Limerick FC earn vital victory over Galway United

Limerick FC picked up a vital 2-1 win against Galway United at the Markets Field on Saturday evening. Goals from Lee Devitt and Kieran Hanlon brought Limerick to victory having fallen behind to a Shane Doherty goal in the first half.

In an opening quarter of few chances, Limerick striker Kieran Hanlon felt he had strong claims for a penalty when he tangled with Maurice Nugent but referee Ray Matthews had no interest in his protests.

Shortly afterwards, Hanlon was involved again when he found Connor Ellis inside the box and Ellis squared for Sean McSweeney but the number 10 couldn’t get the ball out from under his feet quickly enough and Stephen Walsh blocked his effort.

The visitors took the lead when Limerick native Dara Costelloe drove into the Limerick penalty area before picking out Shane Doherty who finished beyond Brady for the opening goal.

Hanlon was the home sides liveliest player and his speculative cross-shot was clawed out of the top corner by Kevin Horgan.

At the beginning of the second half, free-kick specialist Shane Tracy came close from 20 yards out but despite cheers from the home support, the ball had hit the side netting and went wide.

Limerick equalised when captain Shaun Kelly’s low cross from the right hand side was tucked home by Lee Devitt to score his first goal for the club.

The home side were in the ascendancy at this point and another Kelly cross was headed towards goal by Ellis but the ball skimmed the crossbar and went over.

The lively Dara Costelloe was causing problems for Limerick and his rising shot failed to trouble Brady.

The vital lead goal arrived for the Super Blues when a floated cross from Sean McSweeney was finished off by Hanlon in acrobatic fashion.

The Shannonsiders almost extended their lead when Ellis was played through and following a strong run, Ellis’ driven effort was saved by Horgan to keep the deficit to one goal.

Ellis was thwarted by Horgan once more when Colm Walsh-O’Loughlen set up the pacey striker but the former Cork City player blasted a shot straight at Horgan.

Galway rarely troubled Limerick in their search for an equaliser and it was Limerick substitute Karl O’Sullivan who cut inside before forcing a routine save from Horgan.

The home side held on for the three points to move into fourth place, temporarily at least. They will now face Wexford FC at Ferrycarrig Park next Friday before a two week mid-season break.

Limerick FC: Jack Brady, Shaun Kelly, Robbie Williams, Killian Brouder, Shane Tracy, Jason Hughes, Sean McSweeney, Colm Walsh-O’Loughlen (Adam Foley 87) Connor Ellis, Kieran Hanlon (Karl O’Sullivan 68) Lee Devitt

Subs not used: Tommy Holland, Tomas O’Connor, Edmund O’Dwyer, Ger Barry, Aaron Fitzgerald.

Galway United: Kevin Horgan, Chris Horgan, Stephen Walsh, Morris Nugent, Mark Ludden, Cian Murphy, Conor Barry (Iarflaith Davoren)(Ronan Asgari 64), Ivan Gamarra (Matthew Barrett 84), Shane Doherty, Dara Costelloe, Vinny Faherty

Subs not used: Wilson Waweru, Mark Hannon, James Tierney, Josh Keane Quinlavan