League Report: Limerick FC 3 - 0 Athlone Town

Limerick FC overcame a stubborn display by Athlone Town to record a 3-0 victory at the Market’s Field on Friday evening. Two goals courtesy of veteran striker John O’Flynn and one from Paul O’Conor provided the victory.

The first half failed to capture the imagination of the strong home attendance as Limerick struggled to create without the influence of key players Shane Duggan and Aaron Greene. Athlone Town began the game with a 4-1-4-1 formation with Alan O’Sullivan as the lone striker. Simon Dixon was charged with the defensive midfield responsibility for Martin Russell’s team.

In the early exchanges, Limerick attempted to play high balls behind the Athlone defence which resulted in chances for both Chris Mulhall and Sean Russell. Robbie Williams almost bagged his fifth goal of the season but his header travelled wide of Ryan Coulter’s goal.

As half time approached, Athlone had the best chance of the half as Marco Chindea outmuscled Shaun Kelly and his lofted effort was gathered by Freddy Hall. Immediately after, Paul O’Conor blasted a shot at goal which was parried to safety by Coulter.

However, Athlone held firm until half-time with Kevin Farragher in particular impressing at the back.

The hosts began the second half with a greater intensity and forced a number of corners which were well cleared by the visiting defence. Approaching the hour mark, Paul O’Conor climbed highest to head home from a Sean Russell cross.

The introduction of John O’Flynn for Ross Mann proved to be a real turning point in the game. O’Flynn’s willingness to run in behind as well as his ability to find space in the box, proved to be very difficult for Athlone to cope with. O’Flynn quickly got on the score sheet as he ran on to a superb through ball by Stephan Kenny to slot the ball past Ryan Coulter.

Quickly afterwards, a lung bursting run by Paul O’Conor was nearly rewarded as the midfielder’s cut back found Stephan Kenny. Unfortunately for the former Cobh player, Jack Tuite superbly blocked his goal bound effort.

With ten minutes remaining the insurance goal arrived as John O’Flynn doubled his tally for the night. O’Flynn showed all his experience in the box as he cleverly side footed a Shane Tracy cross into the net in the six-yard box. The victory was Limerick FC’s 11th league win in a row. Athlone Town have now suffered three league defeats on the trot. However, they will be heartened by their first half showing against the runaway First Division leaders.

Limerick FC: Freddy Hall, Shaun Kelly, Robbie Williams, Paudie O’Connor, Shane Tracy, Paul O’Conor, Lee-J Lynch, Sean Russell, Stephan Kenny, Ross Mann (John O’Flynn 58), Chris Mulhall (Sean McSweeney 84)

Subs not used: Tommy Holland (GK), Tony Whitehead, Colm Murphy, Shane Costelloe, Jordan Moore

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

Athlone Town: Ryan Coulter, Calvin Douglas (Emeka Omwubiko 64), Jack Tuite, Kevin Farragher, Ian Fletcher, Simon Dixon, Adam Kelly (Daniel Molloy 81) Daniel Purdy, Marco Chindea, Conor Barry (Ross Purdy 89) Alan O’Sullivan

Subs not used: Evan Moran (GK), Robert Maloney, Darren Kavanagh, David Cassidy

Yellow Cards: None

Red Cards: None

Referee: Simon Rogers

Attendance: 1,133

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Chris Mulhall (Limerick FC)