Limerick FC 0 - 2 Waterford United

• David Byrne
• Sat, Apr 25 2009


Waterford United picked up all three points in controversial circumstances at Jackman Park on Friday night. Goals from Willie John Kiely and Graham Cummins in the second half secured the victory for Stephen Henderson’s side.

Fresh from last week’s six goal demolition of Monaghan United, Waterford United were the in-form team for this clash at Jackman Park having won four games in a row in the League. Pat Scully’s men weren’t shy of a couple of victories either after consecutive wins over Wexford and Kildare in recent weeks.

In a highly contested Munster derby, both sides began a free -flowing first half looking for an early goal. From the beginning it was a close battle between Pat Scully’s trademark solid defence and the free scoring Waterford United. It remained scoreless until half time but both sides created several chances.

Waterford were looking for revenge on the Shannonsiders after last season 5-1 defeat at Jackman Park that all but ended Waterford’s promotion bid but they had to wait until the 60th minute to open the scoring against a resilient Limerick defence.

Willie John Kiely volleyed home from close range amidst several protests from the Limerick defence for a suspected offside. Referee Mark Gough dismissed these claims as Waterford celebrated with a half an hour left.

Ten minutes later, Stephen Henderson’s side doubled their advantage with a penalty from the in-form Graham Cummins. Yet again, referee Mark Gough was called into question by Limerick after another controversial decision. Martin Deady was harshly judged to have handled the ball in the area and Cummins coolly slotted home the resulting penalty to secure the result for the visitors.

Limerick upped their game after Waterford’s second and their never say die attitude was nearly rewarded in the closing minutes but former Cork City goalkeeper Michael Devine was equal to Wayne Colbert’s opportunity. After the introduction of the strike partnership of John Tierney and Paul Cummins Limerick created several chances but it remained 2-0 to Waterford until the final whistle.

Limerick FC: David Ryan, Jamie Wunsch, (Brian O’ Callaghan 10), Paul Danaher, Pat Purcell, Martin Deady, Paul Walsh, Tommy Barrett, Wayne Colbert, Brendan Daly (John Tierney 70), Dave Ryan (Paul Cummins 55), Colin Scanlon. Substitutes not used: Brian Collopy, Shane Tracy. Booked: David Ryan.

Waterford United: Michael Devine, Kenny Browne, Seamus Long, Alan Carey, Kevin Waters (Declan Woodgate 87), Joe Mulcahy (David Grincell 78), Willie John Kiely, Kevin Murray, Paul McCarthy, John Kearney (Kieran Fitzgerald 90), Graham Cummins. Substitutes not used: Kevin Burns, Gary Dunphy. Booked: Joe Mulcahy, John Kearney.

Attendance: 1054
Referee: Mark Gough (Limerick)
Extratime.ie man of the match: Willie John Kiely.