Limerick 37 2 - 1 Monaghan United

Limerick moved a step closer to securing fifth spot in the League of Ireland First Division after a dramatic 2-1 win over Monaghan United at Jackman Park. A late penalty from captain Pat Purcell secured all three points for the hosts as Limerick moved five points ahead of Monaghan with a game in hand.

It was Mick Cooke’s side that opened the scoring in the 42th minute when midfielder Cathal O’Connor scored from the penalty spot after Graeme Kelly awarded a controversial penalty when O’Connor was adjudged to have been brought down in the area. But just as it looked like Monaghan would take their advantage into the half time break Paul Danaher cancelled out O’Connor’s effort on the stroke of half time.

Monaghan started the livelier of the two sides as they pushed forward looking for an early goal. Fine saves from Limerick goalkeeper Dave Ryan which forced corners kept the game scoreless inside the opening 10 minutes. Despite Monaghan’s domination of the beginning of the game, Limerick went close after 10 minutes when Tommy Barrett played an excellent through ball to Gary Sheehan but his cross aimed for striker John Tierney was over hit.

Although the remaining of the first half produced an uninspiring finish, there were several chances for both sides to open the scoring. The 22nd minute saw the first shot on target of the game when Garry Sheahan broke through the resilient Monaghan defence to get a shot away but goalkeeper Danny Woods was equal to the opportunity as he easily dealt when Sheehan’s low shot.

Eight minutes later, it was the hosts that had the best chance of the half, when Mike Kerley’s side were extremely unlucky not to open the scoring. Monaghan goalkeeper Woods could only watch on as Limerick’s Pat Purcell hit the post from a powerful header. Limerick went close yet again when a John Tierney free kick sailed narrowly over the bar in the 36th minute after Tierney was brought down on the edge of the box.

Monaghan then began to regain control of game and their determination and pressure paid off in the 42nd minute when Cathal O’Connor won his side a penalty after he was allegedly held back in the area by Danagher. Graeme Kelly harshly awarded a free-kick against the young Limerick centre back which O’Connor converted to make it 1-0 to the visitors. Just when it looked like Monaghan would take their lead into the half time break, Paul Danaher redeemed himself in the 45th minute when he headed home a Tommy Barrett cross to equalise for Mike Kerley’s side.

Limerick began to push forward in the second half as they looked for an all important winner. They came close in the 46th minute when 17 year old Thomas Lyon’s free kick went over Wood’s crossbar. Monaghan nearly grabbed a winner against the run of play when Brendan hit the post from 25 yards with five minutes to go but it was Limerick who deservedly grabbed the winner with the last kick of the game.

Captain Pat Purcell had the difficult chance of putting his side ahead from the penalty spot after John Tierney was fouled in the area. He coolly stepped up to grab all three points for the Shannonsiders.

Limerick 37: Dave Ryan; Brendan Daly, Pat Purcell, Paul Danaher, Brian Cleary; Jason Hughes, Thomas Lyons, Tommy Barrett, David Ryan (Colin Scanlon 67); John Tierney, Garry Sheahan (Chimka Manjor 79).

Monaghan United: Danny Woods; Ciaran O’Reilly, Ian Malone, Aaron Mooney, Barry Clancy; Cathal O'Connor (James Hand 78), Brian Gartland, Dominic Tierney, Steve McCrossan; Darragh Hanaphy (Dave Scully 70), Sean Brennan.

Referee: Graham Kelly (Cork).

Attendance: 332