- Andrew Cunneen
- Sat, May 25 2013
Limerick and Sligo Rovers played out an entertaining scoreless draw at Thomond Park on Friday night.
Sligo Rovers showed their obvious ability in the opening stages of the clash; the midfield trio of Ndo, Lynch and Cawley spread the ball around well and their first opportunity came from a set piece. A corner from the right was hung in the six yard box. Gavin Peers won the aerial battle and headed towards goal but Barry Ryan pushed the ball wide while at full stretch.
Anthony Elding was almost gifted a goal when Aaron Greene's cross from the left was miscontrolled in the box by Stephen Folan. Just as the Sligo frontman prepared to shoot, the ever-vigilant Patrick Nzuzi snuck in to take the ball away and play out to safety.
The talking point of the game arrived after twenty-three minutes when Axel Bossekota chased down a through ball and took it in his stride before slotting past Gary Rogers. After what seemed like an age, the goal was disallowed for a blatant handball in the build up. In retrospect, the decision was correct and Bossekota was duly booked.
The home side fired another warning shot courtesy of a David O'Leary free kick. Well poised for a strike on the edge of the box, the young central midfielder was favoured over the left-footed Shane Tracy and his effort was on target; forcing Rogers to tip over his bar.
Seven seconds into the second half, Anthony Elding had the chance of the game after being played through by Joseph Ndo. Sligo kicked off, Elding ran directly towards the Limerick goal and Ndo played quarterback – finding Elding with his through ball. The Sligo striker shot instinctively rather than with composure, and his effort was comfortably pushed over by Ryan.
The second half lacked any real action, although Sligo could have taken the lead after a corner towards the back post. Cretaro controlled and shot with power towards goal, but Ryan denied the Tubbercurry native once again.
Stuart Taylor introduced Rory Gaffney half way through the second period to try and liven up the home side’sattacking options but Limerick's best opportunity of the half came via a cross-shot from Danny Galbraith. Having taken up a position on the right wing, Galbraith cut in and crossed towards the far post. To Rogers' surprise, the ball almost curled inside the post and half the ground thought it was in.
In the end, both sides deserved a point from what was an entertaining tie, given the final scoreline. Limerick will be happy with their clean sheet while Ian Baraclough will appreciate the effort of his players against a good Limerick opposition.
Limerick FC: Barry Ryan; Shaun Kelly, Stephen Folan, Brian O'Callaghan, Patrick Nzuzi; Danny Galbraith, David O'Leary (Darragh Rainsford 87), Joe Gamble, Stephen Bradley, Shane Tracy; Axel Bossekota (Rory Gaffney 61).
Subs not Used: Shane Cusack, Aaron Brown, Val Feeney, Shane Costelloe, Barry Sheedy.
Booked: Bossekota.
Sligo Rovers: Gary Rogers; Alan Keane, Jeff Henderson, Gavin Peers, Ross Gaynor; David Cawley (Danny Ventre 83), Lee Lynch (Kieran Djilali 72), Joseph Ndo; Raffaele Cretaro (Liam Martin 91), Anthony Elding, Aaron Greene.
Subs not Used: Ciaran Kelly, Iarfhlaith Davoren, Ryan Connolly, Pascal Millien.
Booked: Gaynor, Peers, Cretaro, Ndo.
Referee: Anthony Buttimer (Cork).
Attendance: 1,862.
Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Patrick Nzuzi (Limerick FC).
