Limerick FC rescue a draw at the death in Richmond Park against St.Patricks Athletic

Limerick FC escaped with a precious point from Richmond Park on Saturday night as a last minute Shane Duggan strike provided Neil McDonald’s team with a 2-2 draw with St. Patricks Athletic. Limerick were ahead in the game through a super strike from Chiedozie Ogbene.

Chiedozie Ogbene of Limerick FC celebrates scoring a goal with team mates. SSEAirtricity League Premier Division, St Patrick’s Athletic V Limerick FC. 07/10/2017. Richmond Park, Inchicore, Dublin. Credit: Conor Wyse

However, goals from former Limerick midfielder Paul O’Conor and an own goal from Barry Cotter gave the home side the lead heading into the final stages.

Limerick were the brighter of the two teams early on and midfielder Lee-J Lynch dispossessed Killian Brennan before bearing down on goal but his shot was palmed away by Lukasz Skowron. It looked as though Chiedozie Ogbene would convert the rebound but the recently acquired Skowron denied the winger.

St. Pats responded with a chance of their own as good link up play between Conan Byrne, Paul O’Conor and Owen Garvan resulted in the latter shooting straight at Brendan Clarke.

Soon after, a Conan Byrne cross was met by the head of Christy Fagan who placed his header over the crossbar.

Conan Byrne has always been a thorn in Limerick’s side in the past and in particular Shane Tracy. It was Byrne’s cross which led to the home side believing they had the lead. Unfortunately for Liam Buckley’s side, Billy Dennehy was adjudged to have been in an offside position.

Just before half-time, the visitors took a vital lead as Ogbene cut inside his man before unleashing an unstoppable shot which hit the net via the underside of the crossbar. Immediately, the home side equalised as former Limerick anchorman Paul O’Conor met a driven Conan Byrne cross to tap home from six yards.

St. Pats enjoyed a lot of possession as the game wore on and duly took the lead when Conan Byrne’s shot from the edge of the box was deflected into his own net by Barry Cotter.

However, with referee Derek Tomney waiting to blow the final whistle, captain Shane Duggan capitalised on hesitant Pats defending when he slammed a left footed shot into the net to send the away support into raptures.

Limerick remain in seventh place and two points ahead of St. Patricks Athletic and Sligo Rovers. Although crucially, the Super Blues are now three points ahead of Galway United with two home games against Drogheda and Galway to come as well as an away trip to Shamrock Rovers on the final day of the season.

SSE Airtricity Premier Division Table

Captain Shane Duggan spoke to the official club website in the aftermath of the draw and he thanked the supporters for their backing in recent weeks.

“The supporters have been travelling the last few weeks and they have been fantastic. Every time they come out they’re singing. They’re a great bunch of supporters. Hopefully we will have the same next week at home and we can get over the line.”

Limerick take on Drogheda United next Saturday at 6.30 at the Markets Field.

St. Patricks Athletic: Lukasz Skowron, Graham Kelly, Jordi Balk, Lee Desmond, Ian Bermingham, Conan Byrne (Ian Turner 86), Killian Brennan, Owen Garvan, Paul O’Connor (Daragh Markey 80), Billy Dennehy, Christy Fagan (Kurtis Byrne 82).

Subs not used: Pat Jennings JR, Gavin Peers, Michael Barker, JJ Lunney.
Yellow Cards: Killian Brennan (84), Graham Kelly (88)
Red Cards: None

Limerick FC: Brendan Clarke, Dean Clarke (Joe Crowe 63), Tony Whitehead, Dave O’Connor, Shane Tracy, Bastien Hery, Shane Duggan, Stephen Kenny (Barry Cotter 45), Lee-J Lynch, Chiedozie Ogbene, Rodrigo Tosi.

Subs not used: Freddy Hall, Killian Brouder, Henry Cameron, Peter Berki, John O’Flynn.
Yellow Cards:None
Red Cards: None

Referee: Derek Tomney