Limerick 37 2 - 0 Dundalk

League Leaders Dundalk went down to a classy Limerick side at Jackman with goals from David Ryan and Gary Sheehan just before the half time break sealing all three points for Mike Kerley’s side.

Dundalk came to Jackman Park in a bid to maintain their five point advantage at the top of the First Division but that advantage has now been reduced to a mere two points after second placed Waterford United overcame rock bottom Kildare County at the RSC.

The home side began the game with great confidence and desire to win the game. It was Mike Kerley’s side who had the better chances in the opening half with both Gary Sheehan and John Tierney coming close to opening the scoring in the first ten minutes. Dundalk were forced to sit back and soak up the pressure applied by Limerick earlier on in the first half as the hosts started the livelier of the two sides with some fantastic attacking football which has become a trademark from Mike Kerley’s side at home this season.

The on-loan John Tierney went close for Limerick 37 inside two minutes when he broke through the Dundalk defence after a lapse of concentration which let the striker in a prominent position in front of goals. He could only watch on as his lob sailed over Bennion’s gaping goal to the disappointment of the vocal home crowd.

Dundalk’s chances came few and far between in the first half but it was Paul Crowley who came close to opening the scoring soon after Tierney’s chance but he couldn’t get away a successful shot and the ball was cleared away by the resilient Limerick defence.

Man of the Match Gary Sheehan had an excellent opportunity saved by Bennion at the other end as the Dundalk keeper bravely dived at the feet of the approaching forward.

Limerick continued to pile the pressure on the visitors when Sheehan came close yet again after half an hour, when John Flanagan’s poor back pass was intercepted by the exciting Sheehan. He rounded the Dundalk goalkeeper only to see his effort rise over the open goal.

Limerick’s determination and attacking football paid off 11 minutes later when midfielder Dave Ryan superbly finished off an excellent move by the Shannonsiders. John Tierney was the creator of the move when he received the ball on the left. His excellent low cross found David Ryan on the edge of the penalty. His finish on 41 minutes opened the scoring.

That was not enough for the home side who doubled their lead on the brink of half time when a fantastic strike from Limerick’s top goal scorer Gary Sheehan hit the back of the net from twenty yards. Dundalk goalkeeper Bennion could only watch on as his side went into half time two goals down.

In fear of losing their five point advantage at the top of the League, John Gill reacted dramatically at half time when he used up all three of his substitutes in order to get something out of the game. John Gill replaced Shiels, Flanagan and new signing Dessie Baker at the interval.

Despite the changes, it was Limerick who continued to control possession at the beginning of the second half. Unsurprisingly, it was Sheehan who came close for Limerick only to be beaten to the ball by Bennion. Wayne Colbert nearly but the result beyond doubt but Bennion was on hand yet again to keep Dundalk in the game.

As the second half progressed, Mike Kerley’s side seemed content with their two goal lead as they began to sit back and defend it. This gave Dundalk the opportunity to push forward as they looked to reduce the deficit. It was striker Jamie Duffy who came close on two occasions but Limerick goalkeeper Dave Ryan was equal to his opportunities’ in the last twenty minutes.

Overall, it was a fantastic attacking display from the home side who deserved their win as they finish off a successful week after wins over Athlone and league leaders Dundalk. Dundalk make the long trip back to County Louth knowing that they missed out on an excellent chance to maintain their lead at the top of the League.

Limerick 37: Dave Ryan; Brendan Daly, Pat Purcell, Paul Danaher, Brian Cleary; Paul Walsh, Tommy Barrett (Peter White 80) , Wayne Colbert, David Ryan; John Tierney (Chimka Manjor 85), Garry Sheahan (Bobby Tier 90).
Subs not used: .

Dundalk: Chris Bennion; John Flanagan (Dave O’Connor 46), Ian Ryan, Ben Whelehan, David Crawley; Paul Shiels, David Cassidy, Paul Crowley, Jamie Duffy; Paul Smyth, Dessie Baker (Trevor Vaughan 46).
Subs not used: Aaron Shanahan, Paul Marney, Simon Kelly.

Referee: Neil Doyle (Dublin).

Attendance: 471

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Garry Sheahan (Limerick 37).