Limerick FC 1-2 Bohemians
BOHEMIANS PROGRESSED INTO the next round of the FAI Cup after an impressive victory over Limerick FC. A Steven Beattie-inspired performance saw them two goals to the good going into the closing stages before Rory Gaffney struck a consolation.
In a first half that gave neither set of fans much to shout about, the visitors pressed Limerick high up the pitch, often winning possession in the middle of the park and launching an attack of their own. Eoin Wearen, who played a friendly for Limerick in pre-season, lined out in the centre of the park of Bohs and produced a fine performance for Owen Heary’s men.
Dinny Corcoran was guilty of missing what can only be described as a simple chance halfway through the opening period. The lively Beattie found space down the left channel before crossing to the unmarked Corcoran. He could not make proper contact, though, and the ball fell wide of Ryan’s post.
Limerick almost took the lead soon after when Rory Gaffney’s long throw caused some problems. Bohs could not clear their lines, Galbraith’s touch fed Duggan, whose effort smacked the crossbar. A moment of frustration for boss Stuart Taylor.
The Gypsies did eventually take the lead through Beattie. That left channel was the target once more — this time it was Paddy Kavanagh raiding. He swung his cross into the box before Beattie struck a fine effort past Barry Ryan. They deserved their lead.
That lead was doubled just shy of the hour mark when Steven Beattie held the ball up with the Limerick defence committed forward. Paddy Kavanagh busted a gut to go with him and Beattie played a ball over his shoulder into the path of Kavanagh. He went one-on-one, hesitated, but stepped past Ryan and slotted the ball home.
Limerick did not waste much time in responding though; Gaffney was picked out superbly by Tony Whitehead. He smashed his effort goalwards and it was too hot for Delany to handle. Limerick had their tails up.
That was only a consolation as it turned out. Bohs held on with relative ease as a win in the Cup may provide a welcome distraction from their poor league results.
LIMERICK: Ryan; Kelly, Ojj, Folan, Nzuzi (Hanlon, 89); Tracy (Mann, 26), Rainsford (Whitehead 63), Duggan; Galbraith; Gaffney, McManus.
Subs not used: Cusack, Leahy, Costelloe, Sheedy.
BOHEMIANS: Delany; Murphy, Byrne, Price, Pender (Mulcahy, 46); Buckley (Walsh, 78), Lopes, Wearen, Kavanagh; Beattie (Devaney, 89), Corcoran.
Subs not used: G. Moore, J. Byrne, Traynor, K. Moore.
Referee: Graham Kelly (Cork)
Other results:
Sherrif YC 0-4 Shamrock Rovers
Cobh Ramblers 0-2 Derry City
