Limerick 1
Drogheda 0
LIMERICK MOVED FIVE points clear of the bottom three with just two games remaining following a 1-0 win over Drogheda United, as Rodrigo Tosi’s 48th-minute spot kick sealed a victory.
Coming into the game, the Blues had a huge chance to put one foot in next year’s Premier Division, facing an already-relegated side at the Markets Field.
After robbing a point against St Pat’s in Inchicore, Neil McDonald made two changes from that team. Shane Duggan missed out through suspension and was replaced by Joe Crowe. Barry Cotter also came in for Dean Clarke.
A decent crowd turned up on a freezing cold night, but Limerick’s first-half display did little to warm their hearts.
A few miscues from Barry Cotter in the early stages gave Drogs the chance to capitalise on slack play at the back, but they lacked the quality to punish McDonald’s men.
The only real chance Limerick carved out in the first half was a Tosi header. The Brazilian has netted 13 goals in all competitions in 2017, but was off target on this occasion — heading over from close range.
Tosi would be given a chance to make amends, however. A Lee-J Lynch cross from the right flank was brilliantly weighted and the target man appeared to be a certainty to score. However, the 34-year-old was dragged down by Colm Deasy as he attempted to open the scoring.
Referee Andrew Mullally was taking charge of his first Premier Division game and got his first big decision spot on, booking Deasy afterwards.
Tosi had missed once from the spot already this year. His crucial kick smashed off the post on that occasion, but he made no mistake this time.
Looking confident in his run-up, Tosi smashed low to McGuinness’ left as the Markets Field erupted.
They struggled to put the game to bed as they failed to double their advantage, but the hosts were helped by Deasy’s dismissal 20 minutes from time.
The young full-back had been warned after a few fouls, and Mullally was eventually left with no choice but to send him off.
It wasn’t pretty, but the Shannonsiders ultimately may have done enough to secure survival.
Limerick: Brendan Clarke; Barry Cotter, Tony Whitehead, Dave O’Connor, Shane Tracy; Joe Crowe; Stephen Kenny (William Fitzgerald, 74), Bastien Hery, Lee-J Lynch, Chiedozie Ogbene; Rodrigo Tosi.
Drogheda: Stephen McGuinness; Colm Deasy, Kevin Farragher, Dave Mulcahy, Shane Elworthy (Conor Kane, 32); Mark Doyle, Jack Bayly (Lloyd Buckley, 72), Richie Purdy (Sean Russell, 69), Adam Wixted; Ryan McEvoy; Chris Mulhall.
Referee: Andrew Mulally (Waterford)
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