Limerick FC suffer third straight defeat against Waterford United at the Markets Field

Limerick FC suffered their third defeat on the bounce at the hands of Munster rivals Waterford United at the Markets Field in a game which the Suirsiders dominated from start to finish. A first half strike from Courtney Duffus was followed by a second-half penalty from captain Paul Keegan to provide Alan Reynolds side with a comfortable victory.

Limerick changed their shape to a 3-5-2 for the game as Killian Cantwell joined Tony Whitehead and Darren Dennehy as a central defensive unit. Shaun Kelly and Billy Dennehy were pushed higher up the field while Cian Coleman and Barry Maguire operated behind captain Shane Duggan. Will Fitzgerald partnered Conor Ellis up front.

Limerick started brightly but the first chance was created by Waterford striker Courtney Duffus who cut inside Barry Maguire before testing Brendan Clarke with a low drive to his near post but the Dubliner reacted quickly to avert the danger.

A quick free-kick from Limerick resulted in the lively Will Fitzgerald outpacing Kenny Browne before placing his shot straight at Lawrence Vigoroux. It was a massive chance for Limerick.

The visitors took the lead as Limerick easily surrendered possession in midfield before Gavan Holohan released Courtney Duffus and the striker’s shot from the edge of the box beat Clarke at the far post.

The game was scrappy following the concession of the goal but the next big chance fell to Limerick captain Shane Duggan who blasted a shot straight at Vigoroux after a driving run from Conor Ellis. Moments later, Duggan managed to make space for an ambitious shot but his effort travelled just over the crossbar.

As the half-time whistle approached, former Limerick player Bastien Hery superbly picked out the run of Gavan Holohan who lobbed the ball over the advancing Brendan Clarke but the ball sailed wide of the far post. It was a big let off for the home side.

It was a slow start to the second half. A dangerous cross from fullback John Kavanagh was miskicked by Gavan Holohan at the back post and Limerick eventually cleared. From the resulting corner, David Webster had a headed goal ruled out for a foul.

With 20 minutes remaining, the visitors should have extended their lead as Limerick centre-back Tony Whitehead took a poor touch from a long clearance and was dispossessed by Courtney Duffus who surprisingly produced a tame shot when through on goal which was an easy save for the grateful Brendan Clarke.

Former Limerick player Bastien Hery teed up Gavan Holohan on the edge of the six yard box but the attacking midfielder failed to direct his header on target much to the relief of the home side.

With ten minutes remaining, Alan Reynolds side grabbed the second goal their performance deserved. Ishameil Akinade profited from a superb pass from Stanley Aborah and was subsequently fouled by the desperate tackle of Tony Whitehead. Captain Paul Keegan confidently dispatched the penalty kick to double Waterford’s lead.

Limerick FC: Brendan Clarke, Shaun Kelly, Tony Whitehead, Darren Dennehy (Killian Brouder H/T), Killian Cantwell, Billy Dennehy, Cian Coleman, Barry Maguire (Karl O’Sullivan 61), Shane Duggan, Will Fitzgerald, Conor Ellis (Jeff McGowan 78).

Subs not used: Tommy Holland, Shane Tracy, Henry Cameron, Colm Walsh-O’Loughlin.

Yellow Cards: Jeff McGowan (78), Tony Whitehead (83)
Red Cards: None

Waterford United: Laurence Vigoroux, John Kavanagh, Kenny Browne, David Webster, Dylan Barnett, Bastien Hery, Paul Keegan, Gavan Holohan (Derek Daly 88), Stanley Aborah, John Martin (Ishmaeil Akinade 65), Courtney Duffus (Sander Puri 83).

Subs not used: Niall Corbet, Garry Comerford, Faysel Kasmi, Dean Walsh.

Yellow Cards: Courtney Duffus (57)
Red Cards: None

Referee: Tomas Connolly
Attendance: 1122
Sporting Limerick Man of the Match: Gavan Holohan