Limerick FC go three clear at the top

LIMERICK FC went three points clear at the top of Airtricity League Division One after a hard-fought victory against bottom club SD Galway at Jackman Park on Friday night.

There were 83 minutes on the clock when Dominic Foley headed the only goal of what had been a frustrating game for Limerick players and supporters, with the home side dominating possession but struggling to make the breakthrough.

From the outset it was evident that Limerick would have the lion’s share of possession and chances, with SD Galway content to sit back and see what the league leaders had to throw at them.

James McGrath had the first attempt on five minutes, although he was stretching to get the shot off and it went wide.

Pat Scully’s side were expected to lord it over their opponents but Limerick never got into a rhythm in a most disappointing first half, with stray, careless passes all too frequent.

Shane Tracy set up captain Pat Purcell for a chance on 20 minutes but the defender’s header was saved by visiting keeper James Keane.

Tracy was provider again in the 28th minute for Jeffrey Judge, who couldn’t find the target with his diving header.

There were appeals for a penalty shortly before half-time after Denis Behan’s shot appeared to be handled by an SD Galway player, but referee Andrew Mullally was not interested.

Limerick needed to up the ante after the interval and Scully was not afraid to ring the changes, introducing Derek O’Brien for the injured Stephen Bradley at half-time and bringing on Rory Gaffney for Behan just four minutes into the second half.

Gaffney looked lively upon his introduction, getting into dangerous positions on the wing and setting up a chance for Purcell in the 56th minute, but the captain’s header went over the bar.

O’Brien then had a headed chance but he couldn’t direct it on target and, just 20 minutes after being brought on, he limped off to be replaced by Garry Sheehan.

The third and final substitute made a quick impact, sending a low cross into the penalty area which Keane nearly spilled over his goal line.

These were merely half-chances, though, and Limerick were still finding it difficult to get a real sight of goal, to the disdain of the 547 supporters in attendance.

With the game looking increasingly like petering out to a scoreless draw, SD Galway engaged in delay tactics to further infuriate the home side and slow the tempo of the game down to a crawl.

Limerick are not top of the league for nothing, though, and with just seven minutes of normal time remaining they finally wore down SD Galway’s stubborn resistance.

A trademark long throw from Gaffney was headed to the net by Dominic Foley and Jackman Park erupted, in relief as much as jubilation.

Having had to be so patient to eventually get their noses in front, Limerick now needed to be careful not to throw it all away in the closing stages.

SD Galway’s best chance came in the 88th minute, a delivery into the Limerick penalty area causing havoc before Purcell’s firm clearance. The Limerick marking had Scully and the home fans momentarily worried.

The Blues then had to see it through six minutes of additional time, but after surviving that brief scare they got over the finish line for a nervy victory, albeit one that could yet prove crucial, particularly with Longford Town losing to Waterford United 24 hours later.

LIMERICK FC – Dave Ryan, Joe Gamble, Pat Purcell (Capt), Robert Klucier, Shane Tracy, James McGrath, Jeffrey Judge, Sean Brosnan, Stephen Bradley (Derek O’Brien h-t; Garry Sheehan 66), Denis Behan (Rory Gaffney 49), Dominic Foley.

SD GALWAY – James Keane, Nicky Curran, Paddy Quinlan (Capt), Brian Geraghty, Brian Gaffney (Tommy Bradshaw 77), Ronan Conlon, Timmy Molloy (Jason Lyons 75), William Enuble (David Meehan 84), Enda Curran, Michael Harty, Damien O’Reilly.

REFEREE – Andrew Mullally (Waterford)