Cahir Park’s seconds into the next round of this seasons Tipperary Cup. It was the away team that controlled the game from the start against a home team that found it hard to settle, and it seemed no surprise when the visitors took the lead in the fifth minute when Owen O Sullivan headed home at the back post from a corner. After that Galbally continued to dominate and had a number of half chances in the opening half hour, without converting. The home team finally started to get a grip on the game as they tried to force a way back on level terms but were unable to before the break. When the second half started, the away side once again took control and twenty minutes in, they doubled their lead when Owen O Sullivan got his second, finishing well after a good run at the home defence. This for the home team was a bad blow as it came when they were having their best spell in the game, and took the wind out of their sails, allowing Galbally to finish out the rest of the game with little scares to advance.

Cahir Park 2 – 0 Rosegreen Rangers

Cahir’s first team are going through a run of good form at the moment and welcomed Second Division Rosegreen to the Park on Sunday morning in the first round of the Tipperary cup. The away team had enjoyed some good results themselves in recent weeks and started the better in the game putting the home defence under some early pressure. But once the home team settled, they started to make chances and opened the scoring midway through the half when Will Dunne finished smartly from twelve yards out after a good through ball from Tom Keating. They dominated proceedings after that forcing the visitors onto the back foot, but neither team was able to make any other real chances and the half finished without any more goals. The second period began with the hosts back in control playing some very good football which led to a number of half chances which they were unfortunately unable to convert. Rosegreen to their credit refused to go away and dug deep to try to force an equaliser, and with ten mins remaining almost did only for a great save by Brian Sweeney diving low to his right to concede a corner. But inside the final five minutes, all hopes of getting back into the game were demolished when the home side got a second, after being awarded a penalty kick, which was despatched by Willie Dunne to secure a passage into the second round

Tipperary Town 1 – 2 Cashel Town B

This result could count as an upset as the current Division One leaders fell to a Cashel Town team languishing at the bottom of the Second Division. Moved to Cashel prior to kick off, the game started in blustery conditions didn’t have a lot to offer in terms of clear chances, until just before half time when a Kevin Browne corner was buried in the net by Niall Fitzgerald to put the First Division leaders a goal up at the break. When the second period kicked off, conditions rapidly deteriorated and both sides found it hard to play football. Midway through the half, a long ball into the Tipp Town area, travelled all of fifty yards and ended up in the net, much to the surprise but delight of Ross Bonnar to draw the teams level. Cashel were well up for it now but their visitors broke and missed a gilt edged chance after Dylan Cummins set up Vinny Godfrey and Stevie Quinn but neither could finish. Just when it looked like extra time was beckoning, Cashel who to their credit had adapted to the conditions better, sent in a low corner only for a Tipperary substitute to slice it into his own net, to claim the place in the hat for the next round of the Cup.

Clonmel Celtic 6 – 0 Clerihan

Despite their recent indifferent league form Clonmel Celtic still proved too strong for Clerihan as they cruised to a six goal win over the Division Two side in the first round of this years Tipperary Cup. The home side started well and took the lead in the sixth minute, when Darren Sweeney converted a Niall Prendergast cross. It was two, six minutes later with Paul Kennedy setting up Davy Garrett who applied a powerful finish to leave the Clonmel side in complete control. Jack Purcell then added a third in the nineteenth minute, with a half volley from the edge of the box, and there was no let up for Clerihan as Celtic added a fourth just before the half hour mark when Davy Garrett rounded the keeper and finished coolly. Six minutes before the break Mark Heffernan kept his cool in front of goal  to make it five and with the job done Celtic eased up in the second half, though Garrett did complete his hat trick fifteen minutes from time, finding the top corner to leave the final score six to nil at the end.

Bansha Celtic B 0 – 8 Clonmel Town

This was always going to be a tough day for the Third Division team, and although they matched their more illustrious opponents early on, they soon made some mistakes that they might have gotten away with in the lower division, but that were clinically punished by a Town side that has high ambitions of silverware this season. Once the Clonmel juggernaut got going, they fired in four goals in a nine minute spell through Kyle Delaney, Rhys O Regan and an Ashley Lasslett brace, to blow the hosts away. O Regan then hit another brace, to complete his hat trick before the break, which saw the Premier League side go in, six goals to the good. Two more goals in the second period, from Lasslett and an Alan O Donnell penalty gave Town the win, and their place in the next round.

Moyglass United 3 – 2 Killenaule Rovers

These two teams met in the league last weekend, with Killenaule coming out on top, but this time the home side made amends by moving through to the next round of the Cup with a win by the odd goal in five against their neighbours. The home side started well and opened the scoring in the seventh minute when Jack Healy scored direct from the corner. The game was pretty even from then on with chances at a premium, until the hosts doubled their lead five minutes before the break when Oisín Lyons’ corner saw Stevie Byrnes and Eoin Shaw combine to score and send their side to the break two goals to the good. When Darragh Hurley made it three five minutes into the second period, scoring from a Craig Nolan cross, the hosts looked home and hosed. But to their credit, Killenaule battled away and got two late goals, both from free kicks, both from Dillion Walsh, to make it a nervy ending. However, Moyglass held on to savour a little bit of revenge, and move into the next round.

Wilderness Rovers 3 – 0 Tipperary Town B

Wilderness Rovers were always favourites to beat Third Division side Tipperary Town and did so in the end with a three goal win on a wet and windy morning in Clonmel on Sunday. The Premier League team were in charge of the game from early on, and opened the scoring in the eighteenth minute when Jayden Cagney found Kevin Mc Grath and he made no mistake from close in. An individual goal by Danny Hogan in the twenty seventh minute doubled the advantage and after that Rovers controlled the game giving their opponents very few chances to get back into the game. The second half was a tame affair with no real goalmouth action until Hogan turned provider in the final minute to set up Graham Kelly to add a third and ensure his sides victory.

Donohill and District 1 – 3 Suirside

Division Two league leaders Suirside came from behind to beat Third Division side Donohill on Sunday last, to continue their recent good form. The home side started well and dominated the first half, when they had the benefit of the elements at their back. They did open the scoring in the fifteenth minute, with a classy goal, when Dinny Crosse chipped the ball over the advancing Suirside keeper. Unfortunately for Donohill they didn’t make the domination count much after that, squandering a number of chances to extend their lead before the break. And that came back to haunt them in the second period, as Suirside began to find their range and on the hour mark Gavin Sheeran levelled the game with a cool finish. After that it was end to end football with both sides missing chances, before the home side imploded in the final minutes, first allowing Sheeran to cut through their defence and get a second, before Simon Farrell added a third off a breakaway which ensured that Suirside would advance to the next stage of the cup

Munster Youths Cup, 3^rd Round  

Clonmel Town 2 -1 Clonmel Celtic

Clonmel Town pulled off a shock victory to knock near neighbours and current league leaders Clonmel Celtic out of this year’s Munster Youth Cup. When the sides met earlier in the league, Celtic ran out comfortable six goal winners but they came up against a far more aggressive and organised Town side last Saturday in Ferryhouse. The first real chance of the game fell to the hosts Joey Browne but his effort from close range was well saved by Oisin O’ Donohue. Alex Greene then saw a brilliant header go narrowly over the bar as the first half ended scoreless. But both sides continued to go looking for the opener and it came just before the hour mark when the home side were awarded a free kick just outside the Celtic area, and Ronan Walsh left the keeper rooted to the spot with a kick that stunned even those watching the game. Ten minutes later he provided an assist for Cian McGrath, who got on the end of Walsh’s pass with a subtle touch to give the hosts an unexpected but deserved two goal lead. However, those celebrations were short lived when Jack Aylward got on the end of a Julian Kerton pass to finish brilliantly past John O’Connell and reduce the deficit to a minimum once again. But the visitors attempt to get back on level terms was soon struck a blow when they were reduced to ten players. They chased an equaliser, but Alex Lawless came agonisingly close to adding a third for Town when his powerful shot hit the underside of the bar and bounced out to safety. In the end the home side held out, much to the delight of their management and supporters.

TSDL Youths First Division

Two Mile Borris 3 – 2 Bansha Celtic

The home side started the stronger of the two teams and Jake Cullen Jordan caused the Bansha defence all sorts of problems early on, before finally getting the goal his play deserved when a well-placed shot from inside the box found the bottom corner in the twentieth minute. But this seemed to be a catalyst for the visitors and they got back on level terms after they equalised just past the half hour mark with a header from Evan Kennedy. The game flowed over and back after that with the home side creating the better chances and they retook the lead when a cross into the area eluded the Bansha defence before finding the foot of Tom Ryan who made no mistake with a lovely finish. But again Celtic came flying back and levelled in added time with the last kick of the first half when another cross found the head of Evan Kennedy for his second headed goal. Bansha started the second half on the front foot and might have taken the lead except for excellent defending from the hosts and an excellent display by their goalkeeper. The game swung up and down the pitch as both sides searched for the precious lead goal, and eventually it was the home side that prevailed. With twenty minutes left to play Jack Delaney was put through on goal and made no mistake with an clinical finish. Borris had to play the last fifteen minutes with ten men after a defender received a second yellow card, but they defended for their lives for the remaining minutes and kept out a determined Bansha attack to seal all three points to move to the top of the league table.

TSDL Youths Second Division

 Cashel Town 3 – 0 Moyglass United

Cashel Towns Youths maintained their 100% record in the league with a comfortable victory over a much improved Moyglass United side at home on Saturday afternoon. The home side had the perfect start when they opened the scoring in the first minute through a Lee O’ Riordan strike, but after that the visitors settled and made it very difficult for the league leaders to build on that good opening. Both sides shared a number of half chances after that, but eventually the game went to the break without any other scores being registered. The hosts started the second period livelier again and doubled their lead ten minutes in, thanks to another clinical finish by O’ Riordan scored again. The points were secured five minutes later when the ace striker completed his hat trick, and after that the home side played out the final half hour in relative comfort, offering the visitors very little opportunity to get a foothold in the game.

Sallypark Odhrans 0 – 3 Peake Villa

Peake Villa made the short trip to North Tipperary side Sallypark Odhrans in the final round of the Tipperary section of this seasons FAI Junior Cup, and eased into the open draw section where they will be hoping for a good draw to go deep into this year’s competition. Despite all the rain the pitch held although it was soft, but that didn’t stop the Thurles side from starting quickly and had the first shot of the game after only two minutes, but the effort was well saved. That said, Sallypark showed they were no mugs and forced Shane McGuire into early action with a number of efforts of their own. Eventually though it was the visitors who produced the first bit of real quality and they took the lead in the thirteenth minute when Robbie Stapleton had a shot that hit the bottom corner leaving the host keeper stranded. They doubled their lead in the twenty third minute minute when Darragh Byrne made a great run down the wing and put in a super cross that  was met by Stapleton on the volley and he made no mistake. Rampant now, the TSDL side had some more chances before the break with Pippy Carroll and Michael Quinlan coming close. Sallypark came out in the second half looking to get back in the tie and had the best of the exchanges in the first fifteen minutes. But the away side always looked in control and made sure in the sixty seventh minute they struck again after good link up play between Pippy Carroll and Eoin O Dwyer created a chance which Carroll from close in.

St Michael’s 3 – 1 Cashel Town

Saints booked their place in the open draw round of this seasons FAI Junior Cup with a victory on a rain sodden pitch, in a game that never reached great heights as a contest. The sides struggled with the heavy pitch in the opening minutes, before the visitors went ahead in the eight minute, courtesy of a penalty kick. Adrian Walsh saved Kyle Ryan’s initial effort, but Ryan followed up on the rebound to give his side an unlikely lead. But they only held the advantage for two minutes, when after conceding a corner kick, they watched David Slattery flick on a Russell Quirke corner and Paul Breen was on hand to score at the far post. Conditions deteriorated and many passes went astray throughout the half from both sides, and they went to the break all square. The home side started the second period with more purpose and took the lead ten minutes in when Chris Higgins rose superbly to head home a well flighted Russell Quirke corner kick. Colin Bargary went close soon after with another header on sixty one minutes, before they finally added a third four minutes later. David Slattery ghosted in at the near post to head home a Kenny Cunningham cross to put the home side in complete control. The two sides emptied their benches after this, making the final half hour a little disjointed, but the home side never looked in any real trouble defending calmly and consistently looking to pick off the visitors on the counter attack. There were no more goals and the former winners will now fancy another run deep into this seasons competition depending on who they draw in the all Ireland phase.

Clodiagh Rangers 2 – 1 Cahir Park

Two early goals ensured that North Tipperary side Clodiagh Rangers would be the only NTDL side competing in the open section of this seasons FAI Junior Cup, when they managed to hold off the challenge of South Tipperary side Cahir Park on Sunday afternoon last. The home side got off to an almost perfect start when they were awarded a penalty kick in the third minute that was fired to the net to put them a goal up. In the twelfth minute they added a second, as the Park seemed to find it impossible to get to grips with the home sides free flowing attacks. But they eventually settled and got themselves back into the game right on the half hour mark when Willie Dunne rose highest at a corner kick to head a goal and bring the deficit back to just one. But after that the control of the game ebbed and flowed between the two sides, with the home side often content to cede ground but hold out the South Tipperary side with some excellent defending. As the time ticked down, the visitors thought they had equalised, but Dean Fitzwaters shot was brilliantly saved by the home keeper. And when two other late efforts were cleared off the line, it became obvious that it wasn’t to be Cahirs day and they exited from this years competition.

Peake Villa 4 – 3 St Michael’s

Villa entertained St Michael’s second team up at the Tower Grounds Sunday morning in what turned out to be a game with goals aplenty, before finally coming out the right side of a seven goal thriller. The conditions were fair but there was a breeze that the home side had at their backs in the first half, and they started brightly before opening the scoring in the twenty eight minute courtesy of a goal by Maris Baltins. They were well on top at this point, and doubled that lead four minutes later when Sean Condron capitalised on a mistake in defence and scored from close in. The two goal lead became three seven minutes before the break when good link up play in midfield led to Danny Treacy breaking through and he made no mistake from ten yards out. This left the Thurles side three goals to the good at the break but to the visiting sides credit they came out strong in the second period and had the best of the early exchanges. But ten minutes in against the run of play Villa broke and Scott Brennan got on the end of a great Kevin Croke ball and made no mistake to give his side a four goal lead. They must have thought it would be plain sailing from there, but the away side pulled a goal back on the hour mark when Josh O Flannery scored. And the jitters really started for Villa five minutes later when Antonio Rea added a second five minutes later for the Saints. They had their tails up now and the visitors added a third twelve minutes from the end when O Flannery got his second of the day to reduce the home sides lead to just a single goal. With the Tipperary town side pressing for an equaliser late on, Villa had two gilt edged chances but Scott Brennan and Aaron Graham both struck straight at the keeper. They managed to survive however and take the points, after a game that game plenty entertainment to the watching supporters.

Clonmel Town 2 – 3 Tipperary Town

First Division league leaders Tipperary Town maintained their position at the top of the table when they took all three points in an what was an end-to-end game in Clonmel on Sunday afternoon. The home side took the lead in the eighth minute when a Shane Heffernan flick on was met at the back post by Sam Dwyer, but despite dominating for much of the next twenty minutes, found themselves back to all square when Stevie Quinn sent in a cross that was met by Vinny Godfrey to level it up with a neat headed finish. But the Clonmel side retook the lead five minutes from the break with an excellent breakaway goal that saw the ball land at the feet of Shane Heffernan again, who walloped a twenty five yard volley all the way to the net to leave the hosts two goals to one up at the break. The second half saw a completely different game with the visitors taking control from early on, and in the fifty third minute a defensive mix-up let in Paddy Fitzgerald to poke home a deserved equaliser. The hosts did themselves no favours defensively when they gave away a needless freekick, that Vinny Godfrey fired all the way to the bottom corner to put the away team three goals to two up after sixty five minutes. This seemed to wake up the home side but again they were guilty of wasting some clear-cut chances, and the league leaders defended really well for the remainder of the game to take all three points.

Suirside 5 – 2 Clerihan

Suirside took all three points and extended their lead at the top of the Second Division with another comprehensive performance against Clerihan in Adrfinnan on Sunday afternoon. The home side started quickly and they took the lead in the tenth minute when Jason Coffey struck a twenty yard effort to the net leaving the Clerihan keeper rooted to the spot. Playing some excellent football after this they extended their lead ten minutes later when David Rencontre found Simon Farrell and he made no mistake from six yards out. But Clerihan replied to this setback just two minutes later with the goal of the game, a strike by Aaron Kiely from all of thirty yards out. But that was a brief respite for the visitors as the home side re-established their two goal lead when John Darmody was taken down in the area, and Jason Coffey got his second and his sides third of the game. But again, Clerihan pulled a goal back just before the break, when a defensive mix up by the home side allowed Pa O Brien to strike past the home keeper. Suirside however put any doubt about the result to bed midway through the second period when Rencontre made it four goals to two with a well struck effort and substitute David Leo rounded off the scoring fifteen minutes from the end to give his side the win.

Galbally United 3 – 1 Rosegreen Rangers

Galbally United came from behind to take the points against a game Rosegreen side that puts them right in the promotion mix at the top of the Second Division table. He visitors opened the scoring in the fifteenth minute, taking a deserved lead when Corey Hayde got in behind the home defence to score from close in. Rosegreen were dominant after that and were unlucky not to extend the lead on two occasions with Pakie Farrell and Gavin Ryan going close. But eventually the home side got themselves back into the game and levelled in the sixtieth minute when they were awarded a penalty kick that was scored by Cathal Flynn. Five minutes later Flynn got his and his sides second when they were awarded a second penalty kick and he made no mistake a second time. And with the visitors now having to chase the game, the home side made sure of the points when Jordan Dineen got a breakaway goal ten minutes from time. Rangers had the ball in the net five minutes from the end, but it was ruled out for offside and Galbally played out the last few minutes comfortably enough.

FAI u17 Cup 5th November 2022 Match Report

Cullen Lattin 1 – 3 Clonmel Celtic

Clonmel Celtic’s under 17s progressed to the third round of the national cup with a hard fought but deserved three goals to two wins against Kilkenny side Dean Celtic on Saturday afternoon. The visitors struck first when Jake Connery raced through to put the visitors a goal up early in the first half, but the hosts were level within five minutes with Michael O’Reilly scored from close range. The goal gave Celtic confidence and they soon got on top with Jamie Ryan driving them forward from midfield. Celtic were creating chances but Jack Aylward and Dominik Mendel were denied by fine saves by the Kilkenny keeper. But they finally hit the front on the half hour mark, when Max Ryan drove home a powerful half volley that gave the keeper no chance. Further opportunities arose to add to their lead but the visiting keeper was in fine form and denied them a third goal as they eventually went to the break with a single goal lead. Early in the second half Celtic were left to rue not adding another goal when they were on top, when Bobby Brennan headed the visitors level. The goal breathed confidence into the visitors and they had a good period in the second half as the pushed for the lead goal but Peter Boland denied them with some fine saves. The game looked like it was running out for Celtic, but with just eight minutes remaining, Max Ryan fired a fine effort across the keeper and into the bottom corner for a vital lead for the home side. The visitors raised their game in a final push for an equaliser but it was Celtic that came closest in the final moments, and they ran down the clock for a fine win.

TSDL Youths Division 1 5th of Noveber 2022 Match Report

Slievenamon Celtic 1 – 3 Two Mile Borris

Two Mile Borris completed home and away wins against Slievenamon Celtic with a 3 – 1 win in Ormond Stores Kilsheelan. The home side got off to a better start when Tommy O’Connor hit a pile driver from twenty five yards out that hit the crossbar, but Borris opened the scoring shortly after, when the outstanding Jake Cullen-Jordan picked up a loose ball in midfield, went at the heart of the Slievenamon defence and curled a beauty into the top corner giving Sean Boyle no chance. Cullen – Jordan created his team’s second soon after when he drove from the right hand side putting a dangerous cross into the home area which was unfortunately turned home for an OG under pressure. Slievenamon went looking for an early second half goal which almost arrived with some excellent midfield possession, saw the ball worked out wide, but the subsequent cross was just a touch too high for Colin Egan. Borris had caused problems from set pieces all day, and got their third from this source when the home side failed to clear a corner and Tom Ryan had the easy task to put the game beyond doubt. The hosts continued to push however and eventually got some reward when Jamie Ryan was fouled in the box with Darragh Landers converting from the spot to leave the final score of three goals to one.

Clonmel Town 2 – 2 Cullen Lattin 5th of Noveber 2022 Match Report

This was a fairly even, entertaining game played at Ferryhouse on Saturday afternoon, between two good young sides. The hosts opened the scoring in the first half with a well taken finish in the box by John O’Connell, but the visitors levelled early in the second half before adding a second to take the lead half way through second half. But Town continuing fighting, and got an equaliser late in the game with a well-executed free kick dispatched by Darragh Cronin to take a share of the spoils.

Munster Youths Cup 5th November 2022 Match Report
Peake Villa Fc 4 Ardcroney Fc 1

Peake Villa youths entertained North Tipperary side Ardcroney Fc in the 3rd round.
Villa started well and were on the front foot from the start.
They took the lead in the 18th minute with a great breakaway goal, an Ardcroney throw was won by Emmet Ralph who passed into midfield to Michael Anthony who passed to Danny Moore who passed back to Michael Anthony McCarthy who finished well. 1-0
In the 22nd minute Ardcroney were awarded a penalty that was well saved by David Purcell.
Villa doubled their lead in the 25th minute when Diarmuid Campion scored with a nice finish.
Villa were on target again in the 36th minute when Danny Moore scored.
Half Time 3-0.

With the tie fairly secured Villa could use their bench and seen out the second half with relative ease.
Villa scored a 4th in the 68th minute when Michael Anthony got his second of the day.
Ardcroney did get a consolation goal with 15 minutes left.

Clonmel Town 5 – 0 Clonmel Celtic

With both teams making strong starts to the season, this was a highly anticipated local derby between two former Premier League champions from Clonmel. In the end though, it was the hosts that cruised to victory to maintain their lead and their challenge for this years Premier League title. Town started on the front foot and pinned their opponents back, creating a number of half chances before they eventually opened the scoring the tenth minute thanks to a fine strike from Lee Costello, who powered a free kick to the net from all of twenty five yards out. They kept their foot on the gas and doubled the lead mid way through the half, when Rhys O Regan finished off some good build up play. This left the home side going to the break two goals to the good, and the first goal of the second period was going to be vital. It fell again to the hosts, when ten minutes in, Costello repeated his free kick feat from earlier, to hammer his second and his sides third beyond the reach of Fabian Kerton in the Celtic goal. Three soon became four when O’ Regan got his second courtesy of a deflection and when Kyle Delaney wrapped up the scoring ten minutes from time, with arguably the goal of the game it was the Town supporters who went home much the happier from the game.

Two Mile Borris 4 – 0 Vee Rovers

Two Mile Borris heaped more pain on a struggling Vee Rovers side, when they cruised past their opponents on Sunday afternoon in Newhill. A dominant first half display set the foundations for the victory, when the home side controlled proceedings from the earliest moments of the game, right to the half time break. They made one of the chances they created pay in the twentieth minute, with Jack Carey opening the scoring with a fine drive to the net from just outside the area. Just after the hour mark they added a second when Anto Walker reacted quickest to a breaking ball at a corner kick and poked the ball home from eight yards out. The decisive goal of the game came five minutes from the break, when Daniel Rafter broke clear of a static Rovers defence to find himself one on one with the keeper, and he made no mistake, sliding the ball to the corner of the net. The second half was a bit more pedestrian, and the young Borris keeper was called upon to make a number of saves to ensure his side maintained their lead. But with Stuart Hanrahan controlling the centre of the pitch for the home side they never looked like they were going to allow the visitors to get any foothold in the game. Fifteen minutes from the end, all chances of a comeback were obliterated, when Rafter added his second and his sides fourth, finishing from what looked like an impossible angle to the delight of the watching crowd.

Peake Villa 4 – 0 Wilderness Rovers

Peake Villa continued their relentless league form with a fifth win on the trot against Wilderness Rovers at the Tower Grounds in Thurles on Sunday afternoon. The game started at a high tempo with Villa looking for an early goal, and they finally broke the deadlock in the seventeenth minute when a great run down the wing by Darragh Byrne created a chance as he crossed to Pippy Carroll who slotted home to open the scoring. The visitors chances of getting back in the game took a severe dent when they had a player dismissed in the twenty seventh minute, but they continued to be well organised and were not without chances in the rest of the first half making Shane McGuire work a few times in the Villa goal, before getting to the break at just one goal to nil behind. Early in the second Villa had the ball in the net but Eoin O Dwyer was deemed off side, and as the half began to wear on, the home side began to dominate more and more. Twenty minutes from time, they added the much needed second, extending their lead when Robbie Stapleton crossed to Dale Loughnane, and he gave the visitors keeper no chance. The game opened up more in the last quarter and Villa were able to close out the contest in the final minutes, first when Carroll turned provider by setting up substitute Scott Brennan who scored from close in. And then he capped a fine performance by getting his second of the day when Eoin O Dwyer played him in and he made no mistake to make it four goals to nil.

Mullinahone 0 – 4 Cahir Park

Bottom hosted top of the First Division league when Mullinahone entertained Cahir Park in Sunday afternoon, in a game that started in terrible conditions for football, but finished with a good win for a Cahir side desperate to get back to the top table of South Tipperary football. It was the visitors that started the brighter, forcing the home team onto the back foot right from the off, and they took a deserved lead in the fifth minute when Stephen Duggan finished from close range. A second was not long coming and six minutes later Andy Fitzpatrick curled home a free kick from all of twenty five yards out to double the Park’s lead. Duggan scored his second and the visitors third again, just on the half hour mark, with another strike from close range.  The scoring was completed when the league leaders got their fourth five minutes from the break, with Willie Dunne heading home an Andy Fitzpatrick corner from 6 yards, giving the home keeper no chance. The second half wasn’t as eventful with no further goals but both teams having chances. The final result leaves Cahir in a very strong position to try to fulfil their promotion desires, but Mullinahone look like they could have a long season ahead of them as they try to ensure they don’t slip back down a division after last years promotion

St Michael’s 1 – 2 Clonmel Town

Clonmel Town’s seconds picked up a valuable three points with this victory on Sunday last, with a deserved win after having has the lion’s share of possession and creating the more clearcut chances in a tough game of football between two keen rivals. That said, it was the Saints who struck first, after only two minutes, when Evan Ryan headed home a Cathal Berrigan corner kick to the dismay of the hosts. After that, although the Clonmel side more than worked their way back into contention in the game, they were unable to get any change out of a resolute Michael’s defence, and the visitors went to the break a goal to the good. Town started the second period with a flurry of chances, and eventually regained parity ten minutes in when Ben Smith scored from twenty five yards out after he picked up a ball off Paddy Bermingham. The Tipperary town side did create chances of their own though, but were denied by some excellent Town defending and an inspired display by Daniel Hayde in the Clonmel side’s goal. As the clock began to wind down, it looked like the sides would have to settle for a draw. But Town were not going to settle for this result and secured the three points with a goal five minutes from the end when Keenan Keeton received a pass in the area and found the corner of the net from twelve yards out. Saints huffed and puffed a bit in the dying minutes but the Town defence well marshalled by Paul Shanahan held out to take the points as the light faded at the Complex.

Tipperary Town 4 – 1 Peake Villa

Tipperary Town continued to maintain their position at the top of the First Division with another fine performance on Sunday afternoon, dismantling a Peake Villa side with ease and giving their supporters real hope that they will make the jump back to the Premier League come season end. It only took the hosts four minutes to open the scoring when Vinny Godfrey set up Tony Byrnes who made no mistake after being left one on one with the Villa netminder. But despite going a goal down so early, the visitors grew into the game and found themselves level midway through the first half when Conor Murphy hit a spectacular shot from 25 yards in off the post. This left the game going into half time all square, but it was the home side that dominated the second period. Hard work by Dylan Cummins in the centre of the pitch allowed him to set up Kevin Browne, who restored the hosts lead ten minutes into the half. Browne then turned provider, twenty minutes from the end setting up Godfrey to finish well from close range. And in the latter part of the tie, substitute Marian Duta rounded off the goals with a beautifully curling effort from the edge of the area, to give his side a deserved three points.

Galbally United 6 – 0 Clerihan

Galbally United continued their fine run of recent form, hitting six goals for the second weekend in a row, when they dismantled a Clerihan side, now struggling a little after promotion from the division below last season. The home side were on top from the beginning and took the lead in the fifteenth minute when Owen O Sullivan turned home an Eoin O Mahoney cross. They added a second ten minutes later with a tap in by Bernard O Brien, who bundled home the ball, after a corner kick had caused consternation in the Clerihan goal area. And O Sullivan rounded off the first half scoring five minutes before the break when he got his second after some very good build up play. Galbally had to wait until the sixty second minute to add a goal in the second period, but when they were awarded a penalty kick, Cathal Flynn made no mistake from twelve yards out. Completely dominant at this stage, Jordan Dineen added a great individual goal fifteen minutes from the end, and an excellent strike from Eoin o Mahoney rounded off the scoring ten minutes from time.

Cullen Lattin 4 – 3 Cashel Town

Cullen came from behind late on to steal the points in a seven goal thriller against Cashel Town on Sunday, to keep themselves in contention in the promotion race, of a league that looks like going right to the wire by season end. Both sides had early chances before the hosts opened the scoring in the twenty second minute, when Danny O Dwyer crossed for Tony O Neill to finish well. But they only managed to hold the lead for five minutes before veteran Joe Breen bagged an equaliser after heading home a cross from fellow veteran Ian Hahessy. But in a topsy turvy game, the home side got back in front got back in front seven minutes before the break when Darragh O Brien did well down the right before finding Mikey Stokes who pinged a pinpoint cross to Thomas O Mahoney to blast home. But despite taking that lead to the break, the hosts were rocked ten minutes into the second period when Hahessy provided the assist a second time, for a goal that was finished to the net by  a David O Dwyer tap in. Five minutes later, Cashel took the lead for the first time when Sean Fitzpatrick was fouled outside the box and he got up to stroke the free kick to the top corner. With nothing to lose the home side threw everything into attack in the final ten minutes and were rewarded two minutes from the end when Russell Bowes clever pass found Stokes and he went down in the area under a foul. He stepped up and converted the penalty to level the game. But they were not finished and deep into time added on, Dylan Mc Grath got released down the right put in a peach of a cross to find Thomas O Mahoney who fired home to give the home side all three points.

Rosegreen Rangers 3 – 1 Dualla

As they are always capable of doing, Rosegreen Rangers, who began Sunday morning at the bottom of the Second Division, tore up the form book by producing an excellent performance to upset top of the table Dualla at Nijinsky Park on Sunday afternoon. The rain made the pitch rather soft before kick off, but both teams were hard into the tackles as soon as the whistle was blown to begin the game. And though the blowing wind made one touch football difficult, the home side took the lead in the tenth minute when they carved out a cross to the head of Dan Corbett and he made no mistake from six yards out. A dour midfield battle ensued for the next twenty minutes with neither keeper having much to do, as chances were at a premium. But ten minutes from the break, the hosts went marauding down the left hand side before quickly switching play to the right, finding Gavin Ryan alone in the area and he turned the ball to the net. But the home side were rocked minutes later when a hopeful ball over the top of the Rangers defence saw a static backline allowed Dualla to pull a goal back. That was how the game went to the break, and as the second half wore on, tired limbs began to be displayed and the game was finally decided by a third goal midway through the half by Seanie Halloran who got in behind the visitors defence to score from close in.

Two Mile Borris 5 – 0 Tipperary Town

Borris’ seconds welcomed a faltering Tipperary Town side to Newhill on Sunday morning, in wet and blustery conditions, with a chance to finish the day on the top of the league after other teams had games called off during the weather. And they took that chance with both hands, finishing comfortable winners by five goals without reply in the end. Cathal Mc Elgun put the home side in front midway through the half, after they had missed a number of early chances, before Matt Delaney added a second to put to put his side two goals to the good before the break. The one way traffic continued into the second half with Mc Elgun adding a second midway through from the penalty spot. Rory Ryan then added a fourth with a shot from distance, before David O Connell applied the coup de grace with a fifth after an excellent assist from Shane Cody, gave their side a well deserved win to keep league push going.

Abbeyfeale United 2 – 3 St Michael’s

TSDL champions St Michael’s came from two goals down in this tie to win against Limerick opponents Abbeyfeale to set themselves up for another crack at silverware, in a brilliant game in Abbeyfeale on Sunday afternoon. Abbeyfeale got off to a perfect start taking a first minute lead through TJ Lane after he took advantage of indecision in the Saints defence to toe poke the ball home from close range. The visitors had to wait until the tenth minute before they got their first sight of goal when Joey Mulcahy played in Ashley Kelliher on the right but his shot from an angle was saved by Billy Quirke. Kelliher came close again in the eighteenth minute, but Quirke again got down to turn the ball around the post for a corner. And these misses were punished just before the half hour mark when TJ Lane again picked the pocket of a Saints defender and beat Adrian Walsh from twelve yards out to put his side two goals up. But the Tipperary side struck back only four minutes later when Paul Breen first went close with a header, only for the ball to drop to the feet of David Slattery who found the corner of the net to make it two goals to one. The same player thought he had levelled matters in the thirty seventh minute, but his shot went narrowly over the bar, and after that neither side troubled the respective keepers, leaving the game go to the break with the home side in front. The Tipperary town side brought in some reinforcements for the start of the second period and they began to dominate proceedings, levelling the game five minutes in when Ashley Kelliher turned the ball home from close range from a Kenny Cunningham left wing cross. David Slattery was always looking dangerous and consistently troubled the host’s defensive line. Saints looked the more likely to get the next goal and it came on sixty nine minutes, when Kelliher was brought down by Billy Quirke from a Slattery pass and Slattery kept his nerve to convert the penalty and put the visitors in front. Both sides used their benches over the last twenty minutes but Michael’s have huge experience in these situations, and closed out the game to make the final, where they will be a force to be reckoned with no matter who they face on the day.

Clonmel Celtic 2 – 3 Peake Villa

Clonmel Celtic fell to their first league defeat of the season going down by the odd goal in five in an entertaining if sometimes scrappy encounter with Peake Villa at Celtic Park on Sunday. It was a blistering start to the game with four goals shared within the first twenty five minutes. The visitors opened the scoring after just two minutes with some neat interplay in the Celtic box culminating with Keith Cahill’s low effort beating Julian Bentacur, who was making his debut in goal for the hosts. Celtic’s response was instant with a fine header from Simon Ahearne making it one all after just five minutes. The home side then hit the front in the seventeenth minute when Paul Kennedy converted from the spot after a handball. However, their lead was short lived when Dylan Cody took advantage of a stray clearance to fire in a fine effort from distance. Although the goals dried up there was no let- up in the hectic pace of the game as both sides battled to get on top. In the twenty second minute the home side put together a good move which finished with Paul Kennedy firing over while at the other end Robbie Stapleton was just off target with an effort. As the first half finished both sides would have fancied their chances of grabbing the important league points. But the home side were dealt a double blow shortly after the break. After losing Evan Maguire to injury they then lost a player to a second yellow card, and were reduced to ten men. They seemed to raise their efforts to compensate and came close on a couple of occasions during a good ten minute period. In the sixty third minute Mark Heffernan lifted an effort that was just over, and a minute later Seanie Hawkins had a snapshot that was just wide. But the Thurles side soon started to take advantage of the extra man finding more space as they drove forward and they were denied on sixty nine minutes by a last gasp save. Celtic almost scored in the seventieth minute, when Ben Brown did well in the box to find Mark Heffernan but his effort was charged down when it looked destined to find the net. Within two minutes Villa were ahead. They were awarded a free kick and although Fabian Kerton got down well to save Keith Cahill’s effort Darren McGuire was quickest to react to tap home the rebound. Celtic pushed for an equaliser but the heavy pitch began to takes its toll on the ten men and Villa created the better chances to put the game to bed. With eight minutes remaining Darragh Byrne fired wide when well placed and the Thurles side felt a little aggrieved when a late effort from Steve Carroll was ruled out. However they just about did enough to claim the spoils.

Vee Rovers 0 – 3 Cashel Town

With both sides suffering disappointing starts to the season, this was always going to be a vital game in the search to pick up points and move away from the bottom end of the table. In the end it was to be Cashel Town’s day, leaving the home side firmly rooted to the bottom of the Premier League pile. In the game itself, the home side started on the front foot and pinned the visitors back in the early part of the game. But it has become a pattern this year that despite playing well, Rovers have found it hard to make that count on the scoreline, and they found themselves a goal behind in the fifteenth minute when they were caught on the break and Sean Fitzpatrick opened the scoring for the away side. After that the home side continued to dominate the possession but created no chances of note and went into the break a goal behind. Cashel had the elements at their back in the second period and doubled their lead eleven minutes in, when Brian Og O Dwyer broke the home sides static offside trap and finished well from close in. Although the hosts continued to probe and even hit the crossbar twice in the second period, they were unable to find the net, with Town wrapping up all three points four minutes from time when Fitzpatrick got his second and his sides third, hammering a free kick effort to the net.

Two Mile Borris 2 – 1 Wilderness Rovers

This clash between two mid table sides in the Premier League saw the hosts take all three points after a somewhat fortunate win against an unlucky Wilderness Rovers side. The going was tough on a sticky pitch, with the away team having the majority of possession in the opening quarter of the game. The home keeper Anders Mikkelson was called on, on a number of occasions to ensure his team didn’t fall behind, making a number of excellent saves. And this allowed the home side to capitalise when a hopeful long ball from Anto Walker, found Jamie Carey in the area, who was pulled down just as he was about to fire towards goal. Martin Darmody stood up to take the penalty kick and he made no mistake putting Borris in front. They held that lead to the break and although the early period of the second half was a closer affair, things seemed to have turned within a minute around the seventy fifth minute, when Borris were reduced to ten men, and from the resulting free kick, Kyle Walker levelled the game. But the real turning point came ten minutes from the end when Daniel Rafter came on for the home side and within two minutes was played through on goal, rounded the keeper and slid the ball home. The Wilderness kept up the pressure all the way to the end in trying to get back into the game, but were themselves reduced to ten men in time added on. Rafter thought he had wrapped the game up for the home side when he hit the net a second time, but this effort was ruled out for offside. In the end Borris held on for the win, much to the delight of their supporters.

St Nicholas 1 – 6 Galbally United

The home side went into this game joint top of the Second Division table. But were well and truly mugged by a Galbally side who brought their best performance of the season to Solohead on Sunday afternoon. The visitors started strongly and were a goal up inside five minutes thanks to some good build up play, finished off by an excellent strike from Jordan Dineen. They added a second in the sixteenth minute when Eoin O Sullivan got in behind the home defence only to be taken down in the area, and Cathal Flynn stood up to fire home the penalty kick. Completely on top now, they added a third in the twenty eight minute when Jack English fired home from the edge of the area after he’d beating the home sides offside line. The only real chance of note from the home side came ten minutes before the break, when Jack Redican was desperately unlucky to see his excellent volleyed effort just clear the crossbar. But there was to be another goal in the opening period and Jordan Dineen, who was proving a handful all afternoon, added a second five minutes before the break. The home side started better in the second period and pulled a goal back eight minutes in when a Jason Sutton corner kick landed on the head of Aiden Riordan who made no mistake from less than five yards. But whatever chance that might been the start of an unlikely comeback, was extinguished within a minute as Galbally went back upfield and hit a fifth with Dineen finishing off his hat trick. The game kind of fizzled out after that, and had to wait until the final ten minutes before the visitors applied a coup de grace, with Dineens fine shot being palmed by the Saints keeper into the path of the onrushing substitute David Mc Grath who belted the rebound to the net to make it six goals to one.

Cashel Town 0 – 1 Rosegreen Rangers

Rosegreen Rangers went into this hotly contested local derby as one of only two teams in the Junior league still awaiting a victory this season, but got rid of that unwelcome record with a win over neighbours Cashel Town at Palmerhill on Sunday afternoon. And they did it in the most dramatic manner possible, when after what had been a relatively dull game with few real chances of note they scored in the final minute of time added on through Niall O Brien, to secure the three points. O Brien was in the right place at the right time to put the finishing touches to a cross from the left side of the pitch, to the delight of the travelling Rangers supporters. Overall, a draw would probably have been a fair result, but that didn’t stop the visiting team claiming the bragging rights for the time being anyway.

Dualla 2 – 1 Cullen Lattin

Dualla started this game with some hesitation but after blowing of the cobwebs they produced a fine result that sees them now move to the top of the Second Division table, and right into both the title and promotion mix for a second year in a row. The first half was really bereft of good chances, but the home side finally took the lead on the half hour mark when they were awarded a penalty kick that was despatched to the net by Brian Sheehy. They held that lead to the break and from the beginning of the second half, the game opened up and became very eventful. The home side lost Ger O Dwyer to injury on the hour mark, but found a second goal shortly after when Toss Ryan found room between the centre backs stroked the ball past the visiting keeper to the corner of the net. But the away side never gave up the fight and pulled a goal back with fifteen minutes left, when Danny O Dwyer slammed a twenty five yard effort to the net. This made it a nervy ending for Dualla, but keeper Eoin “Batman” Fitzgerald was inspired between the posts, and made sure his side would finish the weekend on top with all three points.

Kilsheelan United 2 – 1 Tipperary Town

Kilsheelan United welcomed Tipperary Town B to the Ormonde Stores pitch on Sunday afternoon, and arrested a poor run of results with a deserved win, albeit needing a late goal to secure all three points. Both sides shared the possession early on, before the home side got the breakthrough in the twentieth minute. John O’Dwyer picked up the ball on the edge of the visitor’s box, before his effort was handled and up stepped Evan Forristal to calmly slot home to open the scoring. The lead didn’t last long however, as moments later Kilsheelan gave away a penalty for handling themselves and Town levelled the game with a successful spot kick of their own. The hosts were dominant for the rest of the half, causing havoc in the visitor’s box on a number of occasions through Ruairi Doyle’s long-throws, but they eventually went to the break level at one all. The second period saw the game open up a lot more. Both sides got in behind each defence on numerous occasions, but were unable to apply the necessary quality to add to the scores. The game looked destined for a draw, but with three minutes left to play, Jamie Roche hunted down the visiting defence, picking up a loose pass, and fired to the corner of the net to the delight of his team mates and supporters, ensuring the three points for his side.

FAI Youth Cup, 3rd Round

Cullen Lattin 1 – 3 Clonmel Celtic

Cullen hosted league leaders Clonmel Celtic in the national cup at the weekend and despite putting in a very credible performance were unable to stop the Clonmel side continuing their very strong start to the season thus far. On a beautiful day for football, the game turned out to be a great cup tie. Celtic played lovely flowing football but the home side were winning big tackles and chasing every ball. Chances were coming and going for both teams, and on the half hour mark, Javier Serrano turned over a Celtic defender, before finding Evan Carrie who made no mistake to finish into the bottom corner and put the hosts a goal up. The game in this over and back fashion to half time, with the hosts intent on holding onto the lead they fought hard to create. They started the second half as they finished the first, chasing every ball and working very hard. But eventually the quality of the visitors began to wear them down and eventually that showed when twenty minutes from time after some loose play in the middle of the pitch, the visitors finally got the equaliser their play deserved. With their tails up now, the league leaders added a second five minutes later, and when they converted a penalty kick five minutes from time, they assured themselves that they would be going into the hat for the next round at the expense of a game but beaten Cullen sid

Peake Villa 3 – 1 Freebooters (Kilk.)

FAI Youth Cup, 3rd Round

Peake Villas youths advanced to the next round of the FAI Youth Cup with a deserved three goals to one win over a fancied Freebooters at the Tower Field in Thurles on Saturday afternoon. Both teams created chances in the first half but failed to convert any in what was a typical cagey Cup tie with both defences on top. The second half was a more open affair, with the home side getting off to the perfect start when they opened the scoring two minutes in thanks to a brilliant strike from the edge of the box by Kieran Purcell. The lead was short lived however when in the fifty first minute Freebooters were awarded a penalty which they duly despatched to level the score. Villa retook the lead when Danny Moore ran onto a ball over the top and volleyed to the top corner, in the seventieth minutes, and they scored again with a well struck free kick from Daniel Rossiter nine minutes from time to complete the victory.

Munster Youths Cup

Ballymackey United 3 – 8 Clonmel Town

Clonmel Town overcame North Tipp side Ballymackey to advance in the Munster Youths Cup in a game played in good dry conditions on Saturday last. Town opted to play with the wind in the first half, and that decision paid dividends as they dominated the opening exchanges and took the lead in the thirteenth minute through John Buckley. Alex Lawless doubled town’s lead in the twenty second minute, and Darragh Cronin made it three shortly after with a well taken free kick from just outside the box. Lawless got his second and his sides fourth just after the half hour mark, with Harry Ryan adding a fifth just before the half time whistle. Although the second half was a much more even affair Town still drew first blood, with a well finished goal by Darragh Cronin to make it six. The home side then got two on the bounce before Cian McGrath steadied the ship with a seventh for the Clonmel side, twelve minutes from the end. Ballymackey were still game and pulled another back from the penalty spot to make it seven to three, but Milo McNamara sealed the win with an eight goal late on.

TSDL Youths Division Two

Mullinahone 0 – 8 Cashel Town

Cashel Town cemented their position at the top of Division Two in the Youths league with a good win over a young Mullinahone side. The visitors were in charge from the off and ran in six goals in the first half to put the tie out of reach. Two more goals were added in a more pedestrian second period to complete the scoring

Clonmel Celtic 0 – 1 St Michael’s

In one of two massive all Premier League ties in the FAI Junior Cup at the weekend, Clonmel Celtic suffered their first defeat of the new season when they went down by a single goal to a strong St Michael’s team at the bypass on Sunday afternoon. The game was tight from the outset with not a lot between the teams and very few clear chances made by either side, so it was no surprise when the game went to the break scoreless. The second period opened up a little and chances were created at both ends as both sides chased the crucial opener. In recent years the visitors have had a lot of experience in these close tight games and when Joey Mulcahy headed them ahead in the sixty eight minute, the Celtic supporters knew it would take a monumental effort to turn the tie around. They did come close with Darren Sweeney having their best effort turned away late on, but in the end the vast experience of the visitors held, and they advanced to the next round by the single goal.

Peake Villa 1 – 0 Clonmel Town

The Tower Grounds was the venue for the tie of Round two in what was tasking conditions with heavy rain falling from the start of play. Like any cup tie it was a cagey affair early on, with the best early chance falling to Mick Ryan of Villa whose effort went just the wrong side of the crossbar. Although the Thurles side were playing some good football it was going to be difficult to break down the opposition, and they got the perfect opportunity when in the twenty ninth minute when a great flick from Pippy Carroll found Ronan McGuire in space, but the striker was taking down in the box and the referee pointed at the spot. Carroll stood up to take the all important penalty kick, and he made no mistake to open the scoring. The two teams continued to battle to make chances but it proved difficult with the deteriorating conditions, and there were no more goals before the break. The second period saw the two teams have a real go at each other, and there were chances for both sides with Villa coming close on a few occasions through Carroll and a Keith Cahill effort that came back off the post. The save of the game came in the seventy second minute when Shane McGuire made a great save from a deflected free kick to keep Villa ahead. Conditions were awful for the last ten minutes and Town pressed hard looking for an equaliser with corners and free kicks coming into the box but the home defence held their ground and held on for a good win.

Cullen Lattin 2 – 0 Moneygall

This was an end to end affair in appalling conditions in Aisling Park, but in the end the home side held on to book a place in the third round after a good win against their NTDL opponents. The visitors started well and came close a number of times in the first twenty minutes, with the hosts keeper being in inspired form to keep his side well in the game. Neither side could break the deadlock in the first half but the home side were much the better outfit right from the start of the second period. They opened the scoring ten minutes in, when a well hit free kick from John Looby was saved and Tom O Mahony pounced on the rebound, to poke home from six yards out. Moneygall came back with good chances and hit the post with a long range shot, but they were rocked for a second time midway through the half when Darren Neville whipped a ball into Tom O Mahoney and he doubled his and his sides tally for the day, to put the hosts two goals up. Late on Mikey Stokes had a chance to make it three and put the game completely beyond the visitors but he was denied by a great stop by the Moneygall keeper. That however made no difference to the final outcome, with the TSDL side coming out on top and moving into the next phase of the tournament.

Cashel Town 1 – 0 Rearcross

Struggling in the domestic league, Cashel Town also faced off against NTDL opposition when they hosted Rearcross at Palmershill on Sunday afternoon. The game was played in atrocious conditions, but both teams did their best to play football in the almost impossible conditions. Chances were few and far between with neither keeper having much to do for long periods, and the game went to the break scoreless. The second half was nearly worse as the pitch got heavier making it even more difficult for both sets of players, but the home side finally got the goal they craved eighteen minutes from the end. It came from an excellent passage of play between Lee O’ Riordan and Callum Meagher, which ended seeing Meagher finish well from ten yards out. In the end this was enough to send the home side through, much to the delight and relief of their fans and connections.

Killenaule Rovers 1 – 3 Wilderness Rovers

Premier League side Wilderness Rovers eased past their Third Division opponents Killenaule Rovers on Sunday afternoon to advance to the third round of this years FAI Junior Cup. The visitors dominated the early possession, but needed a penalty to finally break down the resolute home side with Graeme Kelly converting from twelve yards out. The hosts fought back and found themselves level ten minutes before the break when they were awarded a penalty of their own which Dylan Walsh fired to the net sending the visiting keeper the wrong way. That was all the scoring in an entertaining first half, and the Clonmel side took control again in the early part of the second period, with Kelly heading them back into the lead when he was found unmarked with a cross to the back post. Killenaule forced a brilliant save from the Wildies keeper and had a shot come off the crossbar, as they fought to get back into the game, but were punished a third time when Sean Browne scored Wildernesses third late on, that proved to be the insurance goal for the higher league side.

Rosegreen Rangers 3 – 2 Cahir Park

Struggling at the bottom of the Second Division, Rosegreen pulled off the shock result of the weekend, when they came from two goals down to snatch the unlikeliest of wins against First Division Cahir Park at a wet and windy Nijinsky Park on Sunday afternoon. The visitors were the stronger team in the first half and controlled possession for most of the time, fashioning some good chances along the way. They eventually broke down the home defence midway through and took the lead with a goal by Ger Quinn. That was the only goal of the half and when Quinn doubled the Park’s led ten minutes into the second half it looked like they were going to stroll to a relatively easy victory. But Rosegreen are always a team that can put in a performance and got themselves back into the game just after the hour mark thanks to a wondrous volleyed goal from all of twenty five yards out, struck by Ian Collins. This gave them the impetus to launch an all out blitz and they levelled the game twelve minutes from time when substitute TJ Ryan found the net after he was played through on goal. Both sides went looking for the winner after that, and just as it looked like the game would have to go to extra time, the hosts came up with a winner, with Ryan adding his second with the final kick of the game to the delight of the home supporters.

Mullinahone 3 – 4 Peake Villa

Mullinahone and Peake Villa played out a seven goal thriller on Sunday morning, that say the Thurles side pick up their first win of the season and move off the bottom of the First Division table for the first time this season. Conditions were good for the game, and the visitors started all guns blazing, opening the scoring in the sixth minute with a goal by Scott Brennan. They doubled that lead four minutes later when Kevin Patan got in behind the home defence and made no mistake from close in. Absolutely dominant in the half the away side had the ball in the net twice more before the break, but both efforts were ruled out for offside, as they attempted to steam roll the home side. On the few occasions that Mullinahone did manage to get a shot away, their efforts were dealt with in the Villa goal by the excellent Jack Condon. The game looked done and dusted when the visitors extended their lead to three early in the second half, when Niall Dunnes speculative shot was deflected into the home net. But Mullinahone battled on and got a goal back just after the hour mark from a good strike by Ryan Hicks from outside the box to make it, three goals to one. It was game on when the home side brought on substitute Paul Fogarty in the seventieth minute, and he had an immediate impact in firing home to make it three goals to two. But the young Villa side dug deep and extended their lead back to two goals ten minutes from time when Conor Murphy blasted a free kick to the net with a great strike. To the home sides credit they never gave up and brought it back to the minimum once again four minutes from time when Hicks scored a spectacular second with a bicycle kick, but eventually the away side saw out the game to take the precious three points in the end.

Burncourt Celtic 1 – 4 Donohill and District

This game was played under a continuous downpour in Burncourt on Sunday, with the home side being on top early on, and opening the scoring in the fifth minute when Timmy Darcy met a cross into the box to score. But that really was as good as it got for the home side as Michael Bowes got Donohill level with the first of a hat trick of goals just before the half hour mark, smashing home an effort from the edge of the area. Five minutes later Dinny Crosse scored a fine individual goal to make it two goals to one for the visitors, but just before the half time break, the hosts got the perfect opportunity to equalise when they were awarded a penalty kick. However the Donohill keeper was up to the task, and made a fine save. Ten minutes into the second half, Bowes extended the lead to three goals to one when he got his second goal and with fifteen minutes left on the clock he added a third to make sure his side would take the three points.

Kilsheelan United 5 – 3 Two Mile Borris

The game was played in terrible conditions with wind and rain for the whole game but to the credit of both teams it turned out to be a very exciting game. Kilsheelan started the brighter and they opened the scoring inside five minutes when Aaron Larkin’s strong shot was parried by the keeper into to the path of Cathal De Faoite who slotted home from close range. Minutes later they doubled their advantage when John O’Dwyer picked up the ball in midfield and went on a run down the wing, before crossing for Evan Forristal to put the ball into the net. Eventually the visitors played themselves back into the game, and they pulled a goal back just before the half hour mark through a fine shot by Thomas Darmody. But the home side held the lead to the break. Two minutes into the second half though, Borris were level after a looping header from Rory Ryan deceived the keeper to nestle in the net. And things got better for the visitors when the turnaround was complete just before the hour mark, after an unfortunate attempted clearance from the home area ended up in their own net, to put Borris in front. But the home side continued to battle and levelled the game twenty minutes from time when Nathan Dolan was taken town on the edge of the area, but he stood up to fire the resulting free kick to the net. They retook the lead ten minutes from time when Cathal De Faoite beat two defenders and calmly curved the ball into the bottom corner, before ensuring they would take all three points with a fifth goal from John O Dwyer shortly before the end of the game.

Cahir Park 1 – 1 Powerstown

This was a terrific game played in atrocious conditions between two teams who will be hoping to be involved in the title and promotion race come season end in Division Three. Powerstown opened the scoring on twenty-five minutes when a pin point cross from the right was met perfectly by an inrushing forward who made no mistake with his header. Ten minutes later the home side were handed a chance to level the game, when they were awarded a penalty kick, but it was brilliantly saved by the visiting Powerstown keeper. As the rain continued to pour down in the second half the Park finally got their equaliser in the sixty second minute when a spectacular long range effort by Shane Bennett found the back of the net. Both teams had chances to win the game after this, but no more goals scored meant that it finished in a draw, which seemed the fairest result on the day.

FAI Youths Cup, 1^st Round

Freebooters (Kilk.) 2 – 1 Clonmel Town

Clonmel Town’s youths travelled to Kilkenny to play the first round of the FAI Youths Cup on Saturday and despite putting in a valiant display, they bowed out after losing by the odd goal in three. The home side started the first half with a strong wind at their back which they used to keep the Town lads pinned back in their half for the first twenty minutes, but once the away side got to grips with the conditions, they started to create opportunities, and for most of the remaining half it was end to end football. But Freebooters eventually took the lead just before half time from a brilliant free kick, which bent around the Town wall and into the top corner keeper, leaving the visiting keeper with no chance of saving. Into the second period, the Tipperary team thought they got a brilliant start when a well-executed free kick from time Darragh Walsh initially found the head of Maks Ciesnik, whose effort was parried into the path of Darragh Cronin, but he saw his chance cleared of the line. Town did equalise ten minutes later however after they broke quickly from a ‘Booters attack and found Cronin in the area, before he was chopped down to earn his side a penalty kick. He stepped up himself and made no mistake, levelling the game at one all. As the game wore on, it became stretched, with the Kilkenny side having the better of the chances, and they finally forced a penalty kick of their own ten minutes from the end. This resulting kick put the hosts back in front, and despite the TSDL sides efforts to get back into the game, they were unable to and exited the competition with their heads held high.

Munster Youths Cup 1^st Round

Bansha Celtic 4 – 5 Peake Villa (AET)

Despite creating a few early chances Villa found themselves a goal down following an unfortunate own goal in this game, but responded well and scored three goals in quick succession from Paul Noonan, Michael Anthony McCarthy and Daniel Rossiter, to lead three one midway through the first half. The home side continued to battle though and had the final say in the first half, scoring a second to leave the game at three goals to two to the Thurles side at half time. And Bansha came out all guns blazing early in the second period, scoring a quickfire brace to take the lead once again, with the visitors needing a late goal from the head of Daniel Rossiter to force the game into extra time. Although both sides were pretty evenly matched in the extra twenty minutes, Villa managed to avoid the drama of a penalty shootout when in the second period of extra time Danny Moore pounced on an error by the Bansha keeper to score the winner.

Vee Rovers 2 – 0 Wilderness Rovers

Vee Rovers finally picked up their fist win of the season in the Munster Junior Cup against fellow Premier League team Wilderness Rovers on Sunday afternoon in Clogheen. In a game that took place in horrendous conditions, the home team started out playing into a very heavy wind, but still took control of the game and dominated the early proceedings. They had a number of half chances before they finally took the lead in the twentieth minute, when Sean Casey finished off a five man passing movement to slot the ball calmly past the visiting keeper. They had a number of chances after that to extend the lead but there were no more goals in what was an entertaining first half. With the wind now at their backs, they continued in the same dominant vein in the second period and added the important second goal eighteen minutes from time, with Alan Condon finding the target. Although Wilderness tried throughout the game to fashion scores, the hosts defence were in great form and kept them quiet right to the end to ensure their sides victory.

Bansha Celtic 9 – 1 Clerihan

Bansha Celtic showed the gulf between the Premier League and Division Two, when they dismantled a brave Clerihan side at home on Sunday morning to move to the next round of the Munster Junior Cup. The hosts took the lead almost straight from kick off when Eamon Quirke was on hand to finish from close range, and withing two more minutes added a second, when Liam Murphy was on hand to capitalise on a defensive mistake from close range. With this cushion, they were able to pick apart a shell shocked Clerihan side and added a third in the twentieth minute after some nice build up play, saw the ball end up with Eamon Quirke, who finished well to the bottom corner. Ten minutes from the break it became four goals to nil when Daire Egan rose highest to head in a corner kick at the back post. The second half started much the same as the first when the home side were awarded a penalty after just two minutes, and Daire Egan doubled his tally from the spot. Five minus later it was six when Eamon Quirke completed his hat trick, and on the hour mark it turned to seven when Daire Egan got his third, smashing home from the edge of the box. Clerihan finally got themselves a consolation through Jonas Kerr with a well taken goal in the sixty fifth minute, but two more goals by the home side through Darren McGrath and a fourth from Daire Egan finished out an excellent home side performance.

Cullen Lattin 1 – 3 Peake Villa

High flying Peake Villa travelled to Aisling Park in Cullen to contest this second round tie in the Munster Junior Cup, on a morning where playing conditions were extremely difficult with heavy rain and strong winds hampering both sides ability to play football. Villa were in control for the early part of the game but created very few chances until the thirteenth minute when Pippy Carroll found himself in space on the left, took on the home defence and coolly slotted home to put his side one up. Just before the half hour mark, the same player added a second when Villa were awarded a free kick just outside the Cullen area and Carroll curled a delicious effort into the net. But Cullen didn’t fold, and a few minutes later they took advantage of sloppy defending in the visitor’s area, and Mickie O Brien finished from close in to bring the score back to two goals to one. This woke Villa up and they restored their two goal advantage when Robbie Stapleton took advantage of good build up play to find himself one on one with the keeper and he made no mistake from close in. This was how the game went to the break, and as the second half progressed, the game turned into a drab affair as weather conditions worsened, but the visitors had done enough in the first half to go through to the next round.

Peake Villa B 3 – 2 Galbally United

Peake Villas seconds joined their first team in the next round of the Munster Junior Cup, when they defeated Galbally at a wet and windy Tower Grounds on Sunday afternoon.Both teams started well and from the start it was obvious that there were going to be goals in this game. The opener came for the visitors after a slip up in the home defence led to Owen O Sullivan breaking clear and he made no mistake fifteen minutes into the game. But the home side gradually began to up the pace and were rewarded for good play when Kevin Patan broke through before was taken down in the box, and Conor Murphy made no mistake from the resulting spot kick. After that the game settled with neither side making any more clear chances before half time, and the teams went to the break level. The game opened up in the second half and the young Villa side came into their own, having a strong spell before a Keelan Graham shot was parried by the keeper and Scott Brennan was quickest to react to make it two goals to one midway through the half. On top now, they almost added a third but Jack Kelly’s header came back off the crossbar and was scrambled away. But fourteen minutes from time, they finally added the third they were looking for when a Niall Dunne corner was met by the head of Sean Condron who powered home. Galbally got back in the game nine minutes from the end when they were awarded a penalty and Josh Dineen scored to bring it back to a single goal game. But the Villa team managed to hold on and took the victory in the end to the delight of their supporters and management.

St Michael’s 3 – 1 Clonmel Town

This game was rightly billed as the tie of the round, as the visitors took an unbeaten start to their season to Cooke Park, to take on perennial favourites and record winners of the competition St Michael’s. And in the end, it was the Saints that prevailed, thanks to a strong first half performance, and the ability to withstand a strong second half showing, at a well game on Sunday afternoon. The hosts were fast out of the blocks and hit a superb opener in the third minute, when Russell Quirke broke the cover from an Ashley Kelliher pass and Jimmy Carr was on hand near goal to convert the cross from close range. But Town played themselves into the game and were level in the seventeenth minute, when Keith Guiry was upended as he burst into the Saints area by Adrian Walsh and the resultant penalty saw Alan O’Donnell’s fire home on the rebound after his initial shot was saved. But the cheers from the away end had barely died down when the home side re-established their advantage minutes later, again from the penalty spot. Russell Quirke was fouled in the area and although Evan Comerford saved Jimmy Carr’s initial penalty, Carr too reacted quickest to slot home the rebound. Both sides had chances after that but Saints delivered the telling blow in the thirty second minute when Ashley Kelliher got on the end of a Joey Mulcahy shot after Jimmy Carr did well to break down the left flank, to make it three goals to one. The entertaining half came to a close with Saints two goals to the good, and the crowd looked forward to more of the same in the second half. But it failed to deliver as the home side had the luxury to slowing the pace down and choking off all areas of attack from an increasingly frustrated Town side. Both Ashley Laslett and Alan O Donnell fashioned chances for the Clonmel side, but they never really looked like putting the home side under the kind of pressure that would be needed to pull their team back into the game. And even as they did, the hosts always retained that goalscoring threat that they felt could be brought out if and when it was necessary. In the end, there were no more goals in the game, and the home side continue the well-travelled path further and deeper into a competition that has given them many successful days in the past.

Cashel Town 2 – 2 Two Mile Borris (AET Two Mile Borris win 3-1 on penalties)

Another all Premier League clash saw Cashel Town and Two Mile Borris go all the way to the penalty kick lottery to decide who would take their place in the next round of the Cup, with an entertaining game played in front of a good crowd at Palmershill on Sunday afternoon. The game was as tight as was expected with both sides being tentative for most of the first half, before Cashel finally grabbed the lead six minutes before the break when Jack Fitzpatrick shot home from close range after a corner kick had been flicked on to him. That was the only goal of the first half, and the away side took control of the second period, levelling matters in the fifty seventh minute when Stuart Hanrahan fired through a group of defenders to score from twelve yards out. Six minutes later they took the lead when Alto Walker delivered a bullet of a header from a corner kick to give the home keeper no chance. From there to the end there looked like there was going to be only one winner but Borris were shocked in the final minute of the game when the hosts scored against the run of play with a Sean Fitzpatrick effort to bring the game into extra time. And the home side had the better of the chances in that period, with Brian O Dwyer rattling the post and Jamie O Keeffe hammering an effort off the crossbar, but to no effect on the scoreline. In the end neither time could find the winner in open play and when it went to spot kicks, it was the visitors that held their nerve the better to prevail on a three goal to one advantage.

TSDL First Division 9th October 2022 Match Reports

Cahir Park 2 – 1 Tipperary Town

Cahir Park welcomed Tipp Town to the park in a top of the table clash on Sunday morning, and it took quite a while for the game to get going in the poor conditions they had to face. Neither side fashioned anything that could be called a decent chance in the first half and they went to the break scoreless. The second half started with the home team on top, and five minutes in, they nearly made their pressure play only to see Andy Fitzpatrick’s effort come back off the crossbar with the visiting keeper stranded. But only three minutes later, the visitors finally took the lead when Vinny Godfrey got in behind the home defence and finished well from ten yards. The hosts upped their game and were level shortly after when Ger Quinn finished tapped home and a Tom Keating shot was saved by the Town keeper, but fell kindly for the home side. The Park piled on the pressure in search of the lead goal a got their reward five minutes after the hour mark, when Willie Dunne poked home after a goal mouth scramble. Town tried hard to get back into the game and came close on two occasions, once forcing Brian Sweeney into point blank save, but the home side managed to hold on to take the points and join their opponents at the summit of Division One.

St Michaels 1 – 2 Old Bridge

A litany of missed chances cost Saints here in a game where they would have felt they deserved something against an Old Bridge side who have been blowing hot and cold so far this season. The strong swirling wind which made control of the ball very difficult all afternoon saw both sides struggle, but the home side had early efforts on goal both blocked by some excellent goalkeeping, and poor finishing. Shane Foley went clean through on fourteen minutes but the wind blew the ball away from him on his run to goal, and the Bridge breathed a sigh of relief. And minutes later, Jack Burke gave the visitors the lead when he turned in cross from close range. They made it two nil in the twenty seventh minute when Robbie McGrath failed to control a cross and David Cagney made no mistake from close range. Josh Flannery brought a save from Power in the visitors goal and Evan Hawkins saw his effort come back off the bar on the half hour, but in the end the away side took their two goal lead to the break. The home side pushed forward in numbers early in the second half but Bridge remained dangerous on the break throughout.  Seven minutes from the end the home side finally got the goal their efforts deserved when a cross come shot by substitute Paddy Bermingham deceived the keeper to make it two goals to one. But that was to be the end of the scoring and the Clonmel side hung in for a vital three points.

Mullinahone 0 – 3 Clonmel Town

A Kevin Kirwan hat trick on Sunday afternoon gave Clonmel Town’s seconds a good win over a Mullinahone side struggling to adapt to life after promotion at the start of the season. The weather made it tough for both sides but the visitors were able to dominate the ball for long periods and went into the break two goals to the good thanks to the excellent forward play by Kirwan. The lead allowed them to soak up any pressure put on them by the home side in the second period and they made sure of the points when Kirwan added a third midway through the half after some excellent play through the middle of the pitch.

TSDL Third Division 9^th October 2022 Match Reports

Powerstown 3 – 2 Bansha Celtic

Both sides threatened early on, in what was a game that crackled with chances from the start. Kieran Quirke made some heroic saves in the Powerstown goal to keep the score level at nil all, before Brian McKeown put the home side in front after seventeen minutes, when he got on the end of a ball played in behind the Celtic defence and clinically placed it past the Bansha Celtic goalkeeper. Bansha continued to push, but they were caught on the break minutes before the end of the half, and Mc Keown doubled his and his sides tally with a well taken second goal. The visitors started the better of the two teams in the second period and halved the deficit when they struck just after the hour mark. They followed up with a second five minutes later to rock the home side when they were awarded a penalty kick after a home defender was adjudged to have deliberately handled a ball that was heading to the net. This also seen Powerstown reduced to ten men, with the momentum looking to have completely swung to the visiting side. But Powerstown rallied and Brian McKeown completed his hat trick in the sixty-eight minute to put his side back in front. The final twenty minutes was a cagey affair, but the home side showed great character to withstand the Bansha bombardment and see the game out for all three points.

Killenaule Rovers 3 – 0 Kilsheelan United

Killenaule Rovers continued their good start to the season with another good win over a Kilsheelan side that have been showing some up and down form this season. The home side dominated the play right from the off, and went into the break two goals to the good thanks to a brace of goals from Dylan Walsh. The same player continued harassing the victors back line throughout the second period, and added hit hat trick goal on the hour mark. After that it was a case of controlling the ball and running down the clock and they did so easily enough to grab all three points.

TSDL Youths Division 9^th October 2022 Match Reports

TSDL Youths Division 1

Slievenamon Celtic 1 – 1 Bansha Celtic

Slievenamon picked up their first points of the season with a hard-fought draw against Bansha Celtic on Saturday afternoon. The visitors had been in better form going into the game and had a lot of the early ball, looking particularly dangerous from set pieces. But the home side soaked up the pressure and created a really good opportunity when Cian Phelan took advantage of some good build up play, before his effort went straight into the visiting keeper’s grasp. That gave the home side more confidence to attack and they were rewarded when they took the lead after they were awarded a penalty that was dispatched to the net by Darragh Landers. The away side piled on the pressure in the second half and with fifteen minutes to go, won a penalty of their own, that was fired home by Adam Hennessey to level the game. Both sides pushed for a winner after that, but it was not to be, and they had to be content with a share of the spoils in the end.

Youths Round up

There were two TSDL Youths sides in action in the FAI Under 17 Cup, with unfortunately neither being successful after two high scoring games. In the first Donohill travelled to play North Tipperary side Killavilla and the two sides set up a goalfest for the watching supporters. In the end, while the North Tipperary side prevailed by a single goal in nine, the young Donohill team can be happy that they did themselves proud on the day. It wasn’t however any way close in the second game involving a TSDL side, when Cahir Park welcomed Waterford outfit Bridge United, only to be put to the sword by six goals to one against their very strong opponents.

In Youth League action, Peake Villa continued to climb in Division One, with a two goal win away to Cullen Lattin, while in Division Two the clash between the two unbeaten sides saw Cashel travel to Shanbally United and come home with all three points after a comfortable two goal to nil win.

Munster League Champions Cup, ¼ final

St Michael’s 1 – 0 Pike Rovers

Saints produced an excellent performance here to defeat last year’s Fai Junior Cup finalists Pike Rovers before a sizeable attendance at Cooke Park in the first clash between the two clubs since the 2019 Munster Junior Cup final, on Saturday afternoon in Tipperary Town. Both sides will have big ambitions on numerous fronts this season, and played out an edgy first quarter of an hour, with the home side having a number of half chances, notably by Joey Mulcahy and Jimmy Carr. But the Limerick side was up to the challenge, and were dangerous themselves, with Colm Walsh O Loughlin and Eoin Hanrahan causing all sorts of problems to a home defence marshalled by the evergreen Paul Breen and new kid on the block DJ Cremins. Tempers flared a little midway through the half after some rough tackling on the mercurial Jimmy Carr, but after that the game settled into a bit of a dour midfield slog with neither side willing to commit too much forward and expose themselves to being caught on the counter attack. With that the game reached half time scoreless, with both sets of supporters hoping for some more goalmouth action in the second half. Pike started the second period on top and were unlucky not to have opened the scoring in the very first minute, when Kevin Barry smashed a shot into the side netting. A sublime pass from Colin Daly four minutes later, released Walsh O’ Loughlin, but his effort also found itself going narrowly the wrong side of the post. But ten minutes later, when the Pike striker had to leave the field with an injury, it left the visitors attack blunted and slowly but sure the home side started to play their way back on top in the tie. Both sides began using their benches as darkness and rain descended on Cooke Park, and the absorbing encounter gripped every supporter in attendance. Saints though, finally got the breakthrough in the seventy first minute, when Joey Mulcahy and Jimmy Carr combined well, to get the ball to John O’Brien, who scored from a tight angle when many observers thought the ball had gone wide or hit the side netting. Pike took the game to the home side from then onwards, and pinned the Tipperary side back for the final quarter of an hour, but a side with the amount of big game experience that St Michael’s have accrued over the years simply soaked up the pressure and played down the clock, before taking the victory to the delight of their staff and supporters alike.

TSDL Premier League 2^nd October 2022 Match Reports

Peake Villa 9 – 0 Vee Rovers

It was a goal fest up at the Tower Grounds Sunday afternoon, for the second week in a row, with Villa once again on song in front of goal and showing the sort of form they hope will carry them to a league title come season end. Captain Pippy Carroll opened the scoring in the fifteenth minute after they had fluffed their lines on a few occasions prior to that, and Carroll only had to wait another minute before he doubled his and his sides tally from the penalty spot. In complete control now, they added a third in the eighteenth minute, when Dylan Coady finished off some nice build up play. By the time Ronan Mc Guire added the fourth in the twenty sixth minute, it was obvious that this was going to be a long day for Rovers, who conceded a fifth two minutes before the break, with Carroll completing a first half hat trick. With the points in the bag the home side, could have been guilty of taking it easy in the second half but they did not. Ten minutes in, Carroll hit the post and his shot came back to Michael Quinlan who slotted home to make it six. Ronan McGuire got his second of the day in the sixty sixth minute to make it seven, and two goals in the final five minutes from Jack Ryan Casey and Robbie Stapleton rounded off a devastating performance by the Thurles side.

Wilderness Rovers 3 – 3 Clonmel Town

This game was always going to be a battle in terms of aggression, tempo and fitness, and it didn’t disappoint, as these two teams played out a second high scoring derby this season. The league leaders took the initiative from the beginning and opened the scoring when they were awarded a penalty in the eight minute that was fired home by Alan O Donnell. This gave the visitors a spring in their step and they dominated the rest of the first half, adding two more goals in the thirty fourth and thirty ninth minute, through efforts by Ashley Laslett and Craig Guiry.  But just as they looked like going in at the break with that advantage, the home side grabbed a lifeline through a goal scored by Graham Kelly, who finished off a neat pass from Ashely Keane. This gave the home side the impetus to start the second period in a much stronger fashion, and they quickly put their more illustrious opponents on the back foot. It was a game of high intensity and massive tackles all over, but the visitors seemed to have weathered the storm. That was until the final five minutes of the game the hosts pulled back a second goal, with Keane this time netting the goal after being set up by Sean Browne. This set up a grandstand finish, and after a spell of constant bombardment from the Wildies, Town conceded a third, when Cian Cullinane found Jack Landy in space, to smash the ball home and bring the game back level. The game was to finish this way and it was the least the home side deserved, while also putting a huge dent in Town’s title ambitions.

Cashel Town 3 – 2 Two Mile Borris

Cashel Town finally got their season up and running with their first points in a cracking game of football played in perfect weather conditions at Palmershill in Cashel on Sunday afternoon. This was an end to end game from the beginning, with the home side finally opening the scoring in the twenty second minute when Kyle Ryan crossed from the left and Kevin Keating supplied a neat finish. After that however it was the visitors that began to dominate proceedings and were unlucky not to draw level when they hit the woodwork on a number of occasions. Cashel remained dangerous on the break throughout this time, and doubled their lead when Keating again evaded the visiting defence to find himself one on one with the Borris keeper, before tucking the ball away to the bottom corner of the net. The hosts held this lead to the break, but again in the early part of the second period, Borris were in the ascendency and finally pulled a goal back in the fifty fifth minute when Anto Walker tapped in at the far post from a lightning break down the right wing. Cashel replied quickly and restored their two goal lead on the hour mark with Keating turned provider this time, lifting a cross onto the head of Jack Fitzpatrick who made no mistake from five yards out. But Borris came back again fifteen minutes from the end, when Walker got his second after volleying a free kick into the area, giving the Town keeper no chance. The final minutes saw the visitors try to secure a point, but the home side held resolutely to their task to take all three points in the finish.

Clonmel Celtic 2 – 1 Bansha Celtic

Clonmel Celtic continued their good start to the season with a hard fought two goals to one win against Bansha Celtic at a sunny bypass on Sunday morning. The home side started reasonably well having most of the possession, but the visitors defended in numbers and made it hard to work a way through. The first real chance the hosts had fell to a Paul Kennedy header which was superbly saved. Within two minutes the away side threatened to take advantage of a defensive error but Tony Egan couldn’t keep his shot on target. Celtic finally hit the front just before the half hour mark, with a well worked goal. Simon Ahearne who was energetic in middle all afternoon played an excellent ball to the far post where Seanie Hawkins knocked the ball back into the path of Darren Sweeney whose first time effort found the back of the net. But the visitors hit straight back and were level two minutes later when a home defender turned the ball into his own net after pressure from a well delivered Bansha free. The goal gave the visitors confidence and they came more into the game as the end of the first half neared, but neither side added to the scoreline before the break. The second half was more of an even affair, with plenty of effort from both sides but the quality of the game dipped. That said, the home side regained the lead just after the hour mark, when Paul Kennedy took advantage of a defensive mix up to walk the ball into an empty net, to the delight of the home supporters.  The West Tipperary side fought hard for second equaliser but Celtic saw the game out and collected three important points, to put them in a comfortable position to maybe consider themselves dark horses from a Premier League title they haven’t won in seven years.

TSDL First Division 2^nd October 2022 Match Reports

Tipperary Town 3 – 2 Old Bridge

The home team came flying out of the blocks in the early game at Arra Rd and were a goal up within ten minutes when Dylan Cummins raced down the wing and squared for Caleb Hickey who made no mistake from eight yards out. After that the hosts had a number of chances to add to the lead through Vinny Godfrey and Caleb Hickey but some wayward finishing kept the lead to a minimum. However, Vinny Godfrey did eventually add a second minutes before the break, when a he closed down the visiting keeper as he attempted to make a clearance, and the ball deflected into an empty net. No more goals in the opening period, the second half started again with the home side on top. But a break away in the fifty fifth minute by the Bridge caught the home defence napping and Darren Guiry was on hand to score from close range. Suddenly all the play was with the visitors, and they sent ball after ball into the home box. Fifteen minutes from time, they got the goal their pressure deserved when a long throw evaded everyone and Stephen Guiry got a deft touch to bring the game level. But Town regrouped and five minutes from time, a great delivery from Shane Ryan was steered across the box, and Godfrey was again on hand to make no mistake from less than five yard. The visitors did have one last chance to level the game, but a spectacular save from Eric Higgins in the home goal assured his side of the points.

Peake Villa 2 – 2 Clonmel Town

The spoils were shared up in Thurles in this league tie with all the goals coming in a pulsating first half. The visitors opened the scoring in the nineteenth minute when they benefitted from an own goal, but the hosts were back level minutes later when Danny Treacy finished off a flowing movement up the pitch with a well taken goal. Ten minutes from the break, Town got their lead back but the home side continued to stay well in the game when they levelled matters for the second time only four minutes later courtesy of a fine goal by Scott Brennan. Two all at the break, the pace dipped in the second period with both defenses tightening up considerably. Danny Treacy of Villa, had a great chance from a Niall Dunne corner but somehow it was blocked on the line, and Town did have the ball in the hosts net late on, only for the effort to be ruled out for offside. All in all a draw was probably the fairest result.

TSDL Second Division 2^nd October 2022 Match Reports

Suirside 2 – 2 Cullen Lattin

This top of the table Division Two clash lived up to expectations with the home side having to dig out an equaliser at the death to earn a share of the spoils after an intriguing affair. The visitors started quickest and in the sixth minute called the home keeper into action to deny Michael Mc Elligott from close range. This was a wake up call for the home side and they almost took the lead minutes later when John Darmody hit a spectacular twenty five yard volley off the underside of the crossbar before it was scrambled away to safety. The game continued at a frenetic pace, and midway through the half Mikey Stokes produced a moment of magic to lob the home keeper and put Lattin a goal up. Suirside thought they had found an equaliser five minutes later, but again were denied by the woodwork when John O Donnell thought he had found the net. In the end of the half, the visitors went to the break just a single goal in front, but those watching the game looked forward to even more action in the second period. And again it was the away side who got off to the better start, and within two minutes Michael Mc Elligott drove through the home defence and doubled his sides advantage. Suirside are made of stern stuff nevertheless, and continued to push and probe for openings as they played themselves back into the game. The finally got some reward just before the hour mark when Luke O Brien flashed a ball across the box and Gavin Sheehen tapped home from inside the six yard box. The game became one of cat and mouse after this, with the hosts chasing to get an equaliser and Cullen consistently looking for opportunities to catch them out on the break. But despite both having chances, the game looked to be ticking away until the final minute brought a dramatic finish. Two minutes into time added on, the home side were offered one more chance when they were awarded a free kick outside the area and Jason Coffey smashed it home from all of twenty five yards out to gain his team a precious point.

St Nicholas 2 – 1 Rosegreen Rangers

The game started with both sides having a number of half chances early on, without much success, until the home side thought they had opened the scoring in the twentieth minute when Brendan Collins went on a mazy run through the visitors defence only to see his shot deflected over the bar. Eight minutes later however, Collins was not to be denied a second time when he got on the end of an Aiden Riordan corner kick to put his side in front with a shot from close range. Rosegreen pushed hard in the following minutes to try to get back on level terms but had two efforts blocked by desperate last ditch defending by the home side. That left the score at one goal to nil for the hosts, and the second half followed a similar pattern to the first with both sides finding penetration difficult. Halfway through the half the home side were given a gilt-edged opportunity to extend their lead, when they were awarded a penalty kick, but the Rosegreen keeper made a fantastic double save, from the first attempt and the rebound to keep his sides deficit at a minimum. This seemed to inspire his teams attackers and fourteen minutes from the end, they finally got an equalising goal after some excellent build up play through the middle of the pitch, saw Pakie Farrell in space to slot past the stranded home keeper. The real difference in the game was the introduction late on of Saint’s substitute Aaron Ryan Shiner, who was involved in a number of good attacking forays, before eluding the Rangers defence in the final minute of the game, and crossing for James Scanlon to tap in the game’s winner.

Galbally United 0 – 0 Cashel Town

Despite there being no goals in this game, there was plenty of action with the home side unlucky on a number of occasions not to open the scoring, especially through Jordan Dineen, who was a thorn in the visitors defence throughout the game. Cashel had their chances too in a frantic first half, but once the game settled down in the second period, Gallbally were probably the slightly better side, without ever really looking good enough to decisively win the game. In the end, both teams will be as much happy as unhappy with the draw and a share of the spoils.

Clerihan 0 – 4 Dualla

Clerihan started this game brightly moving Dualla around the pitch, and were unlucky not to have opened the scoring in the eight minute with a free kick from just outside penalty area only went narrowly. They then had the ball in net in the twentieth minute, through Jonas Kerr only for it to be ruled offside in the build-up. This let off seemed to wake the visitors up, and on the half hour mark, they took the lead when Brian Sheehy found himself free at back post from a corner, and he tapped the ball to the net. The hosts were unlucky not to get back on level terms five minutes later from a Brian Landers free kick, but the shot struck the bar and was scrambled away to safety. And that miss was compounded four minutes from the break, when Paraic Ryan brilliantly finished off some good build up play, to send the visitors to the break two goals in front.  The second period was again a reasonably even affair in everything bar the scoreline, as Dualla were much more clinical, and put the game beyond their hosts fifteen minutes from time when Tossy Ryan broke from midfield to make it three goals to nil. The same player added his second, and his sides fourth from the penalty spot six minutes from the end to put a gloss on the scoreline and really put Dualla into the hunt for both title and promotion honours this season.

TSDL Third Division 2^nd October 2022 Match Reports

Kilsheelan United 1 – 1 Burncourt Celtic

Both these teams had difficult starts to the Division Three season, but seem to have steadied the ship, and played out an entertaining draw in Kilsheelan on Sunday afternoon. The home side started better and after a couple of early corners, forced the breakthrough in the seventh minute when Nathan Dolans perfect cross was volleyed to the net by John O’Dwyer to record his third league goal of the season. The hosts continued to apply the pressure and mid-way through the first-half we should have doubled their lead, only to see striker Jack O’Donoghue fire his effort just over the bar. There were no more goals in the lively half, and as the second progressed the visitors began to fashion more chances, finally getting a leveller with just twenty minutes left, when Martin Burke finished of a neat passage of play, with a cheeky back heel. Both sides had chances between here and the finish but neither could convert and the spoils were shared.

Moyglass United 1 – 2 Two Mile Borris

After an excellent start to the season, which saw the hosts start the day at the top of the Division Three table, Moyglass faltered for a second week in a row when they fell to a narrow defeat on Sunday against Two Mile Borris’ second side. The visitors opened the scoring here in the twenty eight minute when Cathal Mc Elgun scored a well worked goal, but the home side were level four minutes from the break when goalkeeper David McCormack played a long ball down the field for Eddie O Brien, who finished with a neat effort. The game went to the break level, and the second period was an even affair, even if the hosts had the clearer chances, only to be regularly thwarted by the Borris keeper who was in fine form. It looked like the game was going to finish level, but right at the death the visitors took advantage of some hesitancy and scored a last minute goal to steal all three points.

Division Three round up

There were two more games in Division Three with one being a West Tipperary derby between Tipperary Town’s second side and rural neighbours Donohill and District. The paths of the two teams year seem to be going in opposite directions with the town side faltering after a lightening start to the season, and Donohill on the rise after some poor early results. And the game went to form on Sunday, with Donohill passing by their neighbours on the league table, thanks to a four goal to two win on the Arra Road. In Cahir, the home side faced bottom on the table Bansha Celtic and fell behind to a Adam Hennessy goal early in the game. But after the break the Park rallied and got two goals of their own through Jack Duggan and Evan O Regan to claim the win and the three points.

TSDL Youths 2^nd October   

FAI Youth Cup 1^st Round & Youths Round up

FAI Youth Cup 1^st Round Bridge United 0 – 3 Peake Villa

Peake Villas youths travelled to Goresbridge in Kilkenny on Sunday for a noon kick off in good conditions for football. The TSDL side started well and opened the scoring in the fourth minute when good play from Mikey Lawlor down the wing found Paul Noonan in space who fired home. There were chances at either end for both sides during the half but it was the visitors who went in at the break one up. They doubled their lead just after the hour mark when a Paul Noonan corner was met by the head of Kieran Purcell to make it two, and Noonan capped a fine performance when Michael Anthony McCarthy played him in and he got his second of the day, to advance in the competition.

Youths Round up

Cashel Town hosted the other FAI Youths game of the weekend when they welcomed local rivals Cullen Lattin to Palmershill on Saturday afternoon. The game saw all the goals come in the first forty five minutes, with two goals from Cullens Paddy Downey giving them a half time lead against the single goal that Lee O Riordan scored for the home side. The second half was a dour affair with neither side gaining dominance for any sustained period, and in the end Cullen managed to do enough to hold onto the win.

In the Division Two section of the Youths league, Cahir Park entertained Shanbally United with the visitors being much the better side throughout. Shanbally took the lead early in the game through goals by Ryan Breedy and Ben Carey, and added three more in the second period through Cathal English, Cian O Reilly and a second from Breedy to run out comfortable winners in the end.

Two Mile Borris 0 – 3 Clonmel Celtic

Both teams came into this game with full points from their first three games and they played a very even first half with few chances to score for either team. The defences were well on top, with neither team wanting to commit too much, making it a tactical battle for the watching crowd at Newhill Park. They went into the break at nil all, and this continued through the first quarter of an hour of the second period. As legs began to tire however, space began to open up and the visitors took the lead on the hour mark when Daithi Hogan shot from the edge of the box to find the bottom right hand corner of the net with the home keeper stranded. The hosts tried to regroup and pushed forward in search of an equaliser but were caught brilliantly on the break ten minutes later, when Senan Butler made no mistake with a cool finish to the empty net. Celtic wrapped up all three points when Ciaran Fitzpatrick was quickest to react when a ball was parried by the home keeper to tap home with five minutes left in the game.

Slievenamon Celtic 1 – 4 Clonmel Town

After their very bright title winning campaign last year, Slievenamon Celtic are finding it a little more difficult this time around, and went down to another defeat at the weekend, this time to Clonmel Town in what is proving a very difficult. They started off sluggishly and Town took a foothold in the game early on when Milo McNamara with a quite beautiful finish with his left foot gave his side the lead. Although the hosts were finding their way out from the back with some nice football it never materialised into any clear-cut chances, and the visitors always had the potential to carve the home side up when they attacked. The second half began much better for the home side and Eoin Barry was unlucky not to level the game, seeing his effort palmed onto the post and cleared away to safety. But the visitors eventually made pressure pay and doubled their lead soon after when they seized upon a loose pass from the back and Darragh Walsh scored from an acute angle. Two became three and four in short order, with a Billy Tierney header from a corner and Darragh Cronin benefiting from poor marking, to put the game completely out of the reach of the home side. Celtic did have the final say when a nice ball up the line from Daniel Condon found Cian Phelan who calmly finished into the bottom corner, for a consolation goal, but it was never anything more than that.

Munster Youths Cup, First Round 24th of September 2022 Match Report

Cullen Lattin 2 – 3 Peake Villa

Peake Villa put poor early season youths form behind them on Sunday to claim a victory over Cullen in the first round of the Munster Youths cup. As in all of the home sides games this season it didn’t look like they would be the losing side at half time, going into the break a goal up after Dylan Mc Grath converted a penalty that he had won himself. Things got better for the home side on the hour mark when Mc Grath doubled their lead with a rocket into the bottom corner of the net. But somehow in the last twenty minutes, the wheels came off for the hosts with Villa scoring three goals in a frantic fifteen minute spell that shook the Cullen side to the core. The first two of those goals came from Daniel Rossiter, with Kieran Purcell scoring the all-important winner. Although Cullen tried to respond, the Thurles side defended well and hung on to their victory to progress to the next round.

Youths Round up

 In the other two youths games at the weekend, Bansha Celtic welcomed Cashel Town to Bansha in the first round of the Munster Youths cup. The two teams played out a very entertaining game with just a single goal in five separating the sides in the end, with Celtic coming out the victors, being on the right side of a three goal to two win. In Second Division Youth League action, Shanbally United look very strong, and re-iterated that again on Saturday when they travelled to Mullinahone and claimed an easy victory by seven goals to two.

TSDL Premier League 18^th September 2022 Match Reports

Two Mile Borris 2 – 2 Clonmel Celtic

These two sides played out a very entertaining draw in Newhill Park on Sunday when the home side rescued a deserved draw against a Clonmel Celtic side who are enjoying some good results on their return to the Premier League. The visitors were coming off a big win last weekend, and started off again on the front foot, catching the home defence cold after only five minutes and setting up Mark Heffernan to fire to the net from close range. But the home side took control of the game afterwards and forced the Clonmel side back on numerous occasions, but were unable to press the possession home, with no more goals scored in the first half. The second half started in a similar fashion with Borris coming out all guns blazing, and they finally brought the game level in the sixty fifth minute when Dylan Lee headed home from close range to the delight of the home fans. But ten minutes later, as they went looking for the lead goal they got caught on the break, and after a catastrophic defensive mix up, Rory O Dowd was left all alone to tap in from less than five yards and restore Celtics lead. They then fell back and invited the home side to try to break them down, and it looked like this tactic would yield the points, but in the final minute of the game, a Martin Darmody free kick landed on the head of Urban Nolan and he found the net with an excellent equaliser that ensured Borris would get at least a point from the game.

Bansha Celtic 0 – 3 Peake Villa

Peake Villa, who contested the top end of the Premier League table for much of last season, look like they will be a similar proposition this year, with a very clinical and controlled performance in taking the points at Bansha on Sunday. The visitors here started well having the majority of possession without creating anything of note in the early stages, before from nowhere, a piece of individual brilliance by Pippy Carroll put his side ahead, after he volleyed home from all of thirty yards out. Bansha had a decent chance to level things up shortly after, but were wasteful in delaying their effort, allow the Peake defence to get back and clear. And that proved crucial when ten minutes from the break, Villa doubled their lead through a second by Carroll, this time a tap in when the home keeper was unable to hold onto an earlier shot. The second half was a more even affair with both sides battling hard, and again the home side were desperately unlucky not to pull a goal back when they saw a Tony Egan come back off the cross bar from an excellently hit free kick. But Peake made sure there would be no comeback inside the last five minutes when they tacked on a third goal after Ronan McGuire finished well from a cut back ball.

Vee Rovers 2 – 4 Wilderness Rovers

Wilderness Rovers finally picked up a win at the fifth time of asking on their Premier League return with a good win in Clogheen at Vee Rovers, who are facing a long season battling relegation, as they struggle with a weakened side. The game itself was good one with both teams having chances before the visitors opened the scoring just after the half hour mark after good work through the middle found Killian Hogan in space, and he made no mistake firing past the stranded Vee keeper. They added a second five minutes before the break when Dean Mc Loughlin scored with a shot from inside the back, sending his side to half time two goals to the good. The hosts pulled a goal back five minutes into the second period thanks to an excellent header by Thomas Quirke from a corner kick, but in their pressure to try to get an equaliser, they were caught on the break and Jack Landy restored the visitors two goal lead, just after the hour mark. Twenty minutes from the end the home side were awarded a penalty and Quirke added his second from the spot. But the Wildies were not going to be denied the points and Sean Browne made sure of them when he scored in time added on to add the fourth and insurance goal for his side

St Michael’s 2 – 0 Cashel Town

Saints took a long time to wear down a resolute Cashel Town rear-guard action but finished the game strongly to take the points at Cooke Park, on Sunday afternoon to maintain their 100% start to the season. They were unlucky not to score early when Paul Breen fired an effort over the bar from close in, but this was a harbinger of things to come as they saw themselves be frustrated time and again in the half. They reshuffled their pack in the second period and again laid siege to the visitors goal, but it took them until the seventy first minute to finally break the Cashel defence down, when Rhys Byron got a flick on a Kenny Cunningham cross, and saw the ball fly to the back of the net. That said, they still had to wait until the final moments to finally kill off the Cashel challenge when Paul Breen made up for his early miss, with a late goal, as he too took advantage of a Cunningham cross to find the net. Two goals, three wins, but the Saints will have to be a lot more clinical as the season progresses.

TSDL First Division 18th September Match Reports 2022

Clonmel Town 1 – 2 Cahir Park

Cahir Park picked up their second win of the season away to Clonmel Town on Sunday with a win by the odd goal in three as they attempt to bounce straight back to the Premier League following last season relegation. Town started on the front foot, but were guilty of spurning a number of chances in the first quarter of an hour. They were punished for this when in the seventeenth minute, after a Cahir Park set piece was flicked on and the Alex Botezatu gave the keeper no chance from ten yards out. The hosts responded well and kept the pressure on, but were denied twice first when they hit the underneath of the crossbar, and then when a defender brilliantly cleared the ball off the line. The second half was only three minutes old, when against the run of play the visitors doubled their advantage when a brilliant twenty five yard strike found its way to Tom Keating and he slid is past the stranded keeper and into the bottom corner. The home team were finally rewarded for their perseverance when Stephen Kelly brilliantly rose above everyone to cut the deficit in the final minute of the game, but The Park showed their higher league experience to play out the final minutes and take the points.

Mullinahone 3 – 2 St Michael’s

Mullinahone secured their first win of the season by the odd goal in five with a win over St Michael’s on Sunday morning. The home side started well and opened the scoring in the twelfth minute when Alex Maher beat the visitors defence and squared a ball for Jamie Hindley to finish to the net. The game settled after this with both sides finding it difficult to carve out chances and there were no more goals before the half time break. Ten minutes into the second period, the hosts doubled their lead when Maher again set up a goal, this time from Johnny Lawlor to take the honours in the fifty fifth minute. But just two minutes later Cathal Bergin pulled a goal back for the Saints and put the game back in the melting pot. However, the response from the home side was almost immediate and Lawlor got a second right on the hour mark, to return his side to a two goal lead. It looked like the game would run down into an easy win for Mullinahone, but with seven minutes to play they were reduced to ten players after a sending off, and Antonio Rea scored the resultant penalty, albeit at the second attempt to set up a big finish. The home side held firm however and saw the game out, taking all three points in the end.

TSDL Second Division 18^th September Match Reports 2022

Rosegreen Rangers 0 – 1 Suirside

Suirside responded well to their first defeat in almost a season and a half last weekend by travelling to Nijinsky Park in Rosegreen and coming away with a hard fought single goal win. The two teams played out a hard but fair game, and the only moment of real class was that which yielded the goal ten minutes before the break, when Jason Coffey took advantage of a slip by a defender to clinically punish him and fire home from the edge of the area. Rosegreen battled hard throughout the second period to try to pull the game back level, hitting the woodwork on a number of occasions, but in the end the single goal was enough for Suirside to get back on track in their push for successive promotions through the TSDL Divisions.

Dualla 2 – 1 St Nicholas

This was a very slow tentative game with both side having some early chances but never really looking like they were going to break the deadlock in the turgid first half. The visitors came closest midway through, when the forced an excellent save from Eoin Batman Fitzgerald, in the Dualla goal, while the home side were reduced to living off scraps especially from set pieces, before the two sides went in goalless t half time. The hosts seemed more anxious to get a grip on the game in the early parts of the second period, but after committing to an attack, they found themselves behind when a quick break by the Saints found John Shanahan all alone and he made no mistake. Things got worse for the home side when they were reduced to ten men, but they got a lifeline back into the game in the sixty fifth minute when Michael Barron headed home a free kick to level the game. Despite being a man down, the home side were the ones doing all the pressing and took the lead late on when Ger O Dwyer was quickest to react at another set piece and he tapped the ball into an empty net. Stunned by this, the visitors pushed to try to get  leveller and thought the had found one in the final minute when a striker found himself in space, only to fire his effort high and wide and ensure the points would stay in Dualla.

Cullen Lattin 2 – 1 Galbally United

Cullen welcomed neighbours Galbally to Aisling Park Cullen for a derby game on Sunday, and dominated the early exchanges, almost opening the scoring in the third minute when Danny O Dwyer rattled the cross bar, and Micheàl Elligott denied from the rebound only by a point blank clearance by visiting defender Bernard O Brien. The early pressure finally did pay off though, when midfielder Tony O Neill picked up the ball thirty yards from goal and ran at the visiting defence before unleashing a left footed shot into the bottom corner to put Cullen one up just after the hour mark. But the advantage lasted only minutes when Galbally equalised through Owen O Sullivan who converted a peach of a cross from Josh Dineen. That wasn’t to be the end of the first half scoring though, as Galbally had barely finished celebrating before O Dwyer and Mc Elligott combined again with the latter heading home minutes before the break. Cullen should have added more in the second period as they were creating the better chances, but a stout defence and some wayward shooting meant that while they won the points, they were unable to add anything to the score board. Galbally finished strong with a few long throws in and free kicks delivered into the box but Cullen defence hung on for the win

Cashel Town 1 – 2 Clerihan

All the goals arrived in the first half here, as the home side continued their inconsistent start of the new season, against the visitors who picked up their second win of the campaign. Clerihan took the lead on fifteen minutes with a goal from Aidan Phelan who finished well from ten yards out after some good build up play. But the hosts Cashel equalised in the twenty seventh minute when a free kick from Sean Cormack left the visitors keeper stranded on the line, with no chance to keep the ball out. The celebrations barely lasted a minute however as Clerihan forced the home defence in a mistake less than a minute later and Brian Landers took full advantage to score from just inside the area. After that both sides played out a pretty even contest with some half chances going a begging. But it was the visitors day as they leap frog their neighbours in the title and promotion race.

TSDL Third Division 18^th September 2022 Match Reports

Kilsheelan United 3 – 4 Moyglass United

Moyglass United came out on top on Sunday morning in a game that had a spectacular ending with the home side looking like they had secured the most unlikely of draws, before succumbing to a sucker punch right at the death of the game. The visitors started much the better side, and found themselves a goal up inside the first minute when Eddie O’Brien tapped in at the back post. Kilsheelan eventually played themselves into the tie and the visitors made it hard for themselves being reduced to ten men before the half hour mark. But despite that disadvantage the away side were the ones to score next and doubled their lead when a long throw caught out the Kilsheelan defence and Jack Hayes headed home five minutes before the break. Things got worse for the hosts right on the stroke of half time when Jamie Morrissey volleyed home after a deep-cross, making it look like the game was done and dusted. And despite making half time changes, the home side found a stubborn visiting defence hard to break down right throughout the second period. The game looked like petering out for most of the half, but very few could have imagined the explosive last few minutes that were in store. Five minutes from the end, a speculative shot from almost the half way line by Jack Quigley nestled in the Moyglass net, and two minutes later, Jack O Donoghue drilled in an effort from the edge of the area to make it a single goal deficit. Pouring forward now, in the ninety first minute of the game it looked like the unlikely comeback had been completed when Jack O’Donoghue found John O’Dwyer lurking, and O Dwyer drilled his effort high into the top-corner from an acute angle to level the scoring. But the home side were barely finished celebrating when they were caught on the counter. A long ball into the Kilsheelan penalty area found Jamie Morrissey free, and he fired home his second, with the last kick of the game, in the ninety third minute to win it for the visitors.

Bansha Celtic 2 – 3 Burncourt Celtic

Burncourt Celtic seem to have steadied the ship after a difficult start to the season when they picked up their second win on the trot against Bansha Celtic on Sunday morning. They took the lead in the twentieth minute with a goal from Matty D’Arcy, but Bansha were level ten minutes later when William O Mahony headed home a Dylan Swords corner, for a deserved equaliser. There were no more goals in the half and Burncourt were the first to strike again in the second period with D’Arcy scoring again to restore their lead on the hour mark. This allowed them to sit back and invite the home side to try to break them down, while looking for the opportunities on the counter, and they executed this plan to perfection fifteen minutes from the end when Burncourt added the vital third goal. Bansha never gave up though and pulled back a goal six minutes from time. But it wasn’t enough to snaffle a point and Burncourt continue their march up the table.

Third Division Round Up

In the other three games in the Third Division, Killenaule added their third win of the season with a good win over a Tipperary Town side who seem to be going backwards after a good start to their campaign. The home side put four past the visitors without reply to maintain their push for promotion and possibly even a title challenge. And the Divisional leaders Powerstown allowed the bunch to come up behind them when they dropped their first points of the season away to a Two Mile Borris side who have been blowing hot and cold in their season so far. A goal each and a point each was a result of the draw between the two sides at Newhill Park on Sunday. The final game of the weekend was in Donohill who have been struggling, and their lot got no better when they went down by three goals to one against a Cahir Park side that had been propping up the league standings at the start of play, but who now jump up into potential promotion contention as a result of a second win on the bounce, such is the tightness of the Division so far.

TSDL Youths 18^th September  Match Reports

Clonmel Celtic 6 – 2 Cullen Lattin

Clonmel Celtic have been setting the pace at the top of Youths football this season and they continued their good form with another convincing win on Saturday afternoon, this time against a Cullen team that surprised many with their good performances in national competition at the same level last season. The home side started well, and probably should have been ahead after only five minutes but for Paddy Ormonde’s effort sliding just wide of the post when the visiting keeper looked well beaten. But the visitors grew into the game and took the lead in the twenty second minute when Javier Serrano slotted home after intense pressure from the away side. But the home side hit back within ten minutes and levelled the game thanks to Ciaran Fitzpatrick’s goal after some very intricate build up play. Level at half time, the home side completely dominated the second period and scored five goals in a fifteen-minute spell when it looked like almost everything they tried came off. Adam Costin started the spree, before Jack Lawlor, Senan Butler, Julian Kerton and a second by Ciaran Fitzpatrick blew the visitors away. Dylan Mc Grath scored a fine goal for the visitors seven minutes from the end, but it proved to be no more than a consolation.

Munster Junior Cup Results 11/09/2022 Match Reports