*Mark Roche netted twice for Avenue Utd. Avenue Utd advanced to the finals of the Banner Carpets and Flooring Clare Cup Final but not without getting a fright as they held off a determined Shannon Hibs.
*Newmarket Celtic’s Daithí O’Connell. Photograph: Ruairí Price The race for Clare soccer’s Premier Division title continued on Wednesday evening when the leaders Newmarket Celtic and Avenue United maintained their strong challenge for the title.
*Paddy Purcell & Mossy Hehir are expected to cross paths once again. Photograph: Oliver Fitzpatrick The race for the Banner Flooring and Carpets Clare Cup title is now down to four teams with the big two, Newmarket Celtic and Avenue United are still in the hunt.
*Jason Loughnane went off injured during Bridge Utd’s win. Photograph: Cealtra Communications Bridge Utd continued their recent run of successful outings when overcoming Ennis Town while Avenue Utd’s chance to leapfrog Newmarket Celtic at the top of the Premier Division came undone due to a waterlogged pitch.
Title holders Newmarket Celtic A continued their drive to retain the Premier Division title with victory over Lifford on Sunday.
*Elias Kunz scored a brace for Avenue in their facile win over Shannon Town. Avenue United have moved to within two points of title holders Newmarket Celtic A in the race for the Premier Division title.
QUARTER-FINAL AND SEMI-FINAL draws have been held for the Banner Carpets and Flooring Clare Cup.
*Photograph: Natasha Barton Lifford caused the shock of the weekend when they dumped Shannon Town Utd A out of the Banner Flooring and Carpets Clare Cup with Tulla Utd recording a dramatic win in a penalty shootout.
*Avenue Utd lost Conor Mullen to injury early in Sunday’s tie. Photograph: John Mangan Avenue United’s challenge for Munster junior cup honours ended at Roslevan on Sunday when they went down to Villa FC from Waterford who are now through to the quarter finals in both the Munster and FAI Junior Cups.
*Shannon Hibs’ Billy Connors will be squaring off with Moher Celtic in the second round. Photograph: Natasha Barton PAIRINGS are now known for the second round of the Banner Carpets and Flooring Clare Cup.
