Report: Limerick 37 4 - 0 Kildare County

Limerick 37 recorded back to back victories for the first time this season in a convincing manner at Jackman Park tonight. Limerick supporters were treated to a rare home win in which they overcame Kildare County with ease and to get all three points for the first time at Jackman Park in over three months.

The Shannonsiders now occupy fifth place in the First Division for at least 24 hours until Longford Town take on Wexford Youths at Flancare Park on Saturday night. Mike Kerley’s new look squad, which includes thirteen new signings have now kept three clean sheets in a row.

The game started extremely lively as both sides looked for an early opener. Limerick 37 went close after six minutes of play when Wayne Colbert played through Gary Sheehan who watched on only to see his shot superbly saved by ex-Limerick FC goalkeeper Austin O Neill. Limerick created all the early chances and nearly came close again to scoring when Chukwuma Manjor’s curling shot was pushed out for a corner by Austin O Neill.

The opener came after just twelve minutes of play. Limerick captain Tommy Barrett struck a low free-kick past the Kildare County wall and into the back of the net to make it 1-0 to the hosts. Limerick improved from there and a second goal was imminent as the game progressed.

That second goal came in the 28th minute when a solo effort from Gary Sheehan doubled the hosts lead. Sheehan won possession in the middle of the park and a dashing run saw him beat two defenders down the wing. Just as it seemed he would lose possession as he lost his footing at the edge of the area, Gary Sheehan regained his balance to superbly slot the ball past Austin O Neill.

Kildare’s confidence and believe seemed to drop at this stage as Limerick began to hold onto the ball for long periods of possession. It was only poor decisions in the final third of the pitch that stopped Limerick from extending their lead.

That was until the 37th minute when striker Dave Ryan added a third when Limerick sliced open the tired Kildare defence with a string of passes between Manjor, Sheehan and Ryan. Dave Ryan got the final touch when he beat Austin O Neill at the near post.

Limerick were really hurting the visitors now and the half-time break was very much welcomed by Kildare County’s players, staff and supporters. After the break, it was obvious Limerick were not going to settle with the three goal margin. They wanted more and that was obvious in their attacking style of play in the second half.

To their credit, Kildare County never gave up and they began to create a few chances in the second half, something they had not managed to do in the first half. An in-swinging cross from left back Baba Issaka was just headed over by Philip Gorman.

Limerick’s class shown through as they withheld the pressure from Kildare to add a fourth goal to the scoreboard when Gary Sheehan grabbed a brace when he lashed home from inside the box in the 67th minute. The game was now definitely beyond doubt.

Limerick understandably took their foot off the peddle in the remaining twenty minutes as they made changes and began to pass the ball around with ease. It was a stark contrast to Limerick’s last home game against Athlone which ended in a dour 0-0 draw.

Kildare will travel back up the N7 knowing that the better team won tonight but they will take heart in the fact they did not give up and fought hard until the final whistle. Next up for Limerick is an away trip to Tolka Park to take on League leaders Shelbourne while Kildare face a tough task when they host Dundalk at Station Road on Friday evening.

Limerick 37: Dave Ryan; Brendan Daly, Tommy Barrett, Paul Danagher, Brian Cleary; Jason Hughes (Stephen Goggin 67), David Ryan (James Hayes 70), Wayne Colbert (Peter White 72), Paul Walsh; Gary Sheehan, Chukwuma Manjor.
Subs not used: Kevin Fitzpatrick, Evan Quinlivan.

Kildare County: Austin O Neill; Willie Tyrell, Michael Roche (Paul Donnelly 37), Colin Forture, Baba Issaka; Brian Slattery, Colin Murray, Eoin Kavanagh (Thomas Morgan 80), Cathal Brady; Philip Gorman (Ger Robinson 69), Ciaran Kilduff.
Subs not used: Charlie Treacy, John Brophy.

Referee: John McLoughlin.

Attendance: 450 (estimate)

Extratime Man of the Match: Gary Sheehan (Limerick 37) -  He has been top class since re-signing for Limerick. He grabbed himself another brace tonight and his general play was also a joy to watch.