Report: Limerick 37 1 - 1 Wexford Youths

Limerick 37 failed to keep their winning streak going when they were held to a 1-1 draw by battling Wexford Youths at Jackman Park this evening. An early James Hayes goal looked like Limerick would see off Wexford to keep the pressure on the top four, but Wexford hero Danny Furlong ensured that the visitors got a share of the spoils at the Carey’s Road venue.

Limerick were unchanged from their impressive result in Monaghan, while Wexford lined up in a familiar defensive formation with ex-Limerick manager Noel O’ Connor taking charge of the dugout in Mick Wallace’s absence. It will be the Youths that will come away from Jackman Park the happier side as Mike Kerley’s Limerick side will be disappointed to have not kept the pressure on Sporting Fingal, who they played on Monday night in Morton Stadium.

Limerick began the livelier as a cautious Wexford side looked to soak up the pressure from the kick-off. It was Limerick who had the earlier chances and they nearly found the net after three minutes of play when midfielder Dave Ryan got onto the end of a Gary Sheehan cross only to see his poor shot drag wide of Doyle’s well defended goal.

Wexford were determined to defend deep and hit Limerick on the break and they did so after Ryan’s chance when John Flynn-O’Connor played a through ball to Patsy Malone who wasted an excellent opportunity by putting his close effort wide of the post.

Limerick had the majority of the possession in the opening ten minutes as the hosts pushed forward looking for that all important opening goal. It came after 12 minutes on the clock when Brian Cleary played a through ball to the feet of the exciting Gary Sheehan. Sheehan turned his marker before an excellent in-swinging cross was met by the head of James Hayes who finished from close range in the 12th minute.

At the time, it looked like Mike Kerley’s side would take further control of the game but the Youths were back on level terms within 10 minutes of Limerick’s opener. A well earned Wexford corner was headed clear by Limerick captain Tommy Barrett but a mix up in the Limerick midfield let Keith Kearney to shoot from outside the area. His half-volley was miss-hit but Danny Furlong was on hand to slot the ball home from close range as the Limerick defence could only stand and watch their narrow led slip away.

The next real chance of the game came when Limerick defender Peter White conceded a free-kick by the touch line in the 34th minute. The resulting free-kick was equalled to by in-form keeper Dave Ryan who scrabbled across his box, diving low to his right to push the ball out for a corner. Wexford began to grow in confidence as half-time approached and the visitors looked the more likely to take the lead as their momentum began to grow. Mike Kerley’s side were clearly happy to hear the half-time whistle.

Limerick started the second-half the better side after some harsh words at half-time. Mike Kerley’s began to take control of the game again and midfielder Dave Ryan came close after the restart after beating three defenders with some excellent ball control but yet again it was his finishing that left him down.

Wexford then hit Limerick on the break when a cross from just inside the Limerick half from Flynn-O’Connor was excellently volleyed by Gavin Doyle but to the disappointment of the travelling support, it hit the side netting in the 55th minute.

Limerick continued to look for a winner but as the game progressed, Wexford looked to be content with a draw as they were ordered to put 10 men behind the ball in the last 15 minutes. At this stage, it seemed unlikely that Limerick would break down the resilient Wexford Youth defence. The frustrated home supporters knew that it was not to be their sides’ night when both Gary Sheehan and Paul Danaher both hit the crossbar respectively.

Limerick extended their unbeaten run to six games but they will be disappointed not to cut Sporting Fingal’s lead to five points. Next up for Lims is a difficult away trip to high-flying Fingal while Wexford Youths is an important bottom of the table clash with Kildare County at Ferrycarrig Park.

Limerick 37: Dave Ryan; Peter White (Wayne Colbert 46), Paul Danaher, Tommy Barrett, Brian Cleary; Brendan Daly, Jason Hughes, David Ryan, (Alan Carroll 64), James Hayes (Shane Guerin 57); Paul Walsh, Garry Sheahan.

Wexford Youths: Pa Doyle; Anto Russell, Joey Wadding, Paul Rossiter, Johnny Flynn-Connor; Richie Fitzgerald, (Shane Dempsey 46), Patsy Malone, Conor Sinnott, Keith Kearney; Danny Furlong, Gavin Doyle.

Referee: Padraigh Sutton.

Attendance: 691

Extratime Man of the Match: Tommy Barrett (Limerick 37).