Limerick 37 5 - 1 Waterford United

A rampant Limerick 37 stuck five past promotion hopefuls Waterford United at Jackman Park tonight. First half goals from David Ryan and Paul Danaher gave Limerick a narrow lead going into half time after Gary Dunphy had equalised for Waterford from the penalty area after 15 minutes.

Second half goals from Paul Walsh, Gary Sheahan and Jason Hughes gave Limerick a well deserved victory over their Munster rivals. Gareth Cronin’s side now face an uphill battle to keep in touch with league leaders Dundalk and Shelbourne.

Mike Kerley’s side started the game in style as they went in search of an early goal against an understandably nervous Waterford United side. It was a must win for Waterford and this was shown in the way they started the game. Gareth Cronin’s side were aware of Limerick’s pace and they decided to sit back and soak up the pressure in the opening minutes.

Limerick’s early domination of the game paid off in the 13th minute when the smallest player on the pitch, David Ryan, rose above the Waterford defence to head home a Wayne Colbert cross from the right wing.

Despite, Limerick’s domination Waterford were equal a minute later when referee Paul Cascheria awarded a penalty after Vinny Sullivan was brought down by Paul Danaher inside the area. Midfielder Gary Dunphy coolly stepped to slot the ball in the back of the net.

On the half hour mark, Waterford nearly took a surprise lead against the run of play when a through ball from Gary Dunphy was ran onto by Willie John Kiely but his effort was cleared off the line by Paul Danaher.

Limerick defender Paul Danaher was at the centre of attention again when he headed home a David Ryan corner after a scramble in the Waterford penalty area.

In the second half Waterford still found it extremely difficult to deal with the pace of Limerick’s attack and with only ten minutes gone in the second half, Limerick doubled their advantage after Gary Sheahan broke through the Waterford defence but he was fouled by David Breen inside the area. Paul Walsh’s excellent penalty made it 3-1 to the Shannonsiders.

A contender for goal of the season made it 4-1 to the hosts, when Gary Sheahan picked up a loose ball in the centre of the park. His run continued for 30 yards without a single challenge. He then cut inside to slot home to finish off an excellent move in the 61st minute.

Substitute Jason Hughes ended the scoring for the home side when he coolly finished off another brilliant move by Mike Kerley’s side in the 65th minute. Limerick could have had more but they understandably sat back on their lead in the remaining 25th minutes.

Limerick 37: David Ryan; Tommy Barrett, Paul Danaher, Pat Purcell (Peter White 55), Brian Cleary; Wayne Colbert, Thomas Lyons (Jason Hughes 52) David Ryan (Colin Scanlon 81), Paul Walsh; Garry Sheahan, John Tierney.

Waterford United: Patrick Holden; Stephen Quigley, David Breen, Kenny Browne, Robbie Clarke; Gary Dunphy (David Grincell) Luke Fitzpatrick, Paul McCarthy, Kevin Waters (Birmingham 70); Vinny Sullivan, Willie John Kiely (Karl Bermingham 64).

Referee: Paul Caschera.

Attendance: 620