League Report: Limerick 2 - 0 Shelbourne

 

The opening 20 minutes proved to be an even affair as Aaron Greene and Aidan Collins traded chances. The first chance of note arrived midway through the first half as Sean Russell tried his luck from 25 yards and Greg Murray produced a great save to tip the ball over the bar. The hosts grew in confidence and Greene unleashed a powerful drive from the corner of the box which evaded Murray’s crossbar by inches. 

 

The Super Blues were unlucky not to take the lead shortly after as Shane Duggan hit the post. Stephen Kenny latched onto the rebound but Adam O’Connor prevented a certain goal with a goal-line clearance. One minute later, Chris Mulhall swivelled in the box before hitting the post as Limerick raised the intensity significantly. 

 

Shelbourne responded quickly as clever vision from Cian Kavanagh allowed James English to force an acrobatic save from Freddy Hall. On the stroke of half-time, the Shannonsiders took a deserved lead as a Shelbourne clearance fell to Shane Duggan who breezed past a challenge before placing a beautiful shot into the far corner of the net. 

 

At the beginning of the second-half, Limerick doubled their advantage when Sean Russell was allowed too much time to cross the ball from the left and Mulhall headed home from close range. Within five minutes, Shelbourne almost pulled a goal back as an English effort was cleared off the line by Paul O’Conor. 

 

Limerick thought they had extended their lead just after the hour mark. However, Paudie O’Connor was adjudged to have returned from an offside position to nod the ball home. The introduction of veteran striker John O’Flynn did little to relieve the Shelbourne defence as his near post flick went narrowly wide. 

 

Minutes later, O’Flynn suffered the same fate as O’Connor as he slotted a Shane Duggan pass into the net but the flag was raised against him. As the game came to a close, English and Adam Evans had two quick chances for the visitors but both were easily dealt with by Hall. A late penalty was also saved by the Limerick goalkeeper, ensuring a clean sheet for the Super Blues. 

 

Limerick supporters were treated to an appearance by former Chelsea and AC Milan midfielder Michael Essien who provided Shane Duggan with the man of the match award. Morale at the club is particularly high at present and they face their biggest test of the season to date on Monday evening as they travel to the Brandywell to face Derry City in the EA Sports Cup semi-final. 

 

On the other hand, this result leaves Shels 12 points off third placed UCD after the Students' comfortable 5-1 victory over Athlone Town. Owen Heary will have his work cut out to make a late push for the play-off places at this stage. 

 

 

Limerick FC: Freddy Hall, Paul O’Conor, Paudie O’Connor, Robbie Williams, Shane Tracey, Shane Duggan, Lee-J Lynch, Sean Russell (Garbhan Coughlan 68), Stephen Kenny, Aaron Greene, Chris Mulhall (John O’Flynn 68). 

Subs Not Used: Tommy Holland, Tony Whitehead, Shaun Kelly, Sean McSweeney, Ross Mann.

 

Shelbourne: Greg Murray, Lorcan Shannon, Adam O’Connor, Aidan Collins (Michael Murphy 81), Reece McEnteer, Daire Doyle, Cian Kavanagh (Michael Kelly 46) Gavin Boyne, Adam Evans, Jamie Doyle (Dylan Kavanagh 60), James English.

Subs Not Used: Jack Tuite, Conor Keeley, Dylan Grimes.

 

 

Referee: Marc Lynch. 

Attendance: 1,272.

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