Waterford United 1 - 0 Limerick

Craig Burns endured a nightmare return to the RSC on Friday night when his mistake allowed Waterford United to grab the only goal of the game in their pre season friendly against Munster rivals Limerick. Burns’ mistake allowed Peter White to find Paul Quilty and he fired superbly past the low dive of Limerick keeper Barry Ryan.

Waterford United settled quickest and passed the ball around looking to find a way past the Limerick defence, but it was Limerick midfielder Stephen McGann who had the first effort, firing just over Craig Hyland’s crossbar from 25 yards.

The home side pressed after that point and Paul Quilty headed wide from Peter Higgins before Francis Rockett found Vinny Sullivan, but his curling effort went just wide of Barry Ryan’s far post. Shaun Kelly got forward down the right on the quarter hour but his dangerous cross couldn’t find a white Limerick shirt. From the resulting corner, Pat Purcell’s header from David O’Leary’s pinpoint corner went narrowly wide of the post.

Craig Burns, who was announced as re-signing for the Blues three weeks ago, lined out for the away side, and was booked after a poor challenge after 23 minutes. Vinny Sullivan had a good chance after a through ball from Michael Coady, but Sullivan’s strike was well smothered by Ryan.

Francis Rockett linked up well with Michael Coady to set up Peter White, but defender Shaun Kelly got a vital interception to block the chance. Dylan Mernagh had the ball in the back on the half hour, but the referee awarded a free kick for a foul by Peter White on goalkeeper Barry Ryan.

The Blues were reduced to ten men after 27 minutes when Francis Rockett was given a straight red card for a very pool challenge on Stephen Bradley. Shane Tracy had the ball in the back of the net seven minutes before half time, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Craig Burns, who was booed from the start, was at fault as Waterford United grabbed the opener. Burns was caught badly in possession on the right by Peter White who used his strength to hold the defender off before finding Paul Quilty, and he made no mistake from 15 yards with a tidy low finish past Ryan.

The first chance of the second half came after seven minutes but Gary Shanahan mishit his attempt from 15 yards. Substitute Jack Doherty superbly played in fellow sub Daragh Walshe on the right of the penalty area but his shot went across the goal and wide of the far post shortly after.

Down the other end Shane Tracy went close but his effort curled away from Craig Hyland’s goal. John Frost came to The Blues rescue 15 minutes from time, as Seamus Long’s attempted header stranded sub keeper Chip Sanders, but the Blues left back was alert to win the header and clear the immediate danger.

Limerick continued to push for an equaliser as Barry Sheedy found Craig Curran, but Sanders got down well to make a comfortable save. The Blues defence stood firm but were nearly undone in the final minute when Limerick almost grabbed equaliser but Garbhan Coughlan’s powerful strike needed a two handed save from keeper Chip Sanders to earn the home side a good win.

 

Waterford United: Craig Hyland (Chip Sanders 67); Dylan Mernagh, Seamus Long, Gavin Kavanagh (David Breen 85), John Frost (Jamie Cross 82); Peter Higgins (Jack Doherty 62), Peter White (Aidan McGrath 82), Francis Rockett, Michael Coady (Ben Ryan 62); Vinny Sullivan (Paraic Quinn 53), Paul Quilty (Daragh Walshe 53).
Sub not used: Robbie Hughes.
Bookings: None
Red Cards: Francis Rockett (27). 

Limerick FC: Barry Ryan (Shane Cusack 62); Shaun Kelly, Pat Purcell, Craig Burns (Robbie Williams), Stephen Folan; Rory Gaffney (Barry Sheedy 71), Stephen Bradley (James McGrath 33), David O'Leary, Shane Tracy; Gary Shanahan (Garbhan Coughlan), Stephen McGann (Cian Collins 76). 
Bookings: Craig Burns (23).

Attendance: 200 (estimate).

Man of the Match: Peter White (Waterford United).