League Report: Limerick 3 - 1 St Patrick's Athletic

Limerick FC continued their pursuit of survival to remain in top flight football tonight. The Super Blues were home to St Patricks Athletic in the Markets Field which proved to be another lively fixture for the home crowd of 1,662.

The Blues dominated in possession inside the opening ten minutes with a number of chances. Limerick finally grabbed their deserved lead on the 12^th minute through a coolly placed top corner free kick from Ian Turner. Limerick continued in their attack as they confidently outplayed their opponents but were somewhat dealt a hard blow from officials on the 27^th minute when defender Shaun Kelly was sent off.

Kelly was given marching orders by referee Graham Kelly when he called back play after linesman Dermot Broughton indicated there was an off the ball incident between Kelly and St Pat’s forward Morgan Langley, who was subsequently shown a yellow card.

Limerick soon fell flatfooted and St Patrick’s grew in confidence as they appeared to be covering every blade of grass on the Market’s field to get themselves level. Limerick doubled their lead on the brink of half time through Vinny Faherty as a mix-up in the St Pat’s defence gave him an opportunity from the six yard box to slide his shot under O’Malley in net.

St Patrick’s started the second half as they finished the opening putting plenty of pressure on the hosts but it was Blue’s captain Shane Duggan who came out on top from their attack.

The central midfielder broke down play and cleverly held possession to shield the ball from a number of St Patrick’s players to wait for 10 man Limerick to make a build-up. Duggan laid the ball off to Dean Clarke who darted down the left to provide an excellent cross to Ian Turner who headed in his second goal of the game.

Pats pressured throughout the second half as Limerick began to play more defensive but they could not beat Hall in the Limerick net who was oozing with confidence as he demanded and charged the box. The visitors did however clinch a consolation goal late on in the game from a well struck James Chambers free kick on the 81^st minute.

The game ended 3 – 1 in the favour of Limerick who are now three points from safety. However, St Patricks recorded their fourth defeat and look to miss out on the European stage next season.

Limerick FC: Freddy Hall; Shaun Kelly, Tony Whitehead, Shane Tracy, Patrick Kanyuka; Ian Turner, Paul O'Conor, Lee-J Lynch (Russell 45), Shane Duggan, Dean Clarke, Vinny Faherty (Rainsford 85).

Booked: O’Conor (21), Rainsford (90+3)

Sent Off: Kelly (27)

St Patricks Athletic: Conor O'Malley; Ian Bermingham, Kenny Browne, Sean Hoare, Ger O'Brien; Greg Bolger, Conan Byrne (Markey 72), James Chambers, Jamie McGrath, Aaron Greene (Bayly 79); Morgan Langley (Desmond 45).

Booked: Langley (27’), Bolger (40), Hoare (60).

Referee: Graham Kelly.

Attendance: 1,662.

ExtraTime.ie Man of the Match: Shane Duggan (Limerick FC).