Report: Limerick 37 1 - 2 Dundalk

Dundalk maintained their lead at the top of the Eircom League First Division with a 2-1 win over Limerick at Jackman Park tonight. A large home crowd witnessed an entertaining battle between long time rivals Dundalk and Limerick. In what was expected to be a close battle between these two sides, Dundalk edged out as winners at the final whistle.

Limerick supporters welcomed their American chairman Jack McCarthy to Jackman Park tonight. It was an eventful and positive week for Limerick, who announced their name change to Limerick FC and their new jerseys and corporate sponsors. Speaking to extratime.ie Jack McCarthy said he hoped this positive news would attract a large crowd for tonight’s game.

Both sides began the game with great pace straight from the kick-off. A healthy attendance watched on as Limerick looked to keep their 100% home record alive. An early chance for Dundalk’s Robbie Farrell signalled their intentions for the rest of the game. Dundalk set the early pace, and began to put pressure on the Limerick defence, but as usual they were difficult to break down. So it was, until referee Graeme Kelly awarded Dundalk a controversial penalty after 18 minutes of play. David Crawley coolly slotted the ball past Limerick goalkeeper Jimmy Fyffe to make it 1-0 to the visitors. It remained 1-0 to Dundalk until half-time.

The second half was a livelier affair with Limerick looking for an equaliser. It is obvious now that Mike Kerley’s tactical approach to the game is having a positive effect on this young Limerick squad. From the beginning of the second half Limerick appeared to pass the ball around better and they began to put Dundalk on the back foot as the game progressed. Limerick seemed to have an improved approach to the manner in which they played in the second half.

Despite Limerick’s domination in the first few minutes of the second half, Dundalk began to up the tempo as they searched for that all important second goal. That goal came after 50 minutes when a deflected Jamie Duffy shot ended up in the back of the Limerick 37 net. Limerick's inexperience showed as they made a series of errors in defence. Half time substitute Ross Cosgrave lost the ball while taking the ball from the by-line. Dundalk winger Jamie Duffy took full advantage of Limerick’s shaky back four as his deflected shot made it 2-0 to Dundalk.

After Dundalk’s second goal, the large vocal home crowd seemed to encourage the Limerick side. They got behind their team despite the score line and this helped produce Limerick’s first goal of the night. After 56 minutes of play an in-swinging free kick from Ross Cosgrave was met by the head of Limerick captain Tommy Barrett. His header beat Dundalk keeper Chris Bennion to give Limerick some hope.

Limerick began to put pressure on the Dundalk back four in search for a well deserved equaliser. Dundalk had their fair share of chances as both sides experienced long periods of domination in the latter stages of the game. Dundalk’s best chance of the second half came when Robbie Martin’s powerful shot was pushed out for a corner by Jimmy Fyffe.

Limerick’s determination and character was rewarded after Tommy Barrett was brought down inside the penalty area with two minutes gone in stoppage time. Referee Graeme Kelly deemed the tackle to be an illegal one and he awarded Limerick a last minute penalty. Limerick captain Tommy Barrett stepped up, looking to salvage a point for the home side. His powerful penalty cleared the goals and went over the bar to the disappointment of the home crowd. Although Limerick played some great football in the second half, and despite their penalty miss, Dundalk were the well deserved winners at Jackman Park. Their unbeaten start to the season continues and based on their performance against Limerick, they are the team to beat in this season’s First Division

Limerick 37: Jimmy Fyffe; Brendan Daly, Brian Cleary, Paul Danaher, Peter White; Tommy Barrett, Jonathan Grant, Wayne Colbert (Ross Cosgrave 46), Padraig Fogerty (Derek McCarthy 46); Willie Bruton, James Hayes (Donal Curtin 69).

Dundalk: Chris Bennion; John Flanagan, Aidan Lynch, Ian Ryan, David Crawley; Jamie Duffy (Paul Shiels 79), Paul Crowley, David Cassidy, David O’ Connor (Paul Smyth 43); Robbie Farrell, Robbie Martin (Tiarnan Mulvenna 67).

Referee: Graham Kelly.

Attendance: 800 (estimate).

Extratime man of the match: David Cassidy (Dundalk) - controlled midfield for large portions of the game.