REPORT: Limerick 37 2 - 0 Wexford Youths

A 2-0 score line in favour of Limerick 37 F.C was the final score in front of 555 spectators at Jackman Park tonight in Limerick. A strong travelling Wexford Youths support will make the long trip home feeling hard done after referee Graeme Kelly gave Limerick 37 two penalties in the last four minutes.

A Shane Tracy brace was the difference between the two sides at the final whistle. The Ex-Arsenal player netted his first penalty after 87 minutes after a Wexford Youths defender handled the ball on the line in a crowded penalty area. Two minutes later Shane Tracy completed his brace after an Anthony Rossiter handball granted Limerick a second penalty after 89 minutes of play. One minute into stoppage time Wexford were awarded a penalty after the home team were penalised for handball. Ex- Limerick star Conor Sinnott saw his penalty saved by inform keeper Dave Ryan who pushed the ball past the post for a corner.

Wexford manager Mick Wallace will be disappointed that his team could not break their Limerick hoodoo after facing Limerick for the eighth time in their brief history in the League of Ireland. The first real action of the game came after five minutes when Wexford’s Richard Fitzgerald had his shot deflected inches wide of the Limerick goal.

Limerick’s first shot on target came on the 37th minute after striker Chukwuma Manjor’s weak header was easily saved by Youth’s keeper Jason Russell. Limerick continued to press and put the Wexford defence under pressure up until half time with no main incidence to report before half time. After a poor first half both sides went into face their managers tied at 0-0.

There was great build up to this game as many Limerick supporters were looking forward to seeing their new look side for the first time. Only Wayne Colbert, Dave Ryan, Tommy Barrett, Pat Purcell, Derek McCarthy, Paul Danaher and Ross Cosgrave remain from last year’s senior squad. New signings and last year’s U21 squad make up the rest of Mike Kerley’s 23 man squad. With such a young squad Limerick will be delighted to get their first win under their belt.

It was much of the same at the start of the second half as both teams had spells of possession without ever really creating opportunities to opening the scoring. The vocal home crowd began to get behind their side in the second half which seemed to give Limerick a lift they badly needed.

Wayne Colbert commanded the midfield throughout the game and he played a big factor in Limerick’s build up to their first goal. His through ball created an opportunity for Limerick to get a shot on goal which was deemed to be handled by a Wexford defender in the penalty area. Confusion surrounded the incident as Limerick players believed the ball had crossed the line from the original shot on goal. As they turned to celebrate referee Graeme Kelly blew his whistle for a Limerick penalty. On-loan Shane Tracy stepped up under pressure to put Limerick in front after 87 minutes of play at Jackman Park.

Straight away from the restart Wexford began to push forward more and create chances. This led to them being pushed forward from the back which let Limerick substitute Ross Cosgrave to get behind the Wexford defence to get a cross in. This resulted in Limerick’s second goal.

Two minutes after the first penalty, Limerick were awarded another penalty after Anthony Rossiter handled the ball in the Wexford penalty area. Shane Tracy stepped up again to slot home to make to 2-0 to Limerick 37 in the 89th minute.

There was still time left for Wexford to get forward and there persistence was rewarded when the referee awarded Wexford a free-kick on the edge of the Limerick penalty are. Limerick conceded a penalty from another handball as a resultant of the free kick. Conor Sinnott saw his penalty saved by keeper Dave Ryan who pushed it wide for a corner kick after 91 minutes of play.

In what was a poor game overall, an exciting last six minutes were encouraging to home crowd who had seen three penalties awarded. Wexford have now lost their first two games but that didn’t stop the enthusiasm of the colourful travelling support who created a sea of pink in Jackman Park on this Friday evening.

Next up for Limerick is an away trip next Friday to Morton Stadium where they face new comers Sporting Fingal. Wexford host Kildare County at Ferrycarrig Park next Friday evening at 8:00p.m.

Limerick 37: Dave Ryan; Brendan Daly, Paul Danaher, Tommy Barrett, Shane Tracy; Padraig Fogerty, Wayne Colbert, Liam Barrett, Chimka Manjor (David Ryan 80); Willie Bruton, James Hayes (Ross Cosgrave 70).

Wexford Youths: Jason Russell; Anthony Russell, Thomas Hawkins, Anthony Rossiter, Stuart Lawlor; Liam O Loughlin, Conor Sinnott, Paul Malone (Joe Wadding 81), John Flynn O Connor; Richard Fitzgerald (Darren Browne 89), Paul Murphy (Gavin Doyle 60).

Referee: Graham Kelly.

Attendance: 555

Man of the match: Wayne Colbert (Limerick 37) - He controlled the midfield throughout the whole game and he played a key part in both of Limerick’s goals.