- Tom Clancy
- Sat, Mar 07 2015
Bohemians laid down an early season marker with a rather facile 3-0 victory against a Limerick side who never looked capable of matching their Dublin opponents. The game, played at Jackman Park, saw goals from Adam Evans, Dean Kelly and Lorcan Fitzgerald punish Limerick’s mistakes.
Bohs were ahead inside the opening minute, when Lorcan Fitzgerald’s corner found its way to Adam Evans who got his side off to a dream start from close range. The signs weren’t good for a youthful Limerick side.
The hosts, to their credit, battled gamely throughout, but on a bumpy surface, they failed to produce enough in front of goal to worry Keith Long’s side. Shane Duggan’s header looped over before Bohs took the game with both hands.
Adam Evans blocked down Robbie Williams, who took too long to clear his lines, and that allowed winter addition Dean Kelly to tap home. Bohs, who were far from dominant early on, were now firmly in control.
As Limerick struggled to link with lone-striker Dean Clarke, Bohs held them off with relative ease. All night an over hit pass, or a poor touch, let the hosts down. Lorcan Fitzgerald then had feint appeals for a penalty turned down, as Bohs smelt blood.
The introduction of Vinny Faherty at the interval meant a change in formation for the hosts. 4-5-1 was abandoned for an interesting shape of 3-5-2. League debutant Paudie O’Connor was accompanied by Aidan Price and Robbie Williams at the back.
The change in shape did little to increase the pressure on Dean Delany’s goal. The Bohs keeper, with a strong vocal away support behind him, had to wait until the final 15 minutes to make a notable save. By that stage the game was up, as full-back Lorcan Fitzgerald added a third goal for his side.
Shane Duggan conceded a free-kick outside the area and Fitzgerald stepped up and promptly beat the sizeable blue wall in front of him. The Bohs bench stood up in appreciation.
Vinny Faherty almost lobbed Delany, who was caught in no-man’s land, though new centre half Derek Prendergast saved his side's clean sheet, heading away the effort. That was as good as it got for Limerick, until Duggan forced a fine save out of the Bohs ‘keeper as the game entered it’s final stages.
Patrick Kavanagh then hit the post from all of 20 yards, as Limerick became even more stretched. The winger went close soon after once more, this time finding the car-park with a swerving strike.
The introduction of Sean McSweeney who, aged just 16, made his League of Ireland debut, was probably one positive for Martin Russell but it will do little to comfort the 920 fans in attendance. For Bohs, three points on the road coupled with a clean sheet is exactly what Keith Long would have desired.
Limerick FC: Conor O’Donnell; Sean Harding, Aidan Price, Paudie O’Connor, Robbie Williams; Paul O’Connor, Shane Duggan, Ross Mann (Vinny Faherty 46), Darragh Rainsford (Sean McSweeney 78), Ian Turner; Dean Clarke.
Subs not used: Tommy Holland (gk), Shane Costelloe, Tony Whitehead, Val Feeney, Kieran Hanlon.
Booked: None
Bohemians: Dean Delany; Derek Pender © (Dylan Hayes 62), Derek Prendergast, Roberto Lopes, Lorcan Fitzgerald; Patrick Kavanagh, Anto Murphy, Kealan Dillon, Keith Buckley (Robbie Creevy 78); Adam Evans, Dean Kelly (Jason Byrne 74)
Subs not used: Lee Steacy (gk), Mark Griffin, Karl Moore, Jake Hyland.
Booked: Buckley (72).
Referee: Graham Kelly
Attendance: 920
Extratime Man of the Match:
