Limerick 2 - 0 Wexford Youths

• Andrew Cunneen
• Fri, Apr 23 2010


Strikes from Thomas Lyons and Robbie Kelleher proved the difference as Limerick put in a solid performance to overcome ten-man Wexford on Shannonside.

After Patsy Malone was dismissed for hauling down John Tierney, who was through on goal, Shane Tracey struck a free kick into the wall, which fell to Tierney once more who then slotted in Thomas Lyons for his first goal of the campaign.

Super-sub Robbie Kelleher grabbed Limerick’s second after great work from John Tierney down the left. The Limerick front-man crossed low for Kelleher and the substitute had the easiest of finishes.

A slow start at Jackman Park, would’ve been prolonged if it wasn’t for the pace of Tierney as the Limerick native weaved between several Wexford players to carve a chance for himself with just ten minutes gone, shooting just wide. Again with some nice link up play between Tierney and Tracey, Limerick seemed menacing on the attack.

Wexford showed glimpses, most of these coming from ex-Limerick forward Gary Sheehan, who like Tierney possesses great pace. Wexford’s chances were few and far between in the first half, with the highlight coming from Shane Dempsey who fired just over.

A quick through ball from Jeffrey Judge saw Tierney in the clear with only Patsy Malone at his back. The Youths full-back floored Tierney which gave referee Keith Callanan no choice but to red card him. His loss would be evident as Tierney was to penetrate that side for most of the game along with Tracey.

It was Tracey who stepped up for the free-kick which he blasted off the wall, the ricochet fell to Tierney who placed it into the feet of Lyons who blasted the ball high past the outstretched arms of Packie Holden in the Wexford goal.

Limerick created more but to little affect, as efforts from Sean Kelly, Shane Tracey and Jason Hughes drifted harmlessly wide of the goal.

As the second half started, Limerick pushed on creating an opportunity for Tracey but the winger could only volley wide once more. From here-on in, Limerick sat back inviting Wexford pressure, however the Youths only threat, once again, was Gary Sheehan who was left time and time again with no one in support.

The final blow came fifteen minutes from the end as substitute Robbie Kelleher netted from a few yards out after a tireless Tierney run. Kelleher’s presence made a difference to Limerick’s link up play as his energy was evident.

Limerick saw out the remainder with little to worry them. Limerick push closer to third as the Youths drift further away from the challenging pack.

Limerick FC: Dave Ryan, Peter White, Nigel Stanley, Pat Purcell, Martin Deady, Jeffrey Judge (Kelleher 67), Thomas Lyons, Seán Kelly, Jason Hughes (Roche 79), Shane Tracey, John Tierney (Hickey 81).
Subs not Used: Declan Cahill, Brian Collopy.

Wexford Youths: Packie Holden, Patsy Malone, Dean Broaders, David Breen, Anthony Wolfe, Shane Dempsey, Kevin Rowe (Kehoe 64), Jimmy Keohane, Danny Furlong, Gary Sheehan, John Byrne (Sinnott 58).
Subs not Used: Pa Doyle, James Cogley, Lee Aust.

Attendance: 352
Extratime.ie Man of the Match: John Tierney