Limerick 1-0 Bohemians
LIMERICK CLAIMED A crucial win in their fight against the drop as they overcame Bohemians at the Markets Field.
Rodrigo Tosi scored the game’s only goal, keeping a cool head from the penalty spot in the 10th minute.
Limerick boss Neil McDonald made a brave call in dropping his captain Shane Duggan for this huge clash. Stephen Kenny and Tosi came into the side in place for the Limerick midfielder and Dean Clarke.
Bohs were without the services of Oscar Brennan and Paddy Kavanagh. They both missed out due to suspension. They were replaced by Georgie Poynton and Warren O’Hora. Dinny Corcoran missed out on the squad – with Ciaran O’Connor coming in, in his absence.
A clever piece of improvisation from Stephen Kenny gave Ogbene a chance. The former Cork City winger scooped the ball between Rob Cornwall and Warren O’Hora – before the 20-year-old striker raced clear. However, good anticipation from Supple saw him fly off his line to get down to his effort.
Two minutes later, Ogbene was afforded another huge chance after brilliant inter-play in midfield. Hungarian striker Peter Berki teed up the nippy forward, but a poor touch took him away from goal. Supple was equal once again.
However, the hosts wouldn’t have to wait long to open the scoring. A clever early cross from Stephen Kenny caused all sorts of panic in the Bohs box as Tosi timed his run.
Tosi tried to break free of a challenge from Rob Cornwall, but was dragged to the ground in the process. Referee Jim McKell had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. After a delayed run-up, Tosi calmly rolled the ball right down the middle.
Despite this, Bohs grew into the game and were awarded a penalty kick themselves just after the half hour mark for a similar offence. Georgie Poynton was given the responsibility, and his effort from twelve yards was on target. Yet, a brilliant save to his left from Brendan Clarke denied them what would have been a deserved equaliser.
Limerick should have been out of sight in the second half, but Chiedozie Ogbene wasted a host of opportunities.
In the end, it didn’t matter as the Blues climb up to seventh – four points clear of the drop zone.
Limerick: Brendan Clarke; Barry Cotter, Joe Crowe, Tony Whitehead, David O’Connor; Stephen Kenny (Dean Clarke, 63), Bastien Hery, Lee-J Lynch, Chiedozie Ogbene; Rodrigo Tosi, Peter Berki (Garbhan Coughlan, 67).
Bohemians: Shane Supple; Dan Casey (Dylan Hayes, 76), Warren O’Hora, Derek Pender; George Poynton (Keith Dalton, 84), Fuad Sule, Ian Morris, Keith Ward; Ismahil Akinade, Ciaran O’Connor (Lorcan Fitzgerald, 64).
Referee: Jim McKell (Tipperary)
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