- Tom Clancy
- Sat, Oct 08 2016
Limerick collected the SSE Airtricity First Division title with an unbeaten home League season, with a 2-1 victory over second placed Drogheda United. Goals from Paul O’Conor and Robbie Williams were enough despite the first half dismissal of striker Chris Mulhall. Sean Thornton reduced the arrears late on, as Sean Brennan was also dismissed.
The visitors looked like they had little to play for, particularly in the opening half. The reality is that they could slip out of the play-off spots with defeat to UCD next weekend. They failed to show their quality as Limerick had it all too easy at times.
Limerick stuck the front when O’Conor, who has had a fantastic season for the Blues, burst into the penalty area to nod home a pinpoint Shane Tracy cross. It was O’Conor’s 11th league goal of the season.
The lead was doubled after the quarter hour, when English defender Robbie Williams added his seventh league goal of the season with a free header from an in swinging free-kick.
Mulhall received his marching orders eight minutes before the break. Bursting through the middle, he rounded ‘keeper McGuinness. Referee James McKell waved away penalty appeals before turning to send Mulhall off. The Laois native approached assistant referee Dermot Broughton on his way off, showing clear annoyance with decision.
Kevin Farragher went closest for the visitors in the first half, but his failed to get the required contact on a cross and the ball flew narrowly wide.
Half-time saw the introduction of Liam Donnelly and the experienced Sean Thornton. This, combined with their numerical advantage gave Drogheda United a greater foothold, but they failed to trouble Martin Russell’s side.
As the game approached its conclusion, Thornton reduced the deficit with a header from at the back post. It was United’s only major effort on goal in the game.
But, just moments after pulling a goal back Sean Brennan lashed out at Garbhan Coughlan and was shown a red card without hesitation.
Limerick conclude their home campaign with 13 victories and one draw, with a clash with Cabinteely to come, meanwhile Drogheda United host UCD next weekend, with the play-off places still up for grabs.
Limerick: Freddy Hall; Shaun Kelly, Paudie O’Connor, Robbie Williams, Shane Tracy; Paul O’Conor, Shane Duggan, Lee-J Lynch; Stephen Kenny (Sean Russell 77), Aaron Greene (Garbhan Coughlan 86), Chris Mulhall.
Subs not Used: Tommy Holland (gk), Tony Whitehead, Shane Costelloe, Ross Mann, Sean McSweeney.
Booked: Mulhall (17+37), Hall (87).
Sent off: C. Mulhall (37).
Drogheda United: Stephen McGuinness; Colm Deasy, Luke Gallagher, Kevin Farragher, Derek Doyle (Sean Thornton 46); Sean Brennan, Richie Purdy, Derek Doyle (Stephen Dunne 68), Adam Wixted (Liam Donnelly 46); Aaron Ashe, Mark Griffin.
Subs not Used: Patrick Dunican (gk), Ken Costelloe, John McKeown, Mark Doyle.
Booked: Hyland (18), Farragher (42)
Sent off: S. Brennan (87)
Referee: James McKell
Attendance: 600 (estimate)
Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Paul O’Conor (Limerick)
