Limerick’s winless run continues as Shamrock Rovers emerge victorious from the Markets Field.

Limerick FC suffered a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Shamrock Rovers on Tuesday night as goals from midfield duo David McAllister and captain Ronan Finn were enough for Stephen Bradleys side to gain the victory.

Limerick began brightly and good link up play between new signing Peter Berki and Chiedozie Ogbene resulted in the latter setting up Dean Clarke who blazed his shot over the bar from inside the box. It was the type of chance that Limerick could ill-afford to miss on the night. Rovers responded through a long- range David Webster effort which went well over the crossbar.

Moments later, Limerick were caught out by a short corner routine engineered by Ryan Connolly and Ronan Finn which David McAllister almost benefited from in the box. However, Brendan Clarke was alert to make a superb block. It was a sign of things to come from defensive corner kicks from Limerick.

Midway through the first period, James Doona and Brandon Miele switched wings for Rovers which immediately paid dividends for Stephen Bradley’s side as the former cut inside Barry Cotter before shooting just wide.

Approaching half-time, Limerick were dealt a massive blow as David McAllister sent a bullet header into the roof of the net to give the visitors the lead as he was left unmarked in the six-yard box from a Brandon Miele corner. Limerick’s set-piece misery continued. Neil McDonald’s men were lucky to avoid conceding immediately after from another Miele corner. Luckily for the home side, Lee Grace failed to connect properly with the in swinging cross.

The second half began with numerous Shamrock Rovers corners which Limerick struggled to clear. The home faithful must have been fearing the worst after their side’s poor set-piece defending in the first-half.

Shortly afterwards, Limerick were dealt a hammer blow as their chances of getting a positive result from the game were effectively ended. A poor clearance from Limerick centre-back Tony Whitehead allowed Ronan Finn to pounce and place the ball into the corner of Brendan Clarke’s goal. It was a devastating blow for the Charleville native.

The Shannonsiders came close to pulling a goal back following the introduction of Brazilian striker Rodrigo Tosi. Stephen Kenny’s in swinging free-kick was met by the head of the Tosi who headed just wide of Chencinski’s post.

Brandon Miele almost extended the lead as his trickery took him past two Limerick defenders but Brendan Clarke smothered the resulting shot.

The game petered out after the Miele chance and the result leaves Limerick looking over their shoulders as they sit just three points above second bottom Sligo Rovers. With three teams going down and just eight games remaining, the Super Blues must pick up a victory soon, especially with home games against Bohemians and Finn Harps to come in the next three weeks.

Limerick FC: Brendan Clarke, Barry Cotter, Tony Whitehead, Joe Crowe, David O’Connor, Shane Duggan (Rodrigo Tosi 66), Bastien Hery, Lee-J Lynch, Dean Clarke (Stephen Kenny 56), Chiedozie Ogbene, Peter Berki (Garnhan Coughlan 56).

Subs not used: Freddy Hall, Shane Tracy, Killian Brouder, Henry Cameron,
Yellow Cards: Shane Duggan (34)
Red Cards: None

Shamrock Rovers: Tomer Chencinski, Simon Madden, Lee Grace, David Webster, Trevor Clarke, David McAllister, Ronan Finn, Ryan Connolly (Aaron Bolger 78), Brandon Miele, James Doona (Cameron King 65), Gary Shaw (Michael O’Connor 83).

Subs not used: Kevin Horgan, Dean Carpenter, Michael O’Connor, Sean Boyd, Daniel Devine.

Yellow Cards: James Doona (17), Aaron Bolger (79), Tomer Chencinski (85).
Red Cards: None

Referee: Graham Kelly
Official Attendance: 1234
Sporting Limerick Man of the Match: Simon Madden (Shamrock Rovers)