League Report: Limerick FC 4 - 1 UCD

Limerick FC picked up a deserved three points at the Markets Field on Saturday night after overcoming UCD 4-1. A superb debut by Aaron Greene provided the platform for the victory.

Limerick began the game in determined fashion and a pinpoint cross from young full-back Colm Murphy was headed over by Garbhan Coughlan. Limerick held possession for almost the entire first quarter of an hour as UCD appeared happy to maintain their shape.

At the quarter hour mark, Limerick should have rewarded their early dominance with a goal as Chris Mulhall beat the offside trap and squared the ball to the waiting Garbhan Coughlan, who lost his footing at the vital moment. The rebound fell to Shane Duggan who brought a great save from UCD goalkeeper Niall Corbet.

Shortly after, the visitors took the lead against the run of play. Gary O’Neil whipped in a cross which was headed into the net by UCD centre-back Maxi Kouogun. Immediately, the Students should have doubled their lead as Freddie Hall dropped a Kieran Marty Waters shot but Cathal Brady failed to convert the rebound.

However, the Super Blues responded, and the two wingers combined as Stephan Kenny fed Aaron Greene, who blasted a low drive past Niall Corbet. Approaching half-time, UCD were dealt a major blow as experienced defender Brian Shortall was shown a straight red card for an off the ball incident with Chris Mulhall.

As expected, Limerick dominated play at the beginning of the second half with the man advantage. Former Cobh Ramblers player Stephan Kenny cut in from the right hand side on two occasions, only to be denied by both Corbet and the post.

After a sustained period of pressure, the Shannonsiders finally gained the lead for the first time. An expert through ball by captain Shane Duggan released Aaron Greene who placed a shot to bottom corner. The margin was extended as ex-UCD man Chris Mulhall swivelled in the box and managed to poke his shot into the net from close range.

The introduction of striker John O’Flynn did little to ease the Students fears for the remainder of the game. O Flynn was involved in the home side’s fourth goal with fifteen minutes remaining as his curling effort was saved, but Shane Tracy dispatched the rebound with relative ease.

As the game entered its final moments, O’Flynn should have added to the rout as he chipped an effort over the bar from the edge of the box.

Many people in attendance will have expected a comfortable win for the hosts before the game. However, the visitors will wonder what would have happened had Brian Shortall remained on the pitch as the game was level at this point. The large home support will be delighted with the start that their team made and will hope to build on this next week against Waterford. UCD will look to bounce back immediately as they entertain Cabinteely at the Belfield Bowl.

Limerick FC: Freddy Hall, Seamus Sharkey, Robbie Williams, Paudie O’Connor, Colm Murphy, Shane Duggan, Shane Tracy, Garbhan Couglan (Ross Mann 74), Stephan Kenny (Liam McCartan 86), Aaron Greene, Chris Mulhall (John O’Flynn 65).

Subs not used: Tommy Holland, Paul O’Conor, Shane Costelloe, Jordan Moore.

Booked: None

Sent off: None

UCD: Niall Corbet, Daniel Tobin (Sean Coyne 86), Maxi Kougun, Brian Shortall, Ryan McLaughlin, Mark Langtry, Cathal Brady (George Kelly 70), Gary O’Neil, Ryan Swan (Jack Watson 70), Dylan Watts, Kieran Marty Waters.

Subs not used: Conor O’Donnell, Adam Harney, Jason McClelland, Samir Belhout.

Booked: Ryan McLaughlin (63)

Sent off: Brian Shortall (43)

Referee: Andrew Mullally

Attendance: 1,252

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Aaron Greene (Limerick).

You can see Michael P Ryan's photos from the game here.