Leinster SL hold off Munster

The Leinster Senior League reclaimed the Michael Ward Trophy at Turner’s Cross yesterday following a 2-1 victory over the Munster Senior League.

David O’Sullivan put the LSL 1-0 up inside seven minutes before Luke Connolly equalised three minutes later.

John Brophy restored Leinster’s one goal advantage within three minutes and despite a second-half onslaught from Munster, the LSL hung on to claim the trophy for the 14th time.

The MSL were the holders of the trophy which is played out annually over a weekend between the top players from the MSL, LSL, Ulster SL and a Connacht selection, where each side plays each other once in a mini-league. And, after defeating Connacht 2-1 in Blarney on Friday night and Ulster 1-0 at Corinthians Park on Saturday, a draw would have seen Patsy Freyne and Ger Rennie’s side retain the trophy.

The LSL drew their opening game against Ulster 5-5 in Passage on Friday, and then defeated Connacht 3-0 on Saturday at Everton Park, which meant only a win would see the trophy return to Leinster – and manager Liam Kelly’s charges duly obliged.

In the other game played yesterday, Connacht defeated the USL 2-0 at Ringmahon Park.

Meanwhile, in the MSL First Division, Bandon stay top despite dropping their first points of the season after being held to a scoreless draw by Cobh Wanderers in Cobh.

In the other games, Tramore Athletic made it two wins from three games with a 3-1 home victory over Ringmahon Rangers, while Castleview defeated Youghal United 2-1 in Youghal and Carrigaline United drew 2-2 with Leeds at Ballea Park.

The was one FAI Umbro Intermediate Cup first round match played, where Mallow United beat Passage 4-0 in Mallow, while in the Munster Senior Cup second round, Everton beat Glasheen 2-1 at Everton Park.