Limerick 1 - 4 Sporting Fingal

• David Byrne
• Sat, Aug 01 2009


Sporting Fingal kept their promotion bid alive and kicking in style against Pat Scully’s Limerick FC at Jackman Park tonight. The pressure of keeping up with the top three did not affect Fingal as they put four past Limerick FC.

First half goals from Shaun Williams and Alan Kirby gave Liam Buckley side a well deserved lead going into half time. Sporting Fingal capitalised on poor defending from Limerick in the first half.

Sporting Fingal made their lead more comfortable in the second half with two excellent goals from Conan Byrne. Substitute and news signing Stephen O’ Flynn gave the hosts a consolation goal in the final minutes of the game.

Despite what the score line may suggest, Sporting Fingal did not dominate from start to finish but their class shown through as they capitalised on Limerick’s mistakes.

Shaun Williams gave Sporting Fingal an early lead as Limerick’s defence was caught out from a counter attack.

Sporting Fingal continued to dominate and a second goal was inevitable as Limerick’s new signings found it tough to settle into Pat Scully’s side.

Limerick’s young side were taught a harsh football lesson tonight, but it was Limerick’s most experienced player and captain Brian O’ Callaghan who handed Sporting Fingal a chance to double their lead.

On 30 minutes, after an excellent interception, Brian O’ Callaghan carried the ball out from defence but he gifted Fingal with a superb chance when he passed straight to Conan Byrne who’s excellent through ball was met by Alan Kirby.

Alan Kirby coolly finished to double Fingal’s lead to the delight of Liam Buckley and his staff.

The pressure was mounting and Limerick were forced to up the tempo in order to get back into the game. John Tierney and Robbie Kelleher combined but Kelleher’s effort came close but Sporting Fingal’s luck continued.

Pat Scully had words, and the second half started brighter for the home side. Limerick began to push forward and in the forty eighth Niall Donnelly was unlucky not to open the scoring for Limerick but after scrapping defending, Fingal managed to clear their line.

Both sides continued to play attractive football but Fingal’s class shown through again in the 66th minute when Conan Byrne finished in style to extend his sides lead to three goals.

Sporting Fingal’s victory was well and truly secured but that didn’t stop them looking for a fourth. After 73 minutes, Conan Byrne’s hard work paid off as he was awarded with his second and his sides fourth of the game.

Limerick continued to battle away and their determination and never say die attitude was awarded in the final minutes, when new signing Stephen O’ Flynn caught out the Fingal defence.

In the 83rd minute, O’ Flynn gave Limerick a consolation goal but it wasn’t enough for the Shannonsiders as a heavy 4-1 will dent confidence at Jackman Park.

Extratime.ie Man of the match: Conan Byrne – He scored two to help his side grab all three points at Jackman Park.

Limerick FC: David Ryan, Gavin Roche, Brian O’ Callaghan, Niall Donnelly, Martin Deady, John Boyle, Wayne Colbert, Shane Tracy, Daryl Kavanagh, John Tierney, Robbie Kelleher. Substitutes used: David Ryan, Stephen O’ Flynn, Jason Hughes. Substitutes unused: Aaron Gilmartin, Michael Sheehan. Referee: Graham Kelly (Cork) Attendance: Approx. 300