Limerick FC aim to keep pace with league leaders

Limerick FC entertain third place Athlone Town at the Markets Field in the Airtricity League First Division on Friday night (7.45)

The first division has proved to be an extremely unpredictable league this season with just six points separating bottom placed Wexford with top sides Bray and Shelbourne.

Limerick are currently fifth in the division but are just one point off Shelbourne. Limerick have won two, drawn two and lost just once so far this season.

Their most recent victory came in a hard fought 1-2 win over Dublin outfit Cabinteely last Saturday. Limerick took an early lead in the game through a great strike from Sean Russell before they were pegged back by an equaliser from Conor Keeley from a corner.

The Shannonsiders regained the lead with 15 minutes remaining thanks to an instinctive finish from striker Conor Ellis who capitalised on a mistake from Stephen McGuinness to slot home much to the delight of his manager.

The most pleasing aspect of the game was how dangerous Limerick looked in the final third. In the first half, Sean McSweeney and Jason Hughes both had good chances while Ellis had two good chances in the second half.

Also, Robbie Williams rolled back the years and produced a superb defensive display when faced with in-form Rob Manley and Kieran Waters. He was aided in no small part by his defensive partners Shaun Kelly, Killian Brouder and Shane Tracy.

Despite giving up a significant height advantage to Manley, Williams dominated aerially and commanded superbly from the back

Limerick showed their experience against their inexperienced opponents. Cabinteely manager Pat Devlin referred to Limerick as an “experienced and clever” team which was evident throughout.

Goalkeeper Jack Brady continued his solid start to the campaign and on a difficult pitch, his clearances were rarely scuppered. Also, Brady produced a great save from a Manley penalty in the second half to turn the tide in Limerick’s favour.

Limerick manager Tommy Barrett was clearly pleased with the start that the back five have made.

We are solid and experienced. Jack is a good goalkeeper and we have Killian who had a year under his belt at premier level. Obviously Shaun Kelly and Shane Tracy are very strong lads as well. The young lads have came on and done very well too. Tomas O’Connor has done well and Aaron Fitzgerald at left back too.

Limerick’s back four have been afforded protection in recent matches through the energetic and hard working Darren Murphy and Jason Hughes. Furthermore, Sean McSweeney produced his best performance since returning to the club. His distribution and touch improved greatly and he is very effective at winning headed flicks in attack.

The Super Blues were without Kieran Hanlon and Aaron Fitzgerald last weekend but it is hoped that both players will return within a week. Will Fitzgerald remains out through injury.

The visitors Athlone Town are a different proposition from last season’s nightmare in the midlands. Athlone won one game all season and they were awarded the victory due to Wexford fielding an ineligible player.

Terry Butler has recruited well and ‘De Town’ have won three of their opening five fixtures in the league. They have started well away from home with two 1-0 wins away to Cobh and a fancied Bray Wanderers side.

With the likes of Darren Meenan, Kaleem Simon and Kealen Dillin playing behind Dean Williams up front, they will certainly cause Limerick problems. Williams has been impressive since joining on loan from Shamrock Rovers.

Despite their attacking threat, Athlone have been strong defensively, particularly away from home where they haven’t conceded in two games.

However, with Ellis beginning to find scoring form and with the possible return of Kieran Hanlon, Limerick have the options to cause different problems for their visitors. One thing that the crowd at the Markets Field can be guaranteed of is a hard working display from this group of Limerick players.