- Rachael Stack
- Sun, Aug 09 2015
Limerick FC’s battle against relegation continued in the Markets Field on Saturday night as a ten-man team of Super Blues fought back to seal a 4-3 victory versus midtable Bohemians. Over 800 avid fans chanted “We are staying up. We are staying up!” while applauding their side’s efforts as the players left the field with a vital three points.
Limerick manager Martin Russell made no changes going into the game, as he named the same starting team that secured a win versus Sligo Rovers the week previous. Bohemian’s manager Keith Long made four changes to his side after suffering a 4-0 loss versus Cork in their previous game.
It was Limerick who scored first in the seven goal thriller in the 27th minute. A fantastic delivery from Ian Turner from the right wing was met by Vinny Faherty who out jumped the Bohemians defence to power the ball into the upper right corner of the net. Bohs closed the gap ahead of the break through Ismahil Akinade when he scored inside the six yard box from a Jake Kelly corner.
A blatant foul by the Limerick centre-back Patrick Kanyuka resulted in him seeing red in the 51st minute. Ismahil Akinade burst into the Limerick box and drew a foul from Kanyuka which won his side a penalty. Limerick were reduced to ten men and it was Jake Kelly who stood up to take the spot-kick. He converted to give Bohemians the lead as Limerick goalkeeper Hall guessed the wrong way.
Despite being a man down, Limerick grew in confidence and were level when a courageous strike from Seán Russell in the 59th minute flew past Dean Delany. Limerick continued to press with Dean Clarke calling the Bohs 'keeper into action to push the shot away from target.
Appeals for a penalty were dismissed by referee Seán Grant in the 68th minute when Limerick skipper Shane Duggan’s strike was pushed away by Delany and into the path of Clarke who was pulled back while trying to reach the rebound. It was a dramatic few minutes in the grounds, as Limerick were beaten on the breaking ball and Jake Kelly netted his second of the game to put his side in front for a second time.
Limerick continued their fight and showed great character as they refused to sit back. It was Lee-J Lynch who made the scoreline 3-3 as he brought his home side level in the 72nd minute. Moments later, they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Clarke. Shane Tracy stood up to take the spot-kick – his strike pinged off the post and off the back of Delany rolling over the goalline.
It was Limerick 4-3 Bohemians with 15 minutes remaining. Bohs had a number of late opportunities but hit them wide of the target as Limerick held on for the remainder of the game to earn a well-deserved victory and make it two in a row for the Super Blues.
Limerick FC: Freddy Hall, Shaun Kelly, Patrick Kanyuka, Robbie Williams, Shane Tracy, Shane Duggan, Paul O’Conor, Ian Turner (Seán Russell, 56), Lee-J Lynch, Dean Clarke (Darragh Rainsford, 86), Vinny Faherty.
Subs not used: Tommy Holland (GK), Tony Whitehead, Paudie O’Connor, Ross Mann, Cyril Guedjé.
Booked: Williams (4), Lynch (75).
Sent Off: Kanyuka (46).
Bohemians: Dean Delany, Anto Murphy (Robbie Creevy, 70), Derek Prendergast, Dave Mulcahy, Jason Caffrey, Roberto Lopes, Keith Buckley (Kealan Dillon, 88), Jake Kelly, Paddy Kavanagh, Karl Moore (Adam Evans, 70), Ismahil Akinade.
Subs not used: Dean Mahon (GK), Jason Byrne, James O’Brien, Stephen Best.
Booked: Akinade (60), Creevy (74), Dillon (89).
Referee: Seán Grant (Wexford).
Attendance: 822.
ExtraTime Man of the Match: Lee-J Lynch.
