Limerick FC suffer first home defeat of the season to Shamrock Rovers

Limerick FC suffered a narrow defeat at the hands of Shamrock Rovers on Monday evening as a penalty from top scorer Graham Burke secured the three points for Stephen Bradley’s men.

The first chance of the game fell to Shamrock Rovers as Shaun Kelly was dispossessed by Gary Shaw who drove to the by-line before crossing in the direction of Graham Burke who failed to direct his header goalwards.

Rovers target man Gary Shaw provided a neat layoff to his captain Ronan Finn who’s 25 yard drive flew just wide of Brendan Clarke’s left hand post. Immediately after the second Rovers chance, goalkeeper Tomer Chencinski was caught in possession by Will Fitzgerald but just as it looked like Fitzgerald would open the scoring, Roberto Lopes managed to block the youngster’s effort.

Rovers defensive midfielder Sam Bone was next to try his luck but his laboured effort from distance failed to trouble Brendan Clarke. As half-time approached, attacking midfielder Graham Burke failed to hit the target with two identical free-kicks. As the half wore on, the visitors were dominant in possession as Conor Ellis was isolated up front and Henry Cameron was struggling to have any impact on proceedings.

On the stroke of half-time, referee Graham Kelly awarded a free-kick to the Hoops at the edge of the box. Winger Sean Kavanagh, who scored on his debut against Bray from a similar position, struck his effort straight at Clarke, who was well positioned.

The first chance of the second period was fashioned from an unfamiliar source in Limerick defensive midfielder Killian Cantwell. A dangerous delivery from Henry Cameron was cleared as far as the ex-Finn Harps player but his ambitious long range effort went just over the crossbar.

Billy Dennehy flashed a free-kick across the edge of the six yard box but nobody in a blue shirt was anticipating the delivery and it flew wide of the post.

The energetic Cian Coleman won possession in the opposition half of the field before skipping past Lee Grace and hitting a shot wide of the near post.

The opening goal of the game came through the penalty spot as Shaun Kelly fouled Ronan Finn in the box and Graham Burke buried the penalty. It was such a blow for Tommy Barrett’s side who contained their opponents for large periods only to be undone by a moment of self destruction.

The home side attempted to pressurise the Rovers rearguard with a number of long throw ins from Will FitzGerald and deep deliveries but despite a late red card for winger Sean Kavanagh, Rovers professionally dealt with anything Limerick had to offer.

Limerick FC: Brendan Clarke, Shaun Kelly (Jeff McGowan 79), Tony Whitehead (Adam Foley 88), Killian Brouder, Billy Dennehy, Cian Coleman, Killian Cantwell, Shane Duggan (c), Henry Cameron (Karl O’Sullivan 62), Will Fitzgerald, Conor Ellis.

Subs not used: Tommy Holland, Alan Murphy, Ger Barry.
Yellow Cards: Cian Coleman (40), Billy Dennehy (60)
Red Cards:

Shamrock Rovers: Tomer Chencinski, Ethan Boyle, Roberto Lopes, Lee Grace, Trevor Clarke, Sam Bone, Ronan Finn, Graham Burke (Luke Byrne 83), Joel Coustrain (Brandon Miele 72), Sean Kavanagh, Gary Shaw (Dan Carr 64)

Subs not used: Kevin Horgan, David McAllister, Joey O’Brien, Greg Bolger.

Yellow Cards: Trevor Clarke (82)
Red Cards: Sean Kavanagh (83)

Referee: Graham Kelly
Attendance: 1348