Cobh edge out seven-goal thriller at the Markets Field

In an opening quarter of few chances, it was the visitors who took the lead as former Limerick FC player Ian Turner beat Aaron Fitzgerand before supplying a perfect cross for former Fairview Rangers player Brian Murphy to head home past Jack Brady.

There was a slow response from Limerick but winger Lee Devitt did force a save from Paul Hunt with a low right footed shot. Cobh had a glorious opportunity to extend the lead through goal scorer Murphy but he scuffed at a Cameron Harrison cross from eight yards out.

Moments later, Devitt had his second effort of the game which travelled over the bar. Ramblers did manage to extend their lead when Murphy was played through on goal and slid the ball under the legs of the advancing Jack Brady.

Limerick manager Tommy Barrett immediately replaced Kieran Hanlon and Aaron Fitzgerald with Clyde O’Connell and Sean McSweeney and the latter had an effort easily gathered by Hunt. The former Regional man tried his luck from distance but it failed to trouble Hunt as he attempted top up the tempo.

At the beginning of the second half, Cobh winger Harrison cut inside Shaun Kelly and almost caught Brady unaware with a near post shot but the netminder managed to get down to save.

The Shannonsiders pulled a goal back when Jason Hughes broke through and squared the ball to Sean McSweeney to stretch and dispatch the ball to the net. Limerick’s Darren Murphy forced a save from Hunt with a curling free-kick as the home side looked to exert pressure on the Cobh goal.

With 30 minutes remaining, the Super Blues did pull another goal back when Sean McSweeney drove to the end-line before picking out Karl O’Sullivan at the back post and the winger scrambled the ball over the line despite pressure from Kevin Taylor.

Stuart Ashton’s team were under severe pressure but winger Ian Turner undertook a strong run on the right hand side and drew the foul from Jason Hughes which led to a Cobh penalty awarded by Alan Patchell. Dave Hurley converted the spot-kick with minimal fuss to restore the two-goal advantage.

However, Limerick did not give up the chase and substitute Adam Foley latched on to a through ball before placing the ball into the path of Lee Devitt who blasted a shot past Hunt.

As full time approached, the ball dropped to the hard working Devitt on the edge of the box but his low drive was held by Hunt. With two minutes injury time added, try as they might, Limerick struggled to fashion another clear clear cut chance for an equaliser. Shaun Kelly had to be quick on the line to deny Andrew Cronin from grabbing a fifth.

It is a damaging defeat for Limerick which certainly ends play off hopes for this season. Cobh now move to within 6 points of the Markets Field outfit.

Limerick FC: Jack Brady, Shaun Kelly, Robbie Williams, Tomas O’Connor, Aaron Fitzgerald (Clyde O’Connell 35), Jason Hughes, Darren Murphy (Adam Foley 72), Shane Tracy, Lee Devitt, Karl O’Sullivan, Kieran Hanlon (Sean McSweeney 35)

Subs not used: Callan Scully, Ciaran O’Reilly, Sean Madigan, Alan Murphy

Cobh Ramblers: Paul Hunt, Kevin Taylor, Ben O’Riordan, Steve O’Leary, Charlie Fleming, Greg Henry, Dave Hurley, Charlie Lyons, Cameron Harrison, Ian Turner, Brian Murphy (Andrew Cronin 76)

Subs not used: Adam Mylod, Mickey Foley, Ben Healy, Matt Lamb