- Tom Clancy
- Sat, Apr 19 2014
A superb curling strike from Tam McManus was the difference between Limerick and Athlone Town on Friday night. A 2-1 score-line gave Limerick back-to-back victories while it condemned the visitors to eight consecutive top-flight defeats.
The game started in a frantic fashion, with Limerick beginning the brighter, playing 4-4-2 with an unchanged side from the one that defeated Bohs last week.
Paul Skinner spilled a floated Tracy free-kick, before Sean Byrne had a decent effort from distance pushed to safety by Barry Ryan.
Jason Hughes was next to try his luck, the ex-Athlone midfielder nearly finished an intricate passing move, but he hit straight at Skinner. Robbie Williams then gave Limerick the lead, as they began to dominate. A delicious delivery from a free-kick by Shane Tracy was flicked to the net in style by Williams. It was just Williams’ second goal for the Club.
Limerick seemed in almost total control, as they looked for a second. But, Athlone, who have scored in every away game thus far, were level shortly before the interval. Kealan Dillon snuck into the area and dinked the ball over Ryan. The midfielder delighted with his goal, as Athlone finished the half with their heads held much higher.
After the re-start, the game became awfully sloppy, with Alan Byrne for Athlone and Rory Gaffney for Limerick providing a number of long throws. But Limerick quickly found the winner.
McManus, who’d replaced Curran shortly before the interval, found space inside the area and curled a beautiful left footed shot into the corner, beyond Skinner who was at full-stretch.
Athlone had appeals for a penalty turned down, Sam Oji headed onto the arm of Shaun Kelly, but Anthony Buttimer said no.
Limerick began to sit deeper, but the introduction of Ross Mann gave them a different dimension; pace. The 18-year-old latched onto a through ball, and with Skinner rushing out, the teenager hit the deck and a penalty was awarded. Skinner was adamant that he didn’t touch Mann, but Buttimer pulled out the red card.
Interestingly, Sean Brennan was sprung from the bench into goals, despite Craig Sexton having been named on the bench. The midfielder, now keeper, dived to his right to save Shane Tracy’s spot kick. The gasps from the Limerick fans suggested the tension was to mount in the closing stages.
Robbie Williams headed against the foot of the post, once again from a set-piece.
Athlone attempted to find an equaliser, but with little or no chances appearing. However, one did fall to Philly Gorman, who poked about 12 inches wide, with Ryan closing him down.
Despite their numerical advantage, Limerick failed to control the game, sitting far too deep for the closing stages. Thankfully for Stuart Taylor, they held out. Mick Cooke will be disappointed to see his side losing once again.
Limerick FC: Barry Ryan; Shaun Kelly, Stephen Folan, Samuel Oji, Robbie Williams; Shane Tracy, Jason Hughes, Shane Duggan, Prince Agyemang (Ross Mann 66); Rory Gaffney, Craig Curran (Tam McManus 39).
Subs not used: Shane Cusack (gk), Patrick Nzuzi, Darragh Rainsford, Colm Murphy, Tony Whitehead.
Booked: Williams (64), Gaffney (89).
Athlone Town: Paul Skinner; Conor McMahon, Derek Prendergast, Alan Byrne ©, Sean Byrne; Kealan Dillon (Jason Marks 87), Mark Hughes, James O’Brien, Barry Clancy (Sean Brennan 78); Philly Gorman, Graham Rusk (Ian Sweeney 89).
Subs not used: Craig Sexton (gk), Declan Brennan, Neil Harney, Niall Scullion.
Booked: Dillon (85).
Sent Off: Skinner (77).
Referee: Anthony Buttimer
Attendance: 1,141
Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Robbie Williams (Limerick) – A fine header gave Limerick the lead, and was unlucky not to score another. Did well in defence and guided debutant Ross Mann well when he was introduced.
