6th placed Nurney Villa play host to 5th placed St Anne's Ballylinan at Augha Road Nurney at 7:30 pm

Nurney Villa has yet to win in this competition, having lost all 5 games.
Form: L L L L L    Home Form: L

St Anne's Ballylinan come from a narrow 4-3 win at home against Burrin Celtic.
Form: W L W L L    Away Form: L L

Hanover Harps has yet to be beaten in this competition, having won 3 out of its last 4 games.
Form: W D W W

Nurney Villa has yet to win in this competition, having lost all 5 games.
Form: L L L L L

This is the first game for both teams in this competition

On a windy day in Baltinglass, the home side started the strongest and scored after 10 minutes. An in-swinging corner, taken by Baltinglass's Chris Sutton, somehow found its way through Nurney goalkeeper David Murphy's hands and into the back of the net to give the home side a 1-0 lead. However, Nurney began to settle after this mistake and equalised in the 36th minute when Gary Scully scored in what could be described as a goalmouth scramble.

In the second, Nurney benefited from playing with the strong wind, which meant that Baltinglass had large amounts of defending to do. Nonetheless, to their credit, the Baltinglass defence limited Nurney to only a couple of chances within the entire second half. Baltinglass then took a 2-1 lead in the 85th minute when a corner from Ross Nolan was headed into his own net by Nurney's Ger Bonner. Nurney striker Pakie Fleming then missed a golden opportunity to level the game before Baltinglass wrapped up the game in the 89th minute. A free kick taken by Gary Carroll went through the Nurney goalkeeper's hands again to make the final score 3-1.

Best for Baltinglass - Gary Carroll, Ross Nolan, and Michael Conroy.

Best for Nurney - Rian Farrell, Joe Byrne, Thomas Murphy, and Dean Farrell.

A game played in lovely sunshine on the Newtown Road in Nurney, Nurney came out on top in this hard-fought division two game.

A closely contested first half saw excellent play from both sides, but either side created very few chances. That was until before halftime when a New Oak corner, taken by Keenan Geoghegan, confused the Nurney defence. The ball was somehow handled off the line by a Nurney defender! This lapse of concentration resulted in a red card for Nurney and a penalty to New Oak. Daniel Hayden then stepped up to convert the penalty, giving New Oak a halftime lead of 1-0.

Despite being down to ten men, Nurney came out fighting and equalized within three minutes of the restart. Kyle Harenberg sweeping home from a Thomas Murphy corner. The one-person deficit didn't deter Nurney, as they continued to press, causing New Oak problems. Finally, with five minutes remaining, a long-range free-kick taken by Rian Farrell found a way into the back of the net. This goal ultimately gave Nurney the well-deserved three points. Best for Nurney Villa - Joe Byrne, Val Fleming, Michael, and Thomas Murphy. Best for New Oak Boys B - Lee Kane, Graham Dempsey, and Stephen Lacey.

On a dry but windy day in Nurney, Baltinglass Town knew that they needed to pick up three points to be in with a chance of winning the division 2 title. Nurney started the better of the two teams and took a 1st-minute lead when a Rian Farrell free-kick flew to the Baltinglass net. After this, Baltinglass, playing with a strong wind, created chance after chance and eventually equalized in the 11th minute. The Nurney goalkeeper fumbled a through ball by Chris Sutton, and Gary Carroll was on hand to tap home and make it 1-1. Nurney regained the lead just before half-time when the Baltinglass goalkeeper mishandled a John Townsend free-kick, and Dean Farrell bundled the ball home to leave the half-time score 2-1.

The Baltinglass goalkeeper redeemed himself in the second half with good saves from Nurney's John Townsend and Pakie Fleming. Midway through the second half, Baltinglass dominated the play, even while playing against the wind. Their pressure on the Nurney defence eventually led to a needless handball which awarded Baltinglass a penalty kick. Gary Carroll stepped up and made no mistake scoring and making it 2-2. Baltinglass knew they needed a win and piled the pressure to score that all-important winner, but the Nurney defence held firm and the game ended as a draw. Best for Nurney Villa - Ger Bonner, Rian Farrell, Thomas Murphy and Dean Farrell. Best for Baltinglass Town - Tom Parker, Pauric Brady and Mick Dowling.

Burrin Celtic 5

Nurney Villa 0

On Saturday evening, 7th place Nurney Villa travelled to The Valley to a face title chasing Burrin Celtic. With Burrin Celtic currently on a winning streak of 4 games, it was no surprise that the home side played some of their finest football of the season, with the entire team playing brilliantly. The home side created many chances with the majority of possession and troubled the Nurney defence. However, they could not put these early chances away. This changed after 35 minutes when Myles Hutton put Burrin 1-0 up, and the score remained the same until the referee's halftime whistle.

In the second half, Nurney looked like a completely different team and looked to have a go at Burrin. Some great chances from set-piece plays throughout the second half threatened the Burrin defence, and they were unlucky not to have a better result. However, after Nurney lost their centre backs due to injury, Burrin soon scored a second goal through Liam McGuill, and the goals kept coming. McGuill scored his ninth goal of the season, Burrin's third of this game, and Michael O Leary came off the bench to score Burrin's fourth. Finally, on the 90th-minute mark, Jake Hickey got Burrin's final goal in a vital 5-0 win for title-challengers Burrin. Best for Burrin Celtic - Liam McGuill, Conor Ruane and Chris O' Connor.

Best for Nurney Villa - Rian Farrell, Ger Bonner, Mick Murphy and Thomas Murphy.

Burrin Celtic 1

Nurney Villa 1 (3 - 4 after penalties)

Nurney Villa caused an upset when they sent an in form Burrin Celtic packing from the Carlow Cup. Burrin maintained a lot of early possession, but it was Nurney who came the closest to opening the scoring when Joe Byrne struck a shot off the Burrin Celtic crossbar in the 23rd minute. However, Burrin Celtic hit Nurney on the break straight from the resulting clearance, and Burrin's forward struck a great shot to give his team a 1-0 lead. Regardless, the game was end-to-end for the remainder of the contest. There was great play from both teams but with no scoring. That was until the 86th minute when the Mullins brothers combined for the Nurney equaliser. Michael brilliantly cut back a ball and played it to his brother Martin who found the net. The score was 1-1 after 90 minutes, and extra time was required. The extra-time period of play was just as evenly contested but without further scoring. The game was to be decided by a penalty shootout. In the shootout, Nurney edged home a 3-4 win to reward the efforts of Ger Bonner, Martin Mullins and Mick Murphy.

Nurney 5

St Joseph’s 1

These two neighbours met for the second time in a week and after a scoreless draw last week it was Nurney who won the bragging rights and a spot in the semi-final next week away to Burrin Celtic. It was a bright start by Nurney who almost got their heads in front on 2 minutes when Cian Kelly shot just over the bar. Nurney continued to press but Josephs were dangerous on the counter, and they got the opener on 21 minutes when Conal McGuire scored from a free kick which went in off the post. Nurney didn't take long to respond and got a well-deserved equaliser on 23 minutes when Oisín Maloney scored from a free kick. Oisín Maloney was on the scoreboard again for Nurney a minute later when he converted a penalty.

Nurney continued to cause Josephs difficulties from set pieces and again conceded a 3rd when Oisín Maloney got his head on a corner ball on 34 minutes. St Joseph’s continued to be dangerous, but Nurney were in control for the rest of the half. Nurney started the 2nd in much the same way they started the 1st and Josephs tried to break through the Nurney defence but struggled with the final ball. Nurney continued to weather the Josephs attack and went close several times. Josephs had a great chance on 77 minutes, but the ever-reliable Thomas Bermingham kept them out and Darragh Fitzgerald got his 1st for the club when he struck home on 79 minutes from close range. Shane Kelly added to the tally when he converted on 81 minutes from play. It was a Great performance by Nurney against a team which has always caused them problems in the past. Nurney's best players were Oisín Maloney, Darragh Fitzgerald and Ben Smyth

Hanover Harps B 0

Nurney Villa 2

It was a horrible day for football in the plots on Sunday afternoon, but both teams did try to beat the elements at times, but it was two second-half goals that gave Nurney the victory in Carlow. Hanover were much the dominant side throughout the first half and were unlucky not to be in front at the break. First, a Pa Carr free-kick was tipped onto the crossbar and then on the 38-minute mark, Shane Kelly got a shot off after a great run down the wing, but again the Nurney goalkeeper tipped the effort onto the post. Again, two stunning saves from the Nurney number one as the half ended scoreless. Nurney were the better side for the majority of the second half. Although, in fairness, most of the Hanover B players had to play for the first team earlier in the day for several reasons. It was only a matter of time before their legs would tire, and in the 73rd-minute, that's what happened. First, Nurney's John Townsend set up Mick Murphy, who fired home to give Nurney a 1-0 lead. Then, Pakie Fleming ensured a 2-0 victory for the visitors with a fine individual goal in the 82nd minute. Best for Nurney Villa – Andy O'Brien, Rian Farrell, Thomas and Mick Murphy. Best for Hanover Harps B - Shane Kelly, Dylan Twohig, Pa Carr, Eric Dowling, David Dunne, and Evan Dudley.

Nurney 1

St Joseph’s 1

Nurney went to St Joseph’s hoping to get the win that would have them finish ahead of Josephs in the table. Nurney started the game well and created chances with the aid of the wind. Nurney were unlucky not to take the lead on 11 minutes only being denied by some good goalkeeping. St Joseph’s got the opener against the run of play on 21 minutes with a goal from play. Nurney continued to press causing Joseph’s problems in mid field.

St Josephs continued to be dangerous and forced a great save from Thomas Bermingham to keep it at 1 nil. The half-finished 1 nil to Josephs. Nurney were against the wind now and started the half well and created some good opportunities to score. St Joseph’s absorbed the Nurney pressure well and created a great chance of their own on 70 minutes which required the Nurney keeper to be at his best to keep the score at the minimum. Nurney really on top now and got a well-deserved equaliser on 82 minutes when Ross Nolan hammered home the ball from inside the box. It was all Nurney for the remainder of the game but they couldn't get the elusive winner. Another great battle between these 2 teams who face each other next week in the cup quarter final. Best for Nurney were Evin Kearney, Thomas Bermingham, Luke Brennan and Ross Nolan.

An evenly contested game unfolded on Sunday afternoon in McArdle Cross. A young, talented, and upcoming St. Joseph's team had an excellent opportunity to put some ground between themselves and the chasing pack after Baltinglass Towns loss at home to New Oak that morning. St. Joseph's displayed impressive football for the large crowd in attendance to enjoy, with Luca Hutton almost opening the scoring on the 20th-minute mark, when his sweet left-footed strike from outside the box brought a fine save from the Nurney goalkeeper Chris Kearney. This was the chance of the half. The hardworking and willing partnership of Bowden and Eyong upfront for St. Joseph's were met by a persistent and well-organised Nurney defence who were going to be challenging to break down, leaving the score 0-0 at half-time.

Nurney Villa went ahead when a clearance from the St. Joseph's defence fell to Pakie Fleming, who volleyed a fine shot home to make it 1-0 to Nurney. However, this lead lasted just six minutes when St. Joseph's Padraig Webb was fouled on the edge of the box, and Luca Hutton stepped up to send a beautiful curling left-footed effort in off the post. 1-1 and game on. Nurney found themselves chances on goal, but after his outstanding performance last week, the Saints number one produced some fantastic saves when called upon. As the game began to reach the end, St. Joseph's overloaded the Nurney defence. After relentless attacking efforts, they found the all-important goal when Robert Timmons crossed for Daniel Donegan, who found himself with time at the back post to grab a last-minute winner and all three points for St. Joseph's. Best for St. Joseph's - Daniel Donegan, Padraig Webb, and Luca Hutton. Best for Nurney Villa - Andy O'Brien, Jamie McCabe, Mick Murphy and Pakie Fleming.

Nurney Villa played the better football out of the two teams and dominated the first half but missed several good chances to take the lead. Nurney's John Townsend was then brought down in the area, leaving the referee to award the penalty and Pakie Fleming to step up to take the kick. However, Slaney goalkeeper Daniel Curran proved a tough nut to crack when he produced a superb save from Villa's penalty. However, Fleming made amends with a goal just before half-time to put Nurney Villa 1-0 up at the break.

Five minutes into the 2nd half, Fleming was again on the mark when he headed home a John Townsend cross. The win for Nurney was confirmed in the 77th minute when Gary Scully scored after another John Townsend assist. However, Slaney Rovers battled hard to the end and had a goal chalked off for offside three minutes from the full-time whistle. Best for Nurney - Rian Farrell, Martin Mullins, John Townsend, and Michael Murphy. Best for Slaney - Keith Slye, Sean Costello, and Daniel Curran.

There was a very even start to the first half for both teams with the best chance going to Nurney when Darragh Fitzgerald hit the post on 7 minutes. Both teams created chances, but Ballymurphy got the opener on 22 minutes with a goal from Luke Joyce who continued his great scoring form. The rest of the half was entertaining but couldn't produce any more goals.

Ballymurphy started the 2nd half better than Nurney and caused Nurney problems early on.

Nurney weathered the storm and got a well-deserved equaliser when Oisín Maloney shot home on 82 minutes from play. It was looking like a draw was going to be the result until Ballymurphy scored a great goal on 88 minutes when Luke Joyce hit a curling shot into the right side of the Nurney net from just outside the box. Nurney tried to even things up in the last few minutes but couldn't get a result. Nurney's best players were Oisín Maloney, Aidan Nolan, and Ben Smyth. best for Ballymurphy were Finn Lyons, Tiernan Byrne, and David Coleman

It was Nurney Villa who ran out as the winners of this hard-fought tie in Leighlinbridge on Sunday. Nurney took a 1-0 lead in the 16th-minute when Kyle Harenberg headed home from a Rian Farrell free-kick. However, Vale responded well and equalised in the 22nd-minute when a corner kick went in off a Nurney defender, leaving the score 1-1 at half-time.

In the second half, Nurney took a two-goal lead. First, Jamie McCabe prodded home when Vale failed to clear a corner kick, and then Michael Murphy punished a defensive mix up and scored to make it 3-1. Vale then pulled a goal back when Kieran Casey was fouled in the box, and Lee Conran stepped up and scored the penalty, making the score 3-2.

Vale tried but couldn't find the equaliser, as Nurney defended well and grabbed all three points. Best for Nurney- Andy O'Brien, Jamie McCabe, Joe Byrne, and Thomas Murphy. Best for Vale- Kieran Casey and Lee Conran.

Rovers started their 2022 off with a 4-2 win in Timahoe against an improved Nurney Villa team. Rovers started strong with tremendous pressure from the wing. They then found the breakthrough from an excellent finish by Mickey Keogh to make it 1-0 to Round Tower. However, Villa hit back to level when a well-worked move saw Martin Mullins cross for Pakie Fleming to head home. Nurney then went ahead in the 39th minute when a Pakie Fleming free kick into the area was headed home by Kyle Harenberg before Round Tower's Paddy Brady equalised before the break. Halftime Round Tower Rovers 2 - 2 Nurney Villa.

In the second half, Nurney Villa upped the pressure and almost found a third goal only for the fingertips of Round Tower's William Oxley. Rovers then found a third of their own from the header of Colum Dunne from a corner. Nurney played well but still couldn't force an equaliser. Finally, a goal in the dying minutes from Round Tower's Enda Butler put the nail in the coffin. It made the final score Round Tower Rovers 4 - 2 Nurney Villa.

Best for Nurney were Andy O'Brien, Mick Murphy, Joe Byrne and Thomas Murphy.

Best for Round Tower Rovers were William Oxley, Paddy Brady and Enda Butler.

This game saw a bright start by both teams, The best of the early chances going to Nurney.

Nurney got the opener on 18 minutes when Ben Smyth scored from a Shane Kelly free kick.

Ballylinan equalised on 28 minutes with a goal from play. The visitors began to dominate and were rewarded with their 2nd on 33 minutes with a goal from a free kick. Nurney began to chase, and John Cassidy got the equaliser for Nurney on 34 minutes when he chipped the keeper. Nurney took the lead on 42 minutes when Shane Kelly struck from play and that finished the half with Nurney 3-2 up and playing well. An even start to the 2nd half with few chances created by either team. As the half progressed Nurney began to dominate. Nurney created lots of chances and were rewarded when Oisin Maloney struck from a saved shot on 73 minutes. Padraig Keareny was rewarded after some solid play with Nurney’s 5th goal.

Good performance from Nurney who started the 1st half well and dominated the 2nd.

Nurney's best players were John Cassidy, Aidan Nolan, Thomas Bermingham and Oisin Maloney

Nurney Villa 0 - 2 Burrin Celtic

Burrin Celtic kept their good run of form going with a win away from home in awful weather conditions. Burrin dominated and created numerous chances within the first half, with Liam Brennan scoring after 15 minutes directly from a free kick. Burrin created multiple opportunities to score, but Nurney’s defence played excellently and did not let much past them.

In the second half, the wind was against Burrin. However, they controlled the game well. In the 57th minute, Myles Hutton kept his good form going and scored Burrin’s second and made it 2-0. Nurney fought to get back in the game, with Pakie Fleming delivering a fine shot which was well saved by the Burrin keeper. Full-time and the score remained 2-0 to Burrin Celtic.

Best for Nurney were Joe Byrne, Kyle Harenberg, and Pakie Fleming.

Best for Burrin were Adam Deacon, Nick Mullins, and Lorcan Doyle.