- Tom Clancy
- Thu, May 22 2014
Two goals in three minutes helped Cork City to three points as Limerick’s gallant second-half effort wasn’t enough at Thomond Park on Tuesday night. Garry Buckley and Billy Dennehy found the net but it was the mistakes of Sam Oji and former Cork City player Shane Duggan which proved costly for Limerick.
The slow start to the game wasn’t helped by an injury to Robbie Williams but when the tempo did pick up Cork took the initiative. After 13 minutes Oji was shrugged off the ball by Mark O’Sullivan and the former Avondale striker squared to Garry Buckley who drilled low past Barry Ryan.
Two minutes later, Duggan attempted to keep possession for Limerick but instead of finding Barry Ryan his under hit pass found O’Sullivan. The Corkman squared to Billy Dennehy via a deflection off Oji and he beat Ryan from close range. It was a case of too many mistakes from Limerick who were now facing the prospect of three consecutive defeats.
At the other end shots from Tam McManus and Prince Agyemang were blocked, while Duggan shot well over. But it did represent more encouraging play from the Blues and Rory Gaffney looked a real threat. Oji then denied Dennehy another real opening, the defender sliding in accurately to cut out a through ball, while also heading away a dangerous cross.
After the restart Tam McManus teed up Shaun Kelly who fired low at the City goal and McManus then put Gaffney through. From a wide angl, the Galway man could only fire narrowly wide of Mark McNulty’s goal. With 51 minutes played Shane Tracy placed the ball, right footed, onto Gaffney’s forehead and his powerful header was too much for McNulty. Limerick suddenly believed.
Billy Dennehy fired wide moments later, with Ryan beaten, the winger nearly restoring City’s lead. Just before the hour mark the introduction of Danny Galbraith gave Limerick more directness, but clear chances were at a premium. Gearoid Morrissey shot wide for Cork after a poor touch from Jason Hughes. While pushing forward for the equaliser Limerick were living dangerously.
Substitute Ross Mann had a tame effort saved late on with City holding on to their lead. Shane Duggan was denied by Colin Healy after a great run from Galbraith with what was virtually the last kick of the game.
Limerick FC: Barry Ryan; Shaun Kelly, Sam Oji, Stephen Folan, Robbie Williams (Patrick Nzuzi 8); Prince Agyemang; Jason Hughes, Shane Tracy (Danny Galbraith 57), Shane Duggan (c); Tam McManus (Ross Mann 82), Rory Gaffney.
Subs not used: Shane Cusack (gk), Michael Leahy, Darragh Rainsford, James McGrath.
Booked: Oji (29).
Cork City: Mark McNulty; John Dunleavy, DanMurray, Darren Dennehy, Iarfhlaith Davoren; Brian Lenihan (Rob Lehane 68), Gearoid Morrissey, Colin Healy, Garry Buckley (Liam Kearney 76), Billy Dennehy; Mark O’Sullivan.
Subs not used: Matt Gledhill (gk), John Kavanagh, Ian Turner, Kevin Mulcahy, David O’Leary.
Booked: Kearney (91).
Referee: Paul McLaughlin
Attendance: 836
Extratime Man of the Match: Rory Gaffney (Limerick FC).
