Limerick run out of steam against Rovers

Shamrock Rovers 4, Limerick FC 1;

LIMERICK FCs demanding weekend playing schedule took its toll as Pat Scully’s side suffered a 4-1 defeat to Shamrock Rovers in their EA Sports Cup semi-final clash at Tallaght Stadium last night.

Limerick FC, who played a glamour friendly against English Premier League champions, Man City 24 hours earlier, trailed 1-0 to Rovers at half-time.

However, the Blues, who began with seven players who had started against City at Thomond Park, conceded three second half goals to bow out of the Cup.

Jeffrey Judge netted the Limerick goal. It was the second time this season that Limerick had exited Cup compeittions at the hands of Shamrock Rovers, the Premier League club won their FAI Cup tie 1-0.

Limerick were still well in Bank Holiday Monday night’s EA Sports Cup semi-final tie when the visitors had a strong penalty claim waved away. Toweards the end of the opening half, referee Paul Tuite waved play on after Rovers’ keeper Reyaad Pieterse took down Denis Behan.

Limerick could also been enjoying a numerical advantage by that stage after striker Behan charged down a Pieterse kick. Ken Oman got a yellow card for holding back Dominic Foley as the ball ran to the Irish international when it easily could have been red.

Visitors Limerick went behind to a 23rd minute goal from Sean Gannon when he turned in a Killian Brennan cross to score.

Limerick enjoyed good periods of pressure, but were unable to convert that into an equalising goal as the half wore on.

Mid-way through the second period, Rovers struck for a crucial second goal. Billy Dennehy played a one-two with substitute Ronan Finn, before crossing for Kilduff to score.

Limerick almost gained a lifeline soon after, but Hoops goalkeeper Pieterse did well to deal with a smashing cross from Rory Gaffney.

Kilduff made the game safe for the home side on 78 minutes when Gary O’Neill set him up to squeeze the ball under Limerick goalkeeper Ryan.

Jeffrey Judge struck for a smashing individual goal for Limerick from outside the box on 87 minutes, before Rovers rounded off the scoring with a Billy Dennehy goal in injury time.

It’s back to League action this Friday night for promotion-chasing Limerick FC who travel to Ferrycarrig Park to take on Wexford Youths (8pm).

SHAMROCK ROVERS - Reyaad Pieterse; Kerrea Gilbert, Ken Oman, Colin Hawkins, Conor Powell; Sean Gannon (Ronan Finn 58), Conor McCormack, Killian Brennan (Stephen Rice 80), Billy Dennehy; Thomas Stewart (Gary O’Neill 75), Ciarán Kilduff.

LIMERICK FC: Barry Ryan; Shaun Kelly, Paddy Purcell, Robert Kluciar (Corrie Treacy 48), Shane Treacy; Jeffrey Judge, Joe Gamble, Stephen Bradley (Derek O’Brien 71), Steve McGann (Rory Gaffney, 56); Denis Behan, Dominic Foley.

REFEREE - Paul Tuite.