Limerick 1 - 0 Wexford Youths

• Andrew Cunneen
• Fri, Oct 08 2010


Stephen O’Flynn’s late goal was enough to secure the three points for Limerick in Jackman Park against Wexford Youths. The win keeps Limerick in contention for a play-off spot which didn’t seem likely three weeks ago.

Limerick started the brighter of the two sides, with some lovely one touch football. John Tierney’s pace was causing the Wexford defence an awful lot of problems, while his counterpart and ex-Limerick striker, Gary Sheahan was kept rather quiet for the duration of the first half.

In a game full of long range efforts, it was the home side who nearly went in front twenty minutes in, as some nice play found John Sullivan in an advanced role, shooting narrowly wide from a rather acute angle. Sullivan had a similar effort fly over the bar only moments later, but his ability was on show for all to see.

After some great work from John Tierney, the ball was squared to full back Sean Kelly who’s blistering effort was well held by Youths keeper, Packie Holden. This was to be Limerick’s last meaningful chance of the first half and the home side would have to deal with a limited amount of Wexford pressure for the remainder of the first period.

Garry Sheahan had an effort fly over the bar, while winger Rowe’s passing ability created space for the attacks, but nothing really came from it, and the sides went in all level at half time.

It was Limerick who came out with their socks rolled up, looking to get that ever so crucial goal that would bolster their playoff push. John Sullivan worked the midfield very well, creating an effort for himself soon after, firing just over the bar.

Limerick seemed to panic ever so slightly, and resorted to long ball football, or “direct football” as its also known. Stephen O’Flynn was the main target, however the Cork native appeared harmless to Wexford’s backline. Wexford soaked up all Limerick’s pressure, and the home side looked to the bench for inspiration.

The introductions of Garbhan Coughlan and Jeffrey Judge had a positive effect. Coughlan with his Tierney-esque runs, would prove tricky for the Youths, and tough tackling Judge, would break up the play in the middle of the field. Limerick’s best chance came on the hour mark, as a dashing run from winger Bobby Ryan enabled him to flash a ball across the face of goal, agonizingly, there was nobody to apply the finish.

Wexford’s best chance of the game came with fifteen minutes left, a snap shot from Sheahan nearly caught out Dave Ryan, but he saved majestically, tipping over the bar with a contender for save of the season, to keep Sheahan at bay.

Two long range Judge shots were the highlight in normal time, neither really troubling Holden, but as the board went up, so did Paddy Purcell. The centre half won a header in the six yard box, laying on the perfect ball for O’Flynn to break Wexford hearts at the back post. The home support were sent into raptures as the players celebrated in style.

Limerick saw out the remainder relatively comfortably, getting that crucial win which see’s them only two points off Shelbourne, who travel to Derry on Saturday. A playoff spot, not so out of reach for Pat Scully’s side.

Limerick FC: Ryan, Kelly(Coughlan 75), White, Purcell, Rogers, Tracey(Judge 61), Lyons(Clarke 84), Sullivan, Bobby Ryan, Tierney, O’Flynn.
Subs not Used: McGuinness, O’Callaghan.

Wexford Youths: Holden, Nolan, McCarthy, Russell, Kehoe, Dempsey(Mullen 72) Rowe, Yelverton, R. Dempsey, Sheahan, Ryan(Hennesey 93).
Subs not Used: Doyle, Kumar, Broaders.

Referee: Stuart Templeman.
Attendance: 400 approx.
Extratime.ie Man of the Match: John Sullivan.