*Photograph: Natasha Barton
SHANNON TOWN UTD and Lifford FC collected an important three points as action continued in the Premier Division of the Clare District Soccer League.
While the main focus of the weekend would have been on the FAI Junior Cup which saw one Clare team advance to the fourth round, two important ties took place in the top flight of the domestic league.
Kilrush Rangers’ wait for a win in the Premier Division this season continues with Shannon Utd picking up a big win while Lifford FC left Sixmilebridge with three points in the bag in what could be a vital victory as the months progress.
Lifford leave Bridge with a win
Lifford FC 2
Bridge Utd 0
Venue: Sixmilebridge
Outstanding saves from John Mulready were witnessed in this contest as a more clinical Lifford managed to make it count when beating Mulready to leave with three points in the bag.
It was the Bridge that looked like opening the deadlock with Conor Deasy hitting the crossbar with a header from close-range while fellow midfielder Paul Corry had a good chance saved and cleared off the line.
In what was a well-contested game, Bridge Utd may have had more chances but Lifford were the ones to score the goals, Clinton Bempah and Eddie Prunty with the majors after assists from Fiachra Roche and Emmanuel Obadeyi with the assists.
Lifford jump to third spot following the result while Bridge Utd have yet to record a win in their three league outings thus far.
Lifford FC: Peadar O’Keeffe, Fiachra Roche, Emmauel Ikiebey, Chuks Obadeyi, Darren O’Neill, Chiby Okere, Finn Woods, Ikem Ugwueru, Eddie Prunty, Emmanuel Obadeyi, John Ikiebey.
Subs: Harry Griffin for C Obadeyi, Clinton Bempah for Woods, Eoin Maonaghan for E Obadeyi.
Bridge Utd: John Mulready, Liam Buckley, Ciaran Monaghan, Alan Mulready, Lee Mulready, Conor Deasy, Paul Corry, Nuno Antunes, Brian Corry, Christy Griffin, Jack O’Halloran.
Subs: Ronan Tuohy for B Corry (inj), Eoin Keenan for Buckley, Michael Carr for P Corry.
Shannon prove best back west
Shannon Town Utd 6
Kilrush Rangers 2
Venue: Gallery Park, Kilrush
Jack Ryan netted a hat-trick for the second Premier Division game in a row but this time Shannon Town were victorious.
After a nervy start, it was Kilrush Rangers who took the lead and the hosts were on a high when they maintained this after their opponents failed to convert a penalty.
Ben O’Neill equalised to settle Shannon Town and by half-time, they led 3-1.
Shannon powered on in the second half and were 6-1 ahead with Jack Ryan, Charlie Morrison and Kai Khetan on target before Kilrush pulled back a late goal.
Shannon Town Utd: Fionn McInerney, Steven Carroll, Natty Nyakujara, James Fahy, Dean Devanney, TJ O’Dwyer, Eoghan Gough, Charlie Morrison, Jack Ryan, Kai Khetan, Ben O’Neill
Subs: Cian Johnson, Alex Meaney, Kieran Hackett, Billy Connors
