Report: Limerick 37 0 - 3 Waterford United

Waterford United got their promotion hopes back on track on Friday night with a convincing 3-0 win over Limerick 37 at Jackman Park. The two sides looked reasonably matched until a second half penalty from Gary Dunphy opened the scoring after 48 minutes of play. This goal unlocked the tight Limerick defence as a brace from Michael Foley completed the scoring to make it 3-0 to the visitors.

Overall, Gareth Cronin’s side were the better team but Limerick will feel the 3-0 score line does not do them any justice. They played well in the first half against a determined Waterford side and Mike Kerley’s weakened side were by no means outclassed by their Munster rivals. It wasn’t until the 48th minute that a lapse in the Limerick defence left Willie John Kiely in a one on one situation with Limerick goalkeeper Dave Ryan. Referee Graeme Kelly then awarded Waterford a penalty after Dave Ryan brought down Willie John Kiely inside the box.

Gary Dunphy stepped up to slot the ball past Dave Ryan to open the scoring for Waterford United. Mike Kerley now looked to plan B as his original game plan to withhold Waterford had to be scrapped as a consequence of Waterford’s opening goal. Dunphy’s penalty seemed to give the visitors a much needed boost of confidence as they pressed forward looking for a second goal.

That second goal came after 65 minutes of play when an attempted offside trap did not go to plan when the whole Limerick defence stepped forward only to see Peter White play Michael Foley onside. He easily slotted the ball past Ryan to make it 2-0 to the visitors.

Mike Kerley’s young side completely lost their confidence after Waterford’s second goal and it was inevitable that a third would follow as heads dropped on the home team. Saying this, Limerick still continued to create chances and Darren Harrington came close on two occasions but to no avail. A makeshift Limerick defence without the services of Pat Purcell, Shane Tracy and Tommy Barrett was always going to struggle against a strong Waterford side but it was mistakes that eventually undid the Limerick defence.

As Limerick looked to pull back a goal, they began to push forward and Waterford’s third goal was as a result of this. A perfectly timed pass into the corner was picked up by Waterford United midfielder Gary Dunphy who easily beat his marker, Peter White, and a short pass was met by Michael Foley who passed the ball into the back of the net to complete the scoring for the visitors.

After a poor run of results, by their standards, Gareth Cronin’s side will travel back to Waterford a very satisfied squad as they keep the pressure on League leaders Dundalk and Shelbourne. Next up for these two sides is the FAI Cup in which sees Limerick host Cork City at Jackman Park and Waterford travel to Terryland to play Jeff Kenna’s struggling Galway United. With the half way point of the season nearly upon us the chase for the First Division title is extremely exciting with Shelbourne, Dundalk, Waterford and Sporting Fingal all looking strong.

Limerick 37: Dave Ryan; Brendan Daly, Peter White, Wayne Colbert (David Ryan 71), Brian Cleary; Padraig Fogerty, Evan Quinlivan, Darren Harrington, James Hayes; Willie Bruton (Derek McCarthy 59), Chukwuma Manjor (Ross Cosgrave 72).
Subs not used: Kevin Fitzpatrick.

Waterford United: Ben Spicer; Kieran Fitzgerald, John Hayes, David Breen, Robbie Clarke; Kevin Waters, Gary Dunphy (Joe Mulcahy 71), Luke Fitzpatrick, Michael Foley; Vinny Sullivan (David Grincell 80), Willie John Kiely (Karl Bermingham 75).
Subs not used: Dave Warren.

Referee: Graham Kelly (Cork).

Attendance: 369

Extratime Man of the Match: Michael Foley (Waterford United) - he scored two important goals to secure the points for Waterford to keep their promotion hopes alive.