- Tom Clancy
- Tue, Aug 26 2014
Derry City thumped an abysmal Limerick 4-0 in Monday night’s sloe SSE Airticity League game at Thomond Park. Goals from Shane McEleney, Michael Duffy, Phillip Lowry and Ryan Curran gave the visitors all three points. In a game that rarely caught the imagination, Derry ended a three game losing streak as Martin Russell suffered home defeat for the first time.
Patrick McEleney gave his side the lead in the 20th minute, rounding off a wonderful passing move in which Michael Duffy was prominent. Limerick had given the ball far too easily in the opening exchanges, which gave Derry the impetus to strike first.
The loss of Sam Oji through injury shortly after hindered Limerick greatly as the game went on. A short kick-out by Ryan put Folan under pressure. The defender was blocked by Duffy, who squared to McEleney. Ryan saved well but the ball was cantered to Duffy who slotted home, with Derry players cueing up behind the winger.
Ger Doherty denied Kieran Djilali as Limerick created a rare opening shortly before the interval.
A quick succession of yellow cards after the restart perhaps summed up Limericks evening, with suspensions possibly in line for some of the five who were cautioned.
Derry sealed the points after the hour mark when Phillip Lowry found the net. A lovely passing move involving a neat one-two from McEleney and Duffy culminated in Lowry thumping the ball past Ryan who could do little to prevent it.
Lee Lynch tested Doherty from distance as Limerick’s lack of creativity was blatant to the 400 or so fans in attendance to see. More worrying was the injury which forced Steve Folan off, as Limerick became more stretched at the back.
The fourth added insult to injury as Ryan Curran found the net having been introduced. Nzuzi blocked his initial shot but Curran had more joy with his left foot.
The result means that Derry keep their top half position while Limerick will be hoping for better when they host Drogheda United on Friday.
Limerick FC: Barry Ryan; Patrick Nzuzi, Samuel Oji (Shane O’Connor 25), Stephen Folan (Tony Whitehead 78), Robbie Williams; Shane Duggan, Jason Hughes, Lee Lynch, Kieran Djilali (Jack Doherty ), Ian Turner, Rory Gaffney.
Subs not used: Ali Abass (gk), Prince Agyemang, Shane Tracy, Tam McManus.
Booked: Duggan (26), Hughes (48), Djilali (51), Gaffney (76) Nzuzi (90+1)
Derry City: Ger Doherty; Shaun Kelly, Ryan McBride, Aaron Barry, Dean Jarvis; Barry Molloy, Barry McNamee (Ryan Curran 82), Philip Lowry, Stephen Dooley (Mark Timlin 71), Patrick McEleney; Michael Duffy.
Subs not used: Ciaran Gallagher (gk), Shane Eleney, Nathan Boyle, Joshua Tracey, Rory Patterson.
Booked: McBride (60), Kelly (62), Jarvis (85).
Referee: Rob Harvey
Attendance: 400 (estimate)
Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Michael Duffy (Derry City)
