Limerick 4 - 0 Wexford Youths

Limerick cruised to a 4-0 victory over a poor Wexford Youths side at Jackman Park. Two goals either side of half time secured the three points for the Blues as they continue to pile the pressure on league leaders Longford Town.

The first half seemed to lack any real consistency from either side. The ball was very rarely spread around, and neither side looked devoted to attacking. Shaun Kelly produced the highlight of the opening ten minutes with his long range effort. Youths ‘keeper Graham Doyle was equal to the full back’s effort however.

Wexford produced a golden opportunity after just fifteen minutes. A well delivered free kick from Dean Broaders found the boot of Aidan Keenan, but his effort was expertly parried away by the experienced Barry Ryan.

Despite being the home side, Limerick appeared inferior to Wexford in the opening stages and a shock did look like it could well happen on Shannonside.

Two quick corners in succession were almost converted by Shane Guthrie. A brace of fantastic deliveries from left back Shane Tracy accurately found Guthrie rising highest in the six yard box, but twice Guthrie was to be the denied.

Just as it looked like Wexford would go in level, disaster struck for the Youths. Sean Brosnan was allowed far too much space on the left wing. He cleverly cut in and curled a beautiful effort into the far corner; Graham Doyle could only watch as the strike flew past him.

Limerick added salt to Wexford’s wounds only a minute later. Joe Gamble’s effort was handled in the area by Jamie Carr, and referee Jim McKell showed no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Shane Tracy stepped up and slotted the penalty to Doyle’s right. A well converted spot kick.

The second half began in much the same vain as the first; few chances to note and Limerick not quite at the level most expect of them.

As Wexford began to question Limerick’s defence, the Blues struck for a third time. A good delivery from Shane Tracy was cleared well by the Youths defence, but the on-rushing David O’Leary met the clearance with a ferocious volley which flew into the top corner. He wheeled away in celebration, much to the delight of the home support.

In true Limerick style, they only waited five minutes to put the game to bed. A long punt up field found the trusty head of Denis Behan. Behan flicked on to find the run of his strike partner Rory Gaffney. Gaffney fluffed his finish, but a kind bounce and a poor attempted save by Doyle resulted in the ball finding its way into the back of the net.

Every item of note in this game seemed to arrive in pairs. Within three minutes, both sides were down the ten men. Joe Gamble saw red for his second booking, which appeared rather harsh. He was soon to be joined by Wexford’s Mark Phelan who saw a straight red for his meaty challenge on Steven McGann.

Dominic Foley could have added a fifth for the Blues, but the score remained the same, despite the eight additional minutes. A fantastic home display by Limerick sees them stay just a point behind Longford Town.

Limerick FC: Barry Ryan; Shaun Kelly, Pat Purcell, Shane Guthrie, Shane Tracy; Sean Brosnan (Steven McGann 73), David O’Leary, Joe Gamble, James McGrath; Denis Behan (Garry Sheahan 81), Rory Gaffney (Dominic Foley 71).

Subs Not Used: David Ryan, Colin Daly, Garbhan Couglan, Andrew Cowpar.

Yellow Cards: Purcell (12), Guthrie (29), Gamble (55), McGann (80).

Red Cards: Gamble (72).

Wexford Youths: Graham Doyle; Mark Phelan, Brian Nolan, James Darmody (Shaun Corcoran 52), Jamie Carr; Christopher Brown, Eric Molloy (Shane Dempsey 77), Paul Malone, Aidan Keenan; Dean Broaders, Shane Nolan (Danny Furlong 52).

Subs Not Used: Joe Mulcahy, Thomas Croke, Shane Clarke, James Scallon.

Yellow Cards: S Nolan (43), B Nolan (43), Keenan (45), Scallon (46).

Red Cards: Mark Phelan (73).

Referee: Jim McKell (Tipperary).

Attendance: 370

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: David O’Leary