League Report: Derry City 1-2 Limerick
Credit:
The first half was an extremely uninspiring affair with Sean Houston getting the only notable chance on goal after 22 minutes. The midfielder was neatly played through by Philip Lowry but Houston was unable to bring his shot on target as he dragged it wide.
The remainder of the half lacked any real quality with half chances being the sole trend.
Referee, Paul Tuite blew the whistle to bring a disappointing first half for both sides to a close. The level score was a true reflection of the opening half.
The second half did, however, get off to a brighter start. The visitors were determined to inject a bit of life into the game.
And they did exactly that, an accumulation of half chances by Limerick in the early exchanges of the second period was followed by the opener on the 58th minute. The ball was crossed into the box with Rory Gaffney getting an attempt on goal but all Derry keeper Dean Gallagher could do was parry it towards Shane Duggan who just slotted home to put his side ahead.
The slender lead did not last long as Derry brought the scores level just five minutes later. Stephen Dooley gained possession down the left wing, he got his cross into the box where he found Barry McNamee unmarked at the back post and all the midfielder had to was head home into an open net and that was what he did. The scores were again level.
The game entered a rather dry spell with a large chuck the game with neither side having a notable attempt on goal. However, Limerick weren't satisfied with a share of the spoils.
In the 90th minute, Gaffney earned his side all three points. A poor defensive clearance by Mark Timlin gifted the ball to Gaffney who settled himself before slotting home.
That brought the game to a close with Limerick narrowly edging out their Brandywell counterparts. The result leaves Derry and Limerick level on points but the Candystripes are just ahead on goal difference. Limerick are safe and have comfortably secured their Premier Division for next season whilst Derry have a cup final to be looking forward to and will be hoping for a decent run of form going into it.
Derry City: Ciaran Gallagher; Dean Jarvis (Danny Ventre 66"), Barry Molloy, Shane McEleney, Mark Timlin; Stephen Dooley (Rory Patterson 82"), Barry McNamee, Philip Lowry (Ryan McBride 88"), Sean Houston, Michael Duffy; Ryan Curran
Subs Not Used: Gerard Doherty (gk), Nathan Boyle, Patrick McEleney, Shay Dunlop.
Booked: Rory Patterson (83")
Limerick FC: Ali Abass; Mick Leahy, Stephen Folan, Sam Oji, Paudie O’Connor; Ian Turner, Shane Duggan, Prince Agyemang ( Joseph Ndo 82"), Lee Lynch, Kieran Djilali (Darragh Rainsford Half-Time); Rory Gaffney
Subs Not Used: Shane Cusack (gk), Shane Tracy, Colm Murphy, Tony Whitehead, Ross Mann.
Booked: Rory Gaffney (90+2")
Referee: Paul Tuite
Attendance: 600 (Estimate)
Extratime.ie Man Of The Match: Ciaran Gallagher (Derry City)
