PIKE Rovers began their Limerick District League Premier Division campaign with a comfortable 0-4 victory over Janesboro at Pearse Stadium on Thursday evening. Goals from Conor Layng x2, Eoin Hanrahan and Ger Barry ensured Robbie Williams side left their near neighbours territory with all three points.
Williams began with a 4-2-3-1 formation with new signing Brendan O’Dwyer partnering Colin Daly in midfield behind Steven McGann in the number 10 position. Hanrahan and Colm Walsh-O’Loughlin were lined out on the right and left-flank respectively either side of striker Conor Layng. Wayne O’Donovan partnered Adam Lipper at centre-back with Danny O’Neill and Eddie O’Donovan starting as full-backs.
Daithi O’Donoghue was taking charge of his first competitive game since his return to Janesboro from Aisling Annacotty a few weeks ago. He started with a 3-5-2 formation with both Dermot Hughes and Tyrique Leamy starting up front. Donie Curtin and Brian Fitzgerald are two experienced campaigners who began at centre-back either side of Sam Uguandare. Conor Madigan, Conor Madden and former Geraldines man Keith O’Connor began in midfield.
The visitors should have taken the lead in the first minute when Steven McGann’s cross from the byline was met by the head of Layng but the former Galway striker headed wide. Experienced wide player Hanrahan was making numerous inroads through the Janesboro defence in the first period and his curling effort was saved by Vincent Browne in the ‘Boro goal.
His second driving run resulted in a save at the second attempt from Browne as Pike searched for an opener. Janesboro clearly didnt receive the message as right-back Danny O’Neill was allowed acres of room to pick out the run of Hanrahan who in turn crossed for Layng to finish from close range.
Janesboro’s Conor Madigan had his teams first effort on target as he headed straight at Gary Neville from a corner kick but the home side were not alert as Neville’s long goal kick wasn’t dealt with by the defence and Layng profited to beat Browne to the ball and steer the ball into the net to double the Hoops lead.
At this juncture, O’Donoghue was forced to make a tactical first half change as Donie Curtin who had already been booked, brought down Eoin Hanrahan. Referee Donal Power did not show Curtin a second yellow but the Boro manager immediately replaced his captain with Jack Fitzgerald and switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation.
The game was over as a contest shortly after half-time as a mix-up between Browne and full-back Jamie Ryan allowed Hanrahan to nonchalantly tap into an empty net following a Walsh-O’Loughlin cross and he was soon replaced by new signing Ger Barry following a performance in which Hanrahan rolled back the years.
His replacement wasted no time in scoring his first goal for the club on his competitive debut when Walsh O’Loughin crossed once more and the former Limerick FC man side-footed home from the penalty spot.
Janesboro substitute Ben O’Shaughnessy looked lively upon his introduction to the fray and his effort from distance was watched closely by Neville as it travelled over the crossbar. Pike substitute Johnathan Grant also tested Browne at the back post but the young goalkeeper managed to deny the former Limerick FC man.
It was a comfortable opening day victory for Pike Rovers who will now host Kilmallock at Crosagalla in another game where they will be expected to pick up a win. Janesboro will face O’Donoghue’e former club Aisling Annacotty with both games taking place on Sunday morning at 10.30.
Janesboro: Vincent Browne, Sean O’Dwyer (Scott McEvoy), Brian Fitzgerald, Donie Curtin (Jack Fitzgerald), Sam Uguandare, Jamie Ryan (Ben O’Shaughnessy), Keith O’Connor (Jack Moroney), Conor Madigan (Jason Whyte), Conor Madden, Dermot Hughes, Tyrique Leamy
Pike Rovers: Gary Neville, Danny O’Neill, Wayne O’Donovan (Nathan O’Callaghan), Adam Lipper (Eddie O’Donovan), Brendan O’Dwyer, Colin Daly (Kyle Duhig), Steven McGann, Eoin Hanrahan (Ger Barry), Colm Walsh O’Loughlin (Cian Collins), Conor Layng (Johnathan Grant)
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