Russell hoping team can "Grow the Band"

Limerick manager Martin Russell hopes his team’s entertaining style of play can help “grow the band” of supporters, after another memorable night at the Markets Field where close to 1,300 turned out last Saturday.

The Shannonsiders got their SSE Airtricity League First Division campaign and promotion push underway with a 4-1 come-from-behind win over UCD, which leaves them top of the table after the opening weekend.

Russell’s side had a slight scare when Maxi Kouogun put his former club in front against the run of play before the midway point of the first half. But the boss was delighted with his players’ response as Aaron Greene (2), Chris Mulhall and Shane Tracy all netted, leaving the Garryowen stadium once again rocking.

Greene was awarded Man of the Match on his league debut having recently joined from Saint Patrick’s Athletic, and afterwards Russell spoke of an “all-round” good first night where his side’s free-flowing football should have yielded even more goals.

“Aaron showed the quality he can give you in that final third,” Martin told LimerickFC.ie. “We’ll be encouraging him to do more and more and the rest of the lads to keep pushing on. It’s a good start but that’s all it is.

“The crowd were good. They were cheering on the lads and it was great to see again that Markets Field magic we talk about; the feeling when it comes game-time and you get a good support out.

“I think again they were rewarded with the effort that the lads put in, in playing attacking football, scoring goals and creating chances. We want to continue that and hopefully grow the band that follow them.”

Russell added: “There’s a long road – it’s only one step in the right direction. We know that everybody is going to come here and want to turn us over. On our travels to Waterford next Friday they’ll want to do the same.

“We won’t get carried away but we’ll be looking for similar effort and level of ability going forward. Overall, you have to be pleased. We had other chances as well where, if you’re being critical, we probably should have stuck more of them away.

“But the effort and attitude was there and it was good to see some of the young lads that came in helped put in a good performance. It was pleasing all-round.”

Meanwhile, Tracy says his team “appreciate the fans coming out” on a night where they were competing with Munster.

“It’s great; the first game at home and to win 4-1, it gets us off the mark now and hopefully we can push on for the rest of the season,” Shane said.

“It’s only the first game; there’s nothing won at the start of the season. But it’s what we wanted. It’s a good start. There was a good crowd here again, nearly 1,300. Hopefully we can keep it going now.

“Munster were on tonight at 7.30 and obviously they have a big backing. The night that was in it, it’s very cold to come out but we appreciate the fans coming out.

“1,300 nowadays in the League of Ireland, especially after dropping down to the First Division, you might think what way are fans going to take it. It was great to have them here again.

“Like last year, it was a great atmosphere and hopefully they can keep supporting us and we can keep winning games. We’ve kind of earmarked our home games; it’s a good pitch, a big pitch and we want to keep the supporters coming and keep them behind us.”

 

Next Fixture: Waterford United v Limerick, RSC, Friday 11 March, 7.45pm (First Division)

Next Home Fixture: Limerick v Cobh Ramblers, Markets Field, Saturday 19 March, 6.30pm (First Division)