- Adrian Finnin
- Sun, Jul 03 2016
Limerick defeated UCD 4-3 in an enthralling encounter at the Market's Field on Saturday evening to go 17 points clear at the top of the SSE Airtricity League First Division.
A fast start by the home side was rewarded in the opening five minutes as Chris Mulhall headed home from a Sean Russell corner. UCD boss Collie O’Neill would have been bitterly disappointed with the manner in which the goal was conceded.
Many supporters would have been forgiven for expecting another routine victory for the Super Blues. However, events took a twist quickly as Ryan Swan was taken down in the box by Robbie Williams which resulted in a red card for the Limerick captain. Gary O’Neil converted the penalty to level the tie.
Subsequently, Limerick changed their shape with Tony Whitehead slotting in next to Paudie O’Connor and Stephan Kenny dropping into midfield next to Lee-J Lynch and Paul O’Conor. UCD took the lead after a mistake by Paudie O’Connor allowed Dylan Watts to square the ball to Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters who smashed it into the bottom corner.
Midway through the first half, Limerick tested Niall Corbet on two occasions courtesy of Aaron Greene and Stephan Kenny but both efforts were easily saved. The Shannonsiders were left outraged as half-time approached when referee Kevin O’Regan turned down strong penalty appeals for a handball against Maxi Kouogun. Jason McClelland almost extended the visitors' advantage on the stroke of half time but his free-kick went inches wide.
The home side began the second half at a ferocious pace which UCD struggled to deal with. Within five minutes of the restart, another game changing moment occurred.
Chris Mulhall evaded the initial challenge from Josh Collins who subsequently hauled the ex-UCD man down in the box and conceded a penalty. However, Collins was also surprisingly given a straight red card for the offence. It did not appear to be a clear goalscoring opportunity for the Limerick winger and Collins was not the last man. Stephan Kenny scored the resulting penalty to bring the Super Blues level.
In the immediate aftermath, Kenny and O’Neill exchanged chances but both attempts were dealt with by both goalkeepers. However, Limerick did regain the lead on the hour mark.
Aaron Greene got to the byline before delivering a cross towards Mulhall. UCD 'keeper Corbet should have dealt with the situation but he allowed Mulhall to scramble the ball home from close range. Limerick began to dominate the game after the sending off of Collins with Stephan Kenny looking particularly dangerous with his direct runs.
The lead was extended further when the Students failed to clear a Russell corner which allowed Greene to rifle home from eight yards out. UCD’s inability to defend corners had been painfully evident all evening and on this occasion they paid the ultimate price.
Yet UCD were gifted another way back into the game by O’Connor in the last ten minutes when the young centre-back committed a needless foul to concede a penalty. Greg Sloggett converted to make it a nervy climax for the home side. The equaliser almost followed immediately as Dylan Watts went close with a dipping shot.
However, Martin Russell's men held out for an important victory and it would take a massive collapse at this stage for the league to become a close contest.
Limerick FC: Freddy Hall, Shaun Kelly, Paudie O’Connor (Shane Tracey 90), Robbie Williams, Sean Russell, Paul O’Conor, Lee-J Lynch, Sean McSweeney (Tony Whitehead 12), Stephan Kenny, Aaron Greene (Ross Mann 70), Chris Mulhall.
Subs Not Used: Tommy Holland, Colm Murphy, Shane Costelloe, John O’Flynn.
Booked: None.
Sent Off: R Williams (9).
UCD: Niall Corbet, Adam Harney, Maxi Kouogun, Josh Collins, Dan Tobin (Cathal Brady 70), Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters (Sean Coyne 50), Greg Sloggett, Gary O’Neill (Jack Watson 75), Dylan Watts, Jason McClelland, Ryan Swan.
Subs Not Used: Conor O’Donnell, Daire O’Connor, Jason Byrne, George Kelly.
Booked: J Collins (38), M Kouogun (88).
Sent Off: J Collins (49).
Referee: Kevin O’Regan.
Attendance: 847.
ExtraTime.ie Man of the Match: Stephan Kenny (Limerick).
