Shelbourne 2 - 1 Limerick FC

Shelbourne kept their hopes of staying in the Airtricity Premier League alive after a hard fought 2-1 win over Limerick FC at Tolka Park on Friday night. Second galf goals from Adam Hanlon and Lee Murtagh gave Shels the points.

It was Limerick who started the better of the two sides. They had most of the possession in the early stages of the game as Shelbourne found it difficult to get out of their own half and it was no surprise when the blues went in front.

The visitors took the lead in the 17th minute. The goal came about after first of all Darragh Rainsford and then David O'Leary flicked it on before Axel Bossekota trurned and finished to the side of the net from inside the area.

Shelbourne slightly improved as the half went on and they created their first chance of the game in the 26th minute. Sean Brennan took a freekick from the right hand side. Graham Gartland rose highest and headed just wide.

However Limerick looked comfortable for most of the opening period and in the 35th minute they threatened on the the counter attack. Bossekota gathered possession just inside the Shelbourne half. He raced towards the penalty area, cut inside and hit a shot which went wide of the post.

The home side did come very close to scoring just before half time. Brian O'Callaghan's headed clearance only went as far as Derek Doyle. Doyle's shot was saved by Barry Ryan and just as it looked as if Lee Murtagh was about to put the rebound into the net Ryan got there again to palm it away for a corner.

Jonnhy McDonnell's side got back into the game in the 7th minute of the second half. Lee Murtagh dispossessed Brian Callaghan and the ball found its' way to Adam Hanlon who struck it low into the corner of the net with his left foot from the edge of the area.

Limerick came close to regaining the lead after an hour. Shane Tracey took a free kick from left to right and picked out Danny Galbraith. Galbraith had time to get his shot away but he could only find the sidenetting.

Stuart Taylor will be disappointed that his team did not go back in front in the 77th minute. Danny Galbraith played it to his right to Shaun Kelly. Kelly took on and beat Darren Tinnelly. He then crossed for Darragh Rainsford who was in space in the area. However Rainsford could only strike a week shot at Lee Murphy.

Limerick were made to pay for that miss a couple of minutes later after Shels went in front. The goal came about after Adam Hanlon played it to his left to Sean Brennan. Brennan plled it back into the six yard box and Lee Murtagh was there to put it into the net from close range.

The away team had a number of free kicks in the final ten minutes but they failed to create any clear cut chances. Shelbourne held on for their second successive 2-1 win at home to keep their survival hopes alive.

Shelbourne: Lee Murphy; Brian Shorthall, Ian Ryan, Graham Gartland, Pat Flynn; Sean Brennan (Dean Kelly 87), Glenn Cronin, Stephen Hurley, Derek Doyle (Darren Tinnelly 68); Adam Hanlon, Lee Murtagh.
Subs not used: Niall Burdon, Jamie McGlynn, Adam O'Connor, Robert Cornwall, Alex Prizeman.

Booked: None.

Limerick FC: Barry Ryan: Shaun Kelly, Brian O'Callaghan, Robbie Williams (Stephen Folan 71), Shane Tracy:  Axel Bossekota, Joe Gamble (Stephen Bradley 57), David O'Leary, Darragh Rainsford (Barry Sheedy 80), Danny Galbraith: Craig Curran.
Subs not used: Shane Cusack, Rory Gaffney, Shane Costello, Val Feeney.

Booked: O'Leary (67), Bossekota (89), Tracy (91).

Referee: Alan Kelly.

Attendance: 783

Extratime.ie man of the match: Lee Murtagh (Shelbourne).