League Report: UCD 1 - 2 Limerick

Limerick FC got the job done in a thrilling game on Friday night as a Shane Duggan brace meant that second placed UCD suffered their third defeat of the season with the game ending 2-1 in favour of the Super Blues. The students reply from Ryan Swan was not enough and they remain on 11 points and will continue to concentrate on fighting off Cobh Ramblers and Shelbourne for second place.

The team from Markets Field now have eight consecutive wins on the bounce in an exceptional start to the season.

Both Limerick and UCD began the game in determined fashion. First UCD should have been rewarded for their early chance with a goal when Ryan Swan found space in the box but Freddy Hall saved easily.

Moments later Limerick’s Shane Duggan had a long range shot saved by Niall Corbet. Soon after Swan attempted an over head kick but the ball sailed over.

Perhaps the game’s first real clear cut chance came from great passing play from Limerick. Lee J Lynch and Shane Duggan exchanged a neat one-two then it was laid on to the boot of Aaron Greene and his great effort rasped the cross bar.

Shortly after, the visitor’s took the lead when on 16 minutes the Super Blues dominance gave them the goal they wanted. Stephen Kenny and Lynch linked up on the right and between them they played a neat layoff to local Limerick native and ex-UCD player Shane Duggan who drove the ball home.

Despite falling behind the Students kept their heads up. Referee Mark Lynch awarded UCD a number of free kicks just outside the visitors box.

The first set piece was a direct free from UCD captain Gary O'Neill but it was blocked by the Blues wall. Next up Jason McCelland pumped a ball into the penalty area but again O'Neill just couldn't direct his header goalwards.

After half an hour UCD Striker Jason McCelland went on a mazy run into the box with not one but two step overs and he was unlucky his opportunity went out for a corner.

UCD had their best chance for an equaliser when Swan picked out Dylan Watts and he had more time than he thought and thus his shot was straight at Hall.

The Student’s pressure eventually paid off with a goal. Just before the break, Swan found space and from inside the penalty box he bent the ball into goal despite the advancing Limerick and Bermuda number one Freddy Hall.  It was the first goal Limerick had conceded in three First Division matches. A great end to the first half leaving it 1-1 at the break.

Limerick manager Martin Russell brought on Garbhan Coughlan for second half started with Limerick regaining the lead just four minutes into the second period with Shane Duggan scoring his second of the game.

When UCD defender Maxi Kouogun got a block on a shot, Mulhall played the ball back to Duggan on the edge of the box. He caught the ball on the half volley from 25 yards out and buried the ball low into the bottom right corner leaving Niall Corbet between the UCD posts with absolutely no chance.

Almost immediately the Shannonsiders should have made it three when the referee awarded the visitors a penalty. Chris Mulhall running onto a ball over the top was pulled down inside the box by the Corbet and the ‘keeper received his marching orders for denying a goal-scoring chance.

In came ex-Limerick stopper Conor O'Donnell and to the delight of the Belfield Bowl home support he saved Shane Tracey’s penalty.

Another sending off was more favourable for UCD. Limerick’s Robbie Williams was caught out of position and he brought down Swan and as Williams was the last man he had to go and both teams were down to ten men for the remaining 25 minutes.

UCD manager Collie O'Neill brought Georgie Kelly  and Kieran Marty Waters in search of a leveller. But it wasn't to be on a fantastic Friday night game at the Bowl with Limerick heading back Shannon way having had to work hard to take all three points.

UCD: Niall Corbet; Alan Harney, Tomás Boyle, Maxi Kouogun, Mark Langtry; Daire O’Connor (Conor O’Donnell 55), Greg Sloggett  (Kieran Marty Waters 82), Gary O’Neill, Dylan Watts, Jason McClelland (Georgie Kelly 82); Ryan Swan.

Subs not used:  Josh Collins, Jason Byrne, Sean Coyne.

Booked: M Kouogun (78).

Sent Off: Corbet (55).

Limerick: Freddy Hall ; Shaun Kelly (Garbhan Coughlan 45), Paul O’Connor, Robbie Williams, Lee J Lynch, Shane Duggan; Paudie O'Connor, Shane Tracey,  Stephen Kenny (Tony Whitehead 67), Chris Mulhall (John O’Flynn 90), Aaron Greene.

Subs Not Used: Tommy Hyland,  Jordan Moore, Colm Murphy, Ross Mann.

Booked:  S Kenny (22), A Greene (85).

Red Card:  Williams (65).

Referee: Marc Lynch.

Attendance:  500 (estimate).

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

You can see Tom Beary's pictures for the game here.