articles League Info

Week 24 Round-Up

Roundup Week 24

The Combined Counties remaining teams in the LFA Junior Cup and Shield competitions did very well to progress in the competitions over the weekend.

Willow Park continue to set the standard for all others when they defeated Markeveiz Celtic 2-1 after extra time to progesss to the last 16 in the Cup while Clara Town’s second team are through to the quarter finals of the Shield competition following an excellent 2-1 win away to Rathoath on Thursday night. Dean Minnock and Ian Fitzpatrick scored the all important goals for a very strong looking Clara side. They now face Kingscourt Harps in the quarter final in Clara next Sunday.

In the under 17 Division Gracefield enjoyed another great win on Saturday. Portumna were the unfortunate victims this time out as the Portarlington based side keep up the pressure at the top of the table. Jamie Evans, Nigel Murphy, Jason Knight and Anto Cunningham all got on the scoresheet for Gracefield.

In the Under 18 Division, Clongowes Wood travelled to Mullingar and inflicted the first defeat of the season on Athletic. It finished 3-1 in favour of the Kildare based outfit with Bidemi Afaladi (2) and Andy Gleeson with another ensuring that the title race will go right down to the wire in this division.

Monksland continue to lead the way however following an emphatic victory over Derry Rovers. Ultan Harney, Shane McCann and Shane Dunning all scored for the Athlone men to outline that they will be the team to catch if anybody else wants to take the honours in the Under 18 division.

It finished all square at a goal apiece in the Under 19 Laois derby game when Portlaoise hosted Abbeyleix. Abbeyleix have Brian Kelly to thank for scoring their goal, which keeps them still in with a chance in this division.

In the Combined Counties Cup, Ballinahown came from 4-2 down with 20 minutes to go before seeing off Mostrim United 5-4 in a thrilling encounter on Saturday. Goals from Colin Harrington, Philip Hogan, Ray Feeney and Gary Dunne knocked out County Longfords last remaining team in the blue ribband competition and sets Ballinahown up for a fourth round clash with near neighbours Gallen United.

In another Counties Cup clash Robbie Hibbits headed home a 90th minute winner for Mountmellick United against fellow Senior Division side Edenderry Town. They will now meet Abbeyleix Athletic in an all Laois fourth round clash.

Abbeyleix themselves were consolidating their place at the top of Division 1 on Sunday when goals from Niall Wallace, Stephen Hawkins and Neil Coffey ensured a 3-1 win over Temple Villa.

In Division 2 Ballybrittas’ unbeaten run continued when they came from two goals down to force a draw wilt Birr Town seconds in Birr. Mickey O’Connell and Darren Finlay were on the mark for the improving Laois men.

If you wish to have your team and goalscorers mentioned in the weekly report, please text the details to JP Owens at 083-3969447 as soon as possible after the game.