Limerick FC secure a draw against Shamrock Rovers with late Morrissey strike

Limerick FC secured a point against Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght on Friday night following a 1-1 draw in the Airtricity League Premier Division. Graham Burke gave the hosts the lead with a great strike but Danny Morrissey scored his second goal of the season with five minutes remaining to snatch a draw.

Rovers were quick out of the blocks and Burke and Roberto Lopes had efforts saved by Brendan Clarke who was in inspired form on the night. Unfortunately for Clarke, he was unable to prevent Burke from giving the Hoops the lead as he gathered possession from 25 yards out and drilled a low shot in off the left hand post.

Just five minutes later, Ronan Finn’s perfectly waited ball found Sean Kavanagh who cut inside but his shot was well held by Clarke.

Approaching the half hour mark, Limerick were thankful for Brendan Clarke’s performance as he produced a superb save to deny Lee Grace’s header.

Limerick were forced to make two early changes as Conor Clifford and Conor Ellis were replaced by Eoin Wearen and Shaun Kelly. Limerick changed to a 3-4-1-2 formation which has been used frequently by Tommy Barrett in recent weeks.

On the stroke of half-time, Clarke was called into action again to deny Burke with his feet to ensure Rovers held a slim lead at the break.

The Shannonsiders improved in the second period as Will Fitzgerald delivered a cross from the right but captain Shane Duggan failed to steer his header on target.

On the hour mark, Danny Morrissey should have levelled as substitute Kelly found the striker unmarked in the box but his weak header was held by Kevin Horgan.

With time running out, Killian Cantwell played Danny Morrissey through and the former Finn Harps striker blasted the ball across Horgan to give the Shannonsiders a precious point.

Cian Coleman received a straight red card for the Super Blues in the final minute for a poor tackle on Aaron Bolger. The midfielder will certainly be a loss for Tommy Barrett’s side in the upcoming fixtures.

Shamrock Rovers:Kevin Horgan; Ethan Boyle, Lee Grace, Roberto Lopes, Ally Gilchrist; Aaron Bolger, Greg Bolger, Graham Burke (David McAllister 80), Ronan Finn (Sam Bone 80), Sean Kavanagh; Gary Shaw (Dean Dillon 77).

Limerick: Brendan Clarke; Kilian Cantwell, Killian Brouder, Darren Dennehy, Billy Dennehy; Cian Coleman , Shane Duggan, Conor Clifford (Eoin Wearen  27); Connor Ellis (Shaun Kelly 37), Danny Morrissey (Barry Maguire 90+2), Will Fitzgerald.

Referee: Neil Doyle