Limerick FC are narrowly defeated by Derry City in the Airtricity League

Limerick FC succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Derry City as a goal in either half from Aaron Splaine and Ally Roy gave Kenny Shiels men the three points. Conor Ellis had given Limerick a 1-0 lead.

Limerick started brightly as Ellis struck the post in the first minute of the game. However, Derry regained their composure and should have taken the lead from an Aaron McEneff corner as Aaron Spillane’s header was cleared off the line.

Limerick goalkeeper Tommy Holland was busy in the early exchanges as he denied both Ben Fisk and Aaron McEneff from close range. It was a baptism of fire for the long serving number two.

Limerick FC took the lead on the half hour mark against the run of play through lively striker Ellis after being set up by Will Fitzgerald. However, the lead lasted just two minutes as Aaron Splaine equalised for the Candystripes with a cracking strike.

The visitors could not have wished for a worse start to the second half as McEneff delivered a cross for debutant Ally Roy to finish.

Approaching the hour mark, Derry goalscorer Splaine tried his luck with a dipping shot which went over Tommy Holland’s bar.

Limerick should have equalised as Ger Doherty’s short ball was poorly controlled by Splaine. Barry Maguire latched onto the loose ball but as he bore down on goal, the midfielder skied his effort.

Immediately, Jamie McDonagh cut inside his marker before delivering a dangerous cross which was headed over by Ally Roy at the back post.

As time ran down, Limerick’s Maguire flashed a shot at goal from the edge of box and his half volley was superbly saved by Ger Doherty.

It was a gallant display from the Shannonsiders who took the lead through Conor Ellis. Ellis and Maguire had three great chances between them to add to the Ellis goal but unfortunately Limerick remain in 9th place and are now four points behind Bohemians.

Derry City: Ger Doherty, Darren Cole, Gavin Peers, Dan Seaborne, Ben Doherty, Jamie McDonagh, Aaron McEneff, Aaron Splaine, Rory Hale Ben Fisk, Alastair Roy (Rory Patterson 78)

subs not used: Eric Grimes, Eoin Toal, Adrian Delap, Cathal Farren
Yellow cards: None
Red cards: None

Limerick FC: Tommy Holland, Killian Cantwell, Eoin Wearen, Killian Brouder, Billy Dennehy, Cian Coleman, Shane Duggan (Darren Murphy 73), Barry Maguire, Will Fitzgerald, Karl O’Sullivan, Conor Ellis (Danny Morrissey 70)

Subs not used: Jack Brady, Tomas O’Connor, Shane Tracy, Adam Foley, Ger Barry,
Yellow cards: Cian Coleman (90+2)
Red cards: None

Referee: Derek Tomney