Limerick FC unlucky to lose out in Dublin

Limerick FC suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat against St. Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park on Friday night. Two second half goals from half time substitute Conan Byrne cancelled out an opener from Limerick left-back Billy Dennehy from the penalty spot in the first half.

Limerick began very well and enjoyed the opening chance as a driving run from Will Fitzgerald ended with the 19 year old picking out Barry Maguire but the midfielder’s tame effort was easily saved by Brendan Clarke. Just minutes later, opposite winger Karl O’Sullivan set up Maguire but he fired over the crossbar.

O’Sullivan was causing all sorts of problems for the home side and his driving run forced a corner. Darren Murphy’s low delivery found Barry Maguire who was fouled in the box and referee Sean Grant awarded the penalty. Billy Dennehy converted the spot-kick to give the Super Blues the lead.

In truth, Tommy Barrett’s men should have added to the lead as Will Fitzgerald saw his low shot travel just wide of the post. Moments later, O’Sullivan drove at Ian Bermingham once again but the experienced defender blocked the young winger’s effort out for a corner kick.

The Saints were very poor in the first period and managed just once clear cut chance as a Killian Brennan cross was directed over by the disappointing Jake Keegan.

Manager Liam Buckley addressed the situation at half-time as he replaced non existent former Limerick midfielder Conor Clifford and Killian Brennan with Jamie Lennon and Conan Byrne. Pats’ began the half with much more energy and vigour. Centre-back Lee Desmond drove forward before forcing a save from Tommy Holland.

Holland was called into action once more as a miscued clearance from Killian Brouder fell to Dean Clarke but Holland was quick to narrow the angle and block the shot.

Unfortunately, a tiring Limerick side could not hold onto the lead as a clever run from Byrne caught out captain Shane Duggan who bundled the lively winger over in the box and conceded a penalty. Byrne smashed the spot-kick into the top corner to equalise.

With ten minutes remaining, the Inchicore outfit broke Limerick hearts as a superb cross from Simon Madden found the unmarked Conan Byrne who headed past Tommy Holland from 12 yards to give Liam Buckley’s team the lead.

The drama wasn’t finished as Limerick searched for an equaliser. A goalmouth scramble ensued as Killian Cantwell struck the crossbar before it seemed like Will Fitzgerald had directed Karl O’Sullivan’s wayward effort into the net. However, lineswoman Michelle O’Neill raised the flag to indicate that Fitzgerald was in an offside position.

Overall, Limerick can be very pleased with their display. The first half performance was one of the best seen under Barrett’s guidance despite how poor their hosts were. Signs of tiredness were evident as the game wore on and eventually Pats capitalised to win their first game in eight matches.

With Bohemians beating Bray 6-0, the two sides with financial woes are now cut adrift at the bottom of the premier division table. Limerick are now seven points behind Bohs in ninth place.

St. Patrick’s Athletic: Brendan Clarke, Simon Madden, Mick Leahy, Lee Desmond, Ian Bermingham, Ryan Brennan, Conor Clifford (Conan Byrne H/T), Killian Brennan (Jamie Lennon H/T), Daragh Markey, Dean Clarke, Jake Keegan (Thomas Byrne 70)

Limerick FC: Tommy Holland, Killian Cantwell, Eoin Wearen, Killian Brouder, Billy Dennehy, Shane Duggan (Danny Morrissey 80), Darren Murphy, Barry Maguire, Will Fitzgerald, Karl O’Sullivan, Conor Ellis