Pike Rovers secured a vital three points in the chase for the premier division title on Sunday afternoon as they defeated rivals Ballynanty 2-0 courtesy of a brace from striker Johnathan Grant. The result means that the Hoops leapfrog their opponents into first place and are two points clear. However, Ballynanty have a game in hand.
It was a tense opening at Limerick Institute of Technology with both sides ensuring a solid start defensively. Pike created the first chance of the game as a Stephen McGann cross was met by Eoin Hanrahan at the back post but ‘Balla goalkeeper Stephen McNamara managed to tip the effort on to the post and behind for a corner.
The home side responded with a chance of their own when Dermot Fitzgerald fizzed a cross in the direction of Arron Nunan and the striker’s acrobatic effort went just over the bar. Tough challenges were exchanged between both sides as intensity levels rose as we neared the half time whistle. On the stroke of half time, Ballynanty striker Kevin Nolan saw his effort loop on to the crossbar. Moments later, a powerful strike from central midfielder Dave Donnan hit the post as the home side piled on the pressure.
Pike started the second half brightly and took the lead through goal poacher Johnathan Grant who directed a mishit shot past McNamara to spark wild celebrations from the strong visiting support. Just two minutes later, Pike extended their lead as a Stephen McGann shot was parried by McNamara into the path of the grateful Grant who grabbed his second of the game.
However, McGann’s afternoon turned sour as he was shown a straight red card for a foul on Daragh Hughes. To their credit, Pike battled extremely well and the extra man failed to count for much until the closing stages when both Dermot Fitzgerald and Jason Hughes forced saves from Gary Neville. Despite piling the final third with four strikers, Ballynanty couldn’t breach a strong Pike rearguard which was shielded by brothers Eddie and Wayne O’Donovan.
It is the first lost of the season for Donal Magee’s outfit and they will look to bounce back quickly to ensure today’s opponents don’t extend the gap between the sides.
Ballynanty Rovers: Stephen McNamara, Daragh Hughes, Kenneth Meehan, Shane Guerin, Dan Lucey, David Donnan, Jason Hughes, Dermot Fitzgerald, Eddie Byrnes, Kevin Nolan, Arron Nunan.
Subs used: Derek Daly, Jamie O’Sullivan, Jamie Daly, Mike Guerin
Pike Rovers: Gary Neville, Evan Patterson, Wayne O’Donovan, Eddie O’Donovan, Paddy O’Malley, Stephen McGann, Conor Kavanagh, Colin Daly, Eoin Hanrahan, Daragh Rainsford, Johnathan Grant.
Subs used: Shane Walsh
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