Report: Limerick 37 2 - 1 Longford Town

Limerick 37 kept their 100% home record alive with a 2-1 win against Longford Town tonight in Jackman Park. In front of a crowd of 503 Limerick climbed to fourth place in the Eircom League First Division.

Willie Bruton opened the scoring within two minutes of play after a through ball by midfielder Darren Harrington put Willie Bruton through on goal. Bruton drilled home to put Limerick ahead and score Limerick’s first goal from play this season.

Limerick’s lead did not last long, as Longford equalised after 10 minutes. A Longford corner resulted in a mix-up in the Limerick defence which lead to defender Colin Murray heading home from close range. At this stage it seemed as if the visitors would take advantage of Limerick’s shaky defence. Longford looked as if they would capitalise on Limerick’s loss of belief when Darren McKenna headed off the bar as Longford sought a lead goal.

Longford’s domination did not last long as Limerick restored their lead after 39th minutes. A low Padraig Fogarty shot was slightly deflected into the Longford net as an outreached Shay Kelly was beaten to make it 2-1 to Limerick going into half time.

Darren Harrington was the main creator of the goal as his dominance in midfield continued throughout the first half. He created space for himself to pass to Shane Tracy who set up Limerick’s second goal. Limerick led 2-1 at half time as Fogarty’s goal give Limerick a much needed lift going into the second half.

New signing Peter White replaced James Hayes at half time as Limerick went for five in midfield to try and defend their narrow lead. The second half saw both Longford and Limerick both having long periods of domination but with no result as both teams defended well.

Limerick had their fair share of chances in the second half as both Dave Ryan and Darren Harrington went close to extending Limerick’s lead. Limerick began defending deep as Longford pushed forward looking for an equaliser.

A nervous last 10 minutes for the home crowd saw Limerick holding onto their narrow led after Longford’s pressure did not result in a sought after second goal.

However with the wind behind their backs, Limerick should have added a third in the final few minutes when Shay Kelly saved a Dave Ryan shot. In the end Limerick held on to get their second win of the season and climb to a respectable 4th in the League.

In a season where Limerick’s young squad were expected to struggle their home form so far has been excellent and it will play a vital part in how well Limerick do this season. On the other hand, this defeat will be a major setback in Longford’s push for promotion as title rivals Shelbourne, Dundalk and Waterford all picked up full points this weekend.

Limerick 37: Dave Ryan; Brendan Daly, Paul Danaher, Tommy Barrett, Shane Tracy; Liam Barrett, Wayne Colbert, Darren Harrington (David Ryan 74), James Hayes (Peter White 46); Paraic Fogarty, Willie Bruton (Ross Cosgrave 90).
Subs not used: Kevin Fitzpatrick, Chimka Manjor.

Longford Town: Shay Kelly; Ryan O’Donnell (Michael Hogan 69), Ryan Casey, Colin Murray, Ronan Frawley; Luke Hardy, Dean Barrett (Michael McCarthy 54), Daire Doyle, Iarfhlaith Davoren; Darren McKenna, Keith Kelch (Damien Rushe 54).
Subs not used: Neil Gallagher, Brian Kelly.

Referee: Sean Grant (Wexford).
Attendance: 503
Man of the match: Darren Harrington (Limerick 37).