Shelbourne 3
Limerick 4
RUNAWAY FIRST DIVISION leaders Limerick extended their lead at the top to 14 points following a remarkable 4-3 win over Shelbourne at Tolka Park.
Free-scoring Limerick took the lead after just 94 seconds. Although unchanged from their FAI Cup win over Bluebell, Chris Mulhall operated through the centre while Sean Russell switched out to the left wing. It was this combination that brought about the opener.
Mulhall won possession before sliding a through ball into the feet of Russell. The winger took a touch before squaring for John O’Flynn. The lethal striker notched his 17th goal of the season – this time, from all of six yards.
While Limerick taking the lead is daunting for most sides, the hosts were the better team for the remainder of the first half. Half chances fell to Cian Kavanagh and James English but were squandered.
The Shels breakthrough did arrive just after the half-hour mark though. A seemingly routine defensive situation resulted in Robert O’Reilly blocking down Tommy Holland’s clearance – with the ball flying straight into the empty net.
Despite being the second best side in the first, Limerick were 3-1 up after five second half minutes. Referee Andrew Mullally failed to spot a foul by John O’Flynn on a Shels defender – Lee-J Lynch profited from the decision as he played Mulhall through to finish calmly between the legs of Jack Brady.
A minute later, Sean Russell was fouled while switching the ball to his right foot inside the area. Despite Brady getting solid contact on the ball, he couldn’t prevent O’Flynn from making it 18 goals in all competitions.
Limerick were firmly in control at this point – but a Dylan Grimes goal eight minutes from time gave Shels a chance. That chance was then taken away when Andrew Mullally awarded another penalty. Lee-J Lynch converted the rebound after Brady saved the initial effort.
Jamie Doyle netted from an indirect free-kick with three minutes remaining but Martin Russell’s men held on to record their twelfth league win on the trot.
SHELBOURNE: Jack Brady; Robert Duggan, Conor Keeley (Ryan Robinson, 69), Aidan Collins, Alan Kehoe (Dylan Grimes, 59); Robert O’Reilly, Daire Doyle; Lorcan Shannon (Sodiq Oguntola, 82), Cian Kavanagh, Jamie Doyle; James English.
LIMERICK: Tommy Holland; Shaun Kelly, Paudie O’Connor, Robbie WIlliams, Shane Tracy; Lee-J Lynch, Paul O’Conor; Stephen Kenny, Sean Russell, Chris Mulhall (Tony Whitehead, 76); John O’Flynn (Ross Mann, 74).
Referee: Andrew Mullally.
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