Bohemians strike late to rescue a point against Limerick FC at the Markets Field

Limerick FC and Bohemians played out a 1-1 draw at the Markets Field on Saturday evening. A late Eoghan Stokes goal cancelled out Cian Coleman’s opener to deny the Shannonsiders all three points.

In the opening stages, it was clear that Bohemians were targeting Limerick left-back Shane Tracy as Paddy Kavanagh delivered a number of poor early crosses.

The visitors were enjoying large spells of possession and neat build up play between Daragh Leahy and Eoghan Stokes resulted in a speculative shot which sailed over Brendan Clarke’s crossbar.

Bohemians mustered the next opportunity of the game as a Dinny Corcoran flick found Phillip Gannon on the edge of the box and the midfielder evaded the challenge of Cian Coleman before clipping the ball over the crossbar.

Immediately afterwards, Keith Long’s side profited from hesitant Limerick defending as captain Derek Pender drove forward and unleashed a rasping shot which was palmed away by Brendan Clarke.

Limerick midfielders Eoin Wearen and Cian Coleman struggled to sufficiently close down the opposition space which led to opposite wingers Kavanagh and Stokes isolating Shaun Kelly and Shane Tracy with the help of overlapping runs from Daragh Leahy and Derek Pender.

A slow opening to the second period was summed up by the first chance as Phillip Gannon attempted a wayward shot which failed to trouble Brendan Clarke.

Against the run of play, the home side took the lead as Daniel Kearns regained possession and fed opposite winger Billy Dennehy. The former Cork winger supplied a deep cross which captain Shane Duggan turned into the path of the onrushing Cian Coleman to tap home from a yard out.

Despite struggling to escape their defensive third, Limerick had a great chance on the break as Daniel Kearns played in the hard working Mark O’Sullivan but the former Cork striker totally miskicked at the crucial moment.

The visitors struggled to break down a stubborn Limerick defence as both Tony Whitehead and Darren Dennehy were dominant aerially. When Dinny Corcoran pulled onto Shauna Kelly, he placed a header straight at Brendan Clarke.

Approaching the final whistle, Limerick were dealt a big blow as Eoghan Stokes placed a header into the far corner of the net to rescue a point.

Although Limerick will feel aggrieved at the manner of the result, on reflection, Limerick manager Tommy Barrett will accept a draw despite the late concession as Bohemians had the better chances during the game. It has been a solid start from Limerick to the season with 4 points collected from a possible 6. Limerick travel to Dundalk on Thursday to take on Stephen Kenny’s underperforming side at Oriel Park.

Limerick FC: Brendan Clarke, Shaun Kelly, Tony Whitehead, Darren Dennehy, Shane Tracy, Cain Coleman, Eoin Wearen, Shane Duggan, Daniel Kearns (Danny Morrissey 86), Billy Dennehy, Mark O’Sullivan (Conorn Ellis 76).

Subs not used: Tommy Holland, Killian Cantwell, Will Fitzgerald, Colm Walsh-O’Loughlin, Clyde O’Connell
Yellow Cards: None
Red Cards: None

Bohemians: Shane Supple, Derek Pender, Dan Casey, Rob Cornwall, Daragh Leahy, Keith Buckley (JJ Lunney 87), Oscar Brennan (Ian Morris 76), Phillip Gannon, Paddy Kavanagh (Karl Moore 68), Eoghan Stokes, Donny Corcoran.

Subs not used: Colin McCabe, Dan Byrne, John Ross Wilson, Dylan Watts.

Yellow Cards: Derek Pender (77)
Red Cards: None

Referee: Ray Matthews
Attendance:2225
Sporting Limerick Man of the Match: