Limerick FC 2 - 0 Mervue United

• Andrew Cunneen
• Sat, May 15 2010


Another win for Limerick thanks to goals from Daryl Kavanagh and his replacement John Tierney saw Limerick defeat a poor Mervue side with relative ease tonight at Jackman Park.

A superb run from Daryl Kavanagh was picked out by the precise boot of youngster Peter Balough for the first goal, that’s two goals in as many games for the winger. John Tierney doubled for the Blues late on to secure the three points.

The home side dominated from the off with pass and movement the order of the day. Kavanagh, fresh off the back of his stunning goal in Turner’s Cross last Tuesday, seemed to be the likely threat to breach the Mervue back four.

However, the first corner of the game created the first chance for Limerick as captain Paddy Purcell rose highest in the six yard box to header the ball goal wards. Somehow the ball managed to rebound off the post, and roll along the goal line before going out for a goal kick.

The Mervue resistance had its flaws, and Limerick exploited it time and time again, creating half chance after half chance. A controversial decision not to award the Shannonsiders a penalty after Kavanagh appeared to be tripped by Mervue stopper Ger Hanley, infuriated the home crowd.

Limerick got their breakthrough just past the half hour mark as some great vision from Hungarian youngster Peter Balough played in Kavanagh which led to a foot race between himself and Hanley, Kavanagh got their first to loft the ball over the hopeless keeper to give Limerick a much deserved lead before the break.

The second half was identical to the first. Limerick seemed to win every challenge in a somewhat spirited half of football. The main threat appeared to come from set pieces until the introduction of in-form striker John Tierney. The Blues’ top scorer took control of the game, jinking in and out of challenges with some breathtaking runs.

The away side’s only real chance fell to Rory Gaffney whose effort from 25 yards never seemed likely to trouble Limerick stopper Ryan who gathers another clean sheet for the season.

Limerick would have been remembering this reverse fixture in their opening game of the campaign. John Tierney had put them ahead, whilst dominating, Mervue got the equaliser and Limerick only took a point from Terryland Park.

All that was soon to be forgotten though, as a mix up in the Mervue backline led to Hanley making a rushed clearance which fell to Tierney, the striker calmly slotted the ball under the body of the net-minder. Limerick pick up another three points which see’s them comfortably third, and only three points behind rivals Waterford. A great night for the Blues, in a somewhat atmospheric setting on Shannonside.

Limerick FC: Ryan, Kelly, Purcell, White, Deady, Kavanagh (Tierney 61) , Judge, Balough (Hughes 55) , Lyons, Tracey, Kelleher (Hickey 78).
Unused Subs: Roche, McGuinness.

Mervue United: Hanley, Curran, Cunningham, Elwood, Browne, McEnteer (Curran 45) , Creehan, Tierney (Lee 81) , Gaffney, Hogan, Connolly (Farrell 81).
Unused Subs: Varley, Keogh.

Booked: Creehan, Elwood.
Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Paddy Purcell.
Referee: Stuart Templeman.
Attendance: 435