Limerick FC 0-0 Waterford United

• Andrew Cunneen
• Sat, Jul 03 2010


Limerick FC and Waterford United played out a scoreless draw in their Munster derby in Jackman Park on Friday evening despite the home side creating numerous good chances. Waterford United will be pleased to keep their promotion rivals at bay but Limerick are left rueing their misses.

A somewhat sandy surface at Jackman Park made it difficult for any real pass and move football to be played, disappointing for a game which included two very attacking sides. This was evident from how open the first twenty minutes appeared.

Limerick played the better football with John Tierney a delight once again, with his dazzling runs down the flanks. Waterford’s only real threat appeared to be from set-pieces. The dead ball specialists’ work almost paid off when Seamus Long rose highest to head narrowly wide of Dave Ryan’s post.

In a fairly feisty affair, the away side looked to make their presence felt. The referee judged this as foul play, and booked as many as five players. One may put this down to desire although you may question whether or not, coming into this game that both sides would settle for a draw.

The first half was coming to a close when Kevin Murray appeared to elbow John Tierney inside the box, the official waved play on, much to the anger of the partisan home crowd.

The second half began the way the first ended, with the home side pushing on looking for that win which would lift them into second place. The move of the match came around the hour mark when Shane Clarke took the ball on the chest mid-flight and acrobatically fed John Tierney with an overhead kick. Tierney ran onto it perfectly only to find himself providing a poor final touch.

Soon after, Clarke was replaced by the returning Stephen O’Flynn who left the Shannonsiders during the summer to play for League Two outfit, Northampton Town. O’Flynn appeared to be a little off pace although his brilliance shone through in spells, giving the supporters something to look forward to.

The introduction of seventeen year old David O’Leary, whom unlocked Cork City last week, was for the benefit of football in general. His composure and passing ability at such a young age, makes him one to watch.

Waterford created very little from here-on in, while the home side enjoyed the run of the ball, they couldn’t apply the finish to match their footballing ability. The big chance fell to O’Flynn with little more than five minutes remaining, while he approached Burns’ goal from an acute angle, he unleashed a powerful shot which just went the wrong side of the post.

The drama wasn’t to end there however. Seamus Long was adjudged to have fouled John Tierney on the edge of the area, warranting a second yellow card, he was given his marching orders from referee Stuart Templeman, who had a rather poor game it must be said. From the resulting free-kick, Sean Kelly curled harmlessly over. Long could have received his marching orders minutes earlier for a similar foul but the linesman’s offside flag spared the Belfast-man.

Despite the numerical advantage, Limerick appeared to be content with a point, playing out the remainder with no real enthusiasm. This result hurts neither team’s ambitions, however the three points were there for the home side if they had committed.

Limerick FC: Ryan, Kelly, Rogers, Purcell, Deady, Kiely, Lyons (O’Leary 78), White, Tracey, Tierney, Clarke (O’Flynn 63).
Subs not Used: McGuinness, Boyle, Coughlan.
Booked: Ryan.

Waterford United: Burns, Carey, Long, Murray (Hayes 69), Coady, L. Kearney, O’Sullivan (Dunphy 68), McCarthy, J. Kearney, Sullivan (Kiely 83), Murphy.
Booked: Sullivan, J. Kearney, Murphy, Long.
Sent off: Long.

Referee: Stuart Templeman.
Attendance: 610.
Extratime Man of the Match: Pat Purcell.