Russell acknowledges complacency and injuries as biggest enemy

Following the crazy 4-3 victory over Shelbourne at Tolka Park on Sunday afternoon, Limerick boss Martin Russell acknowledged that complacency and injuries were now his side's biggest hurdles to making an immediate return to the Premier Division.

With Drogheda United held to a goalless draw by Cabinteely in Stradbrook, the gap between the Blues and the second placed Louth club in the First Division table now stands at 14 points. Drogs make the trip to Market's Field next week and another victory would see Russell's side go into the midseason break an astonishing 17 points clear at the top.

However, Russell believes the manner in which promotion is secured is just as important as the end result itself in terms of how the club copes with future challenges.

“You'll always hear the whole thing that mathematically you've still got to play on, but it's not even about that. I think it's just about making sure that we're getting stronger, we're getting more equipped for, hopefully, bigger challenges ahead,” Russell told press post-match.

“So the first challenge is getting back to the Premier, but the way we get back is important and the level of football that we play, I think, is important and it indicates that we've got some players who can affect positively on our return, hopefully, to the Premier.”

When asked by Extratime.ie whether complacency was a concern, Russell replied, “I think that's probably our biggest enemy. I've no doubt that we've got a good group of players. Also, injuries have picked up a bit, probably the break's coming at the right time.

“We didn't know a few weeks ago that we'd be without Aaron Greene, Shane Duggan, Seamus Sharkey, Freddy Hall. These are all lads that have played in the team quite regularly, so when you're out that quality as well, it weakens the strength of the squad not being able to pick them.

“So that's the other thing you don't want to happen. Between both of those things, I think if we have a fit squad I think they'll be focused enough that we get the return that we want.”

Early goals in both halves gave Limerick the lead, with two sucker punch goals at the beginning of the restart after the half-time interval making it 3-1 to the visitors. Until the 83rd minute, Limerick seemed to be comfortable but from the moment Shels' substitute Dylan Grimes pulled it back to 3-2, the game escalated onto another level of bedlam.

Immediately, Limerick raced up the other end of the pitch with Ross Mann winning what was a controversial second spotkick in the game for the Blues as it looked to many observers that the first contact had taken place just outside the penalty area. With John O'Flynn already substituted, Lee-J Lynch stepped up only to see his effort saved – but he reacted quickest to knock in the rebound.

At 4-2, it looked like Shels were buried again, but then referee Andrew Mullally, after consulting with his linesman, penalized Limerick 'keeper Tommy Holland in the 86th minute for holding onto the ball too long, awarding Shels an indirect free-kick inside the penalty area. Reds winger Jamie Doyle was teed up and smashed it into the bottom corner to make it 4-3.

Having let Shels back into the game “when they shouldn't have gotten back into it,” Russell admitted to feeling relieved when the referee blew the final whistle on a strange afternoon in Tolka.

“Yeah, you are at the end [relieved] because the game is getting stranger as it goes on, the injuries are piling up and we made our substitutions but had one or two players carrying knocks,” said Russell.

“So from that point of view, yeah, you want to get over the line and we did that. All in all, we'll take it, it keeps our run going which is important so we look forward to a big game against Drogheda next week.”

Meanwhile, it was another good day for striker John O'Flynn who took his tally for the season to 18 goals from 13 appearances in all competitions with a brace against the Reds, and Russell is delighted with the Cobh man's contribution.

“John is capable, he's a proven finisher, but equally what has to go in hand, which he will acknowledge, is that he's got players around him that are creating chances and giving him the opportunity to go and help him score,” said Russell.

“It is a team game, but he's a good front man to have and he's been great since he's come in.”