Playoff is the focus for struggling Limerick

Limerick FC enter a season defining two week period as they make final preparations for a two legged promotion/relegation playoff against old foes Finn Harps. The first leg is set to take place at Finn Park, Ballybofey on Bank Holiday Monday (October 29th).

The second leg will be staged at the Markets Field just four days later on November 2nd. Ollie Horgan’s side made it to the playoff final following a 2-0 home win over Drogheda Utd last week and a 3-1 win on aggregate.

Before then, the club must negotiate the final league game of the regular season when they travel to the RSC to face Waterford FC (7:45pm).

Some members of the Limerick squad will be aware of how tough it is to defeat the Donegal outfit over two legs. In November 2015, Limerick and Finn Harps were paired in promotion/relegation playoff.

The Shannonsiders took a 1-0 lead to Finn Park from the first leg but were beaten 2-0 after extra time with youngster BJ Banda breaking Limerick hearts with just two minutes to go.

Unlike 2015, when Limerick came into the playoff in great form and off the back of seven wins from 12 games, the team’s confidence is at its lowest point following a draining season for all involved. The Super Blues were brushed aside by St. Patrick’s Athletic at the Markets Field last Friday night.

Despite winning two games in the FAI Cup, Tommy Barrett’s side have won just one game in eight league matches and have lost the other seven.

Furthermore, they have failed to score in six of those games. With all this in mind along with the winning mentality and momentum being carried into the game by Finn Harps, Barrett believes the Donegal men are firm favourites over the two legs.

“Harps for me will be the favourites. They have the momentum. They have only been beaten by Dundalk since June. It’s really going to be difficult for us but I’d be hoping that because we have been playing at a higher level that that will stand to us.”

Despite the bad memories from 2015, Barrett was quick to re-iterate that both squads are almost completely different since. “First and foremost, they are two different teams. They have probably got stronger and we have less resources now.

“We currently have 8 full time pros, two of which are injured long term in Darren Dennehy and Eoin Wearen. I have seven part time players and nine amateurs.

“That’s not an excuse that’s just the reality of it. When we are down numbers we struggle badly because some lads aren’t ready.”

It is likely that Barrett will rest some key players against Waterford on Friday ahead of the playoff on Monday night. However, with such a thin squad available to the management team, at least six of the starting line-up will play a large part in the playoff games over the following week.

Limerick supporters will be hoping that the likes of Shane Duggan, Cian Coleman and Darren Murphy can escape unscathed and will also be hoping for the return of Connor Ellis and Killian Cantwell ahead of the crucial week.

Furthermore, Tommy Barrett will be hopeful that the players can produce two big displays after enduring a difficult season on and off the pitch to maintain their Premier Division status.