Limerick 37 1 - 2 Kildare County

An experimental Limerick 37 side went down 2-1 to a determined Kildare County at Jackman Park tonight. A goal from Bobby Tier on the verge of half time looked to secure the points for Limerick, but two goals from Philip Hughes and Barry Slattery in the space of two minutes ensured Kildare County travel back up the N7 with all three points.

Kildare’s two late goals ended Limerick’s impressive run of form in what was there last home game of a very successful season. Kildare County claimed a first win under new manager Tony Cousins at the expense of in-form Limerick 37.

A morale boasting win for Tony Cousin’s side will be much welcomed ahead of their promotion/relegation against Mervue United in two weeks time. A dull affair started off with Limerick taking control of the game but Kildare quickly came back into the game with efforts from Philip Hughes and Cathal Brady going close early on.

A young Limerick side with five changes from their impressive 1-0 victory against Dundalk last week went close after 10 minutes but Paul Danagher’s glancing header was superbly pushed over the bar by ex-Limerick goalkeeper Austin O’ Neill.

Kildare nearly shocked the hosts when Philip Hughes broke through the Limerick defence after a long ball which caught out Paul Danagher at the heart of Limerick’s defence. Philip Hughes then did extremely well to turn his marker but he could only watch on as his curling shot struck the upright of Brian Collopy’s goal.

A first half which produced very little goal scoring chances looked more and more likely to end up at stalemate at half time. That was until Bobby Tier opened the scoring on the verge of half-time. A close range finish gave Limerick a slim lead going into the half time break. Debutant Jeffery Judge rounded his marker to cross into the crowded Kildare penalty area where Bobby Tier slotted home from close range.

Kildare County took full advantage of Limerick’s complacency in the second half when they began to push forward and create more chances. Their determination paid off in the 75th minute when an excellent Philip Hughes free kick from the edge of the box levelled the scores at Jackman Park.

Limerick had barely any time to reflect on what had just happened when a long range effort in the 77th minute from Barry Slattery beat Limerick goalkeeper Brian Collopy to make it 2-1 to the visitors.

Kildare County then held out for the last 13 minutes as their recent poor form came to an end at high flying Limerick 37. This victory will be a much welcomed result for Tony Cousin’s side as they prepare for the important trip to Mervue United in two weeks time.

Limerick 37: Brian Collopy; Peter White, Tommy Barrett, Paul Danaher, Brian Cleary; Paul Walsh, Thomas Lyons, Jason Hughes, Bobby Tier, Jeffery Judge; Colin Scanlon.

Kildare County: Austin O'Neill; Eoin Powderly, Paul Donnelly, Eoin Kavanagh, Baba Issaka; Trevor Bowers (Orrin Farrell 50), Barry Slattery, Colin Osbourne (Ger Robinson 79), Cathal Brady; Philly Hughes, Ciaran Kilduff.

Referee: Graeme Kelly (Cork).

Attendance: 542

Extratime Man of the Match: Paul Walsh (Limerick 37) - He was at the centre of every attack for the home side.