Drogheda United 3
Limerick 3
LIMERICK MAINTAINED THEIR unbeaten record with a last-gasp equaliser against Drogheda United at United Park.
The champions elect were second best for long periods, but despite trailing 3-1, they were able to claw a point through Aaron Greene’s header with time almost up.
The hosts were the better side for the opening half and deservedly took the lead on 10 minutes. A misplaced pass from the Limerick midfield was intercepted by Séan Brennan, who raced clear of Tony Whitehead and slotted easily beyond the on-rushing Freddy Hall.
Gareth McCaffrey, on-loan from Shamrock Rovers, almost doubled his side’s lead when his 20-yard strike was deflected. Hall was alert and expertly tipped the ball around the post, despite the ball looking destined for the top corner.
A pair of half-time substitutes gave Limerick an initial lift. Kevin Farragher cleared off the line after O’Flynn rounded McGuinness. The pressure was soaked up well by the hosts, who were quick to close down their opponents all evening.
Approaching the hour, a crazy seven minutes began. First Mark Griffin eluded Shaun Kelly down the left, he squared for McCaffrey who swept home first time. But Limerick replied almost immediately, Lee-J Lynch fired off the post from the edge of the area, only for the rebound to fall kindly for Paul O’Conor, who slotted home to cut the deficit. The crazy seven minutes was complete when United went 3-1 ahead, Mark Griffin set clear to blasted into the net.
With 10 minutes to go, Limerick found a lifeline. Muhall cut the ball back to Duggan who used the post to find the net. Pete Mahon’s side seemed to sit deeper and deeper as the visitors trailed for only a third time this season.
Captain Duggan brought a fine save from McGuinness, and that appeared to be the Blues final chance.
Sean Brennan had an effort cleared off the line in stoppage time as Limerick lost their shape chasing for the equaliser. Limerick broke and won a corner which Sean Russell planted onto the head of Aaron Greene who scored his 10th League goal of the season.
Drogheda United: Stephen McGuinness; Colm Deasy, Luke Gallagher, Stephen Dunne, Kevin Farragher; Richie Purdy, Jake Hyland (Sean Thornton 85) , Mark Griffin, Séan Brennan, Gareth McCaffrey (Liam Donnelly); Aaron Ashe (Derek Doyle 85).
Limerick: Freddy Hall; Shaun Kelly, Tony Whitehead, Robbie Williams, Shane Tracy (Sean Russell 46); Paul O’Conor, Lee-J Lynch, Shane Duggan ; Stephen Kenny (Chris Mulhall) , Aaron Greene, John O’Flynn.
Referee: John McLoughlin