Limerick 0 - 1 Waterford United

Waterford United left Jackman Park with all three points thanks to a goal from young Sean Maguire just before half time.  It was nothing less than Waterford deserved on the night and their margin of victory could easily have been more.

While the win is vital for Paul O’Brien’s side, it was somewhat overshadowed by what appeared to be a very serious injury to Willie John Kiely deep into the second half. The striker left Shannonside in an ambulance after being down for an extended period of time.

The away side took the front foot from the off with young Sean Maguire barely off the plane home from Brighton. His energy was evident, and with supply coming from both Gary Dempsey and Paul Phelan, it was always only going to be a matter of time before they would score.

Arguably the best chance of the first half arrived to Phelan. Finding himself in acres of space inside the Limerick area, Phelan steadied himself, and delivered a half volley toward goal. His final product should have been much better though; the ball eventually dropping well wide of Dave Ryan’s left hand post.

For a home side to concede so much possession is unusual, especially with such talented footballers, but Limerick were lethargic at best and never looked up for the fight. Gifting the ball to United time after time, the seven hundred in attendance became more and more frustrated.

Ten minutes from the break it was young Maguire again. He turned provided for Peter Keegan but the latter’s header just couldn’t find the net, despite being three yards from goal. Limerick were extremely lucky not to be behind at this point.

Justifiably, Waterford did lead before the break. Maguire was found lurking in the box via a defence splitting pass. He looked up and fired home from ten yards, although Dave Ryan will perhaps be unhappy with his efforts to save the attempt.

Derek O’Brien was introduced in the second half to try and inject some pace in the Limerick side. While in theory, this would seem like the right decision, tactically, it proved to be less logical. As a predominantly left sided player, O’Brien was drafted in on the right wing, where he was less capable of being effective.

The second half began in the same vain as the first with Waterford United looking the hungrier all over the pitch. Limerick struggled to come to terms with a very well disciplined United side, who were full value for their win.

Sean Maguire caused all sorts of problems for Limerick, and despite having only played in Brighton the night before, fatigue certainly did not seem an issue for the young forward.

Limerick’s best chance of the night came just past the hour mark as Rory Gaffney blazed wide from outside the box. The fact that this was Limerick’s best opportunity of the night really highlights the lack of offensive flare that Limerick’s big guns showed.

Six minutes from the end, Willie John Kiely went down holding his arm. What seemed a time wasting tactic at the time, turned out to be something far more sinister as roughly fifteen minutes elapsed before Kiely would leave the field of play in an ambulance.

As Kiely exited, play continued, albeit not very much. After what must have only been three minutes, referee Jim McKell blew his full time whistle and confirmed victory for United. Waterford deserved the win, Limerick did not have a shot on target and there is trouble in paradise for Limerick FC.

Limerick FC: David Ryan; Shaun Kelly, Corie Treacy, Shane Guthrie (Pat Purcell 68), Shane Tracy; Rory Gaffney, Stephen Bradley, Joe Gamble, Sean Brosnan (Derek O’Brien 45); Denis Behan, Garbhan Coughlan (Garry Sheahan 64).

Subs not Used: Shane Cusack, Andrew Bhandarkar, David O’Leary, Paudie Quinn.

Bookings: None.

Waterford United: Packie Holden; Seamus Long, Paul Carey, Craig Burns, John Frost (Dylan Mernagh 68); Ben Ryan, Paul Phelan, Peter Keegan, Gary Dempsey, Peter White; Sean Maguire (Willie John Kiely 75 (Aidan McGrath 90+4)).

Subs Not Used: Robert Hughes, Peter Higgins, Gary Dunphy, Conor Coad.

Bookings: Holden (75), Long (90+5).

Referee: Jim McKell.

Attendance: 691.

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Paul Phelan.