Derry City 0
Limerick FC 1
LIMERICK FC’S INCREDIBLE season shows no sign of letting up after they defeated Derry City at the Brandywell in tonight’s EA Sports Cup semi-final.
A goal from Stephen Kenny in the 15th minute was enough to give Martin Russell’s side the victory on Foyleside, which sets up a meeting with Shamrock Rovers or St Patrick’s Athletic — who meet next Monday — in the final.
Limerick travelled north with plenty of confidence, stemming from their 23 previous competitive games this season, from which they had yielded 22 wins and one draw.
However, the First Division leaders were undoubtedly underdogs against a Derry side who have also enjoyed a good campaign. The Candystripes are currently sitting in third place in the Premier Division table.
Limerick started the game in a positive manner, with Chris Mulhall forcing Gerard Doherty to make a save early on. But just as the hosts were settling into the game, Limerick halted their momentum.
Kenny found the net after being set up Shane Treacy and Limerick were in front. Derry’s pursuit of an equaliser kept Limerick goalkeeper Freddy Hall busy but the visitors held out to reach their first League Cup final since 2002, when they also defeated Derry.
Twenty points clear at the top of the First Division and with EA Sports Cup final and FAI Cup quarter-final dates to look forward to, it’s not a bad time to be a Limerick supporter.
Derry City: Gerard Doherty, Niclas Vemmelund, Aaron McEneff, Ryan McBride, Dean Jarvis, Lukas Schubert, Barry McNamee, Conor McCormack, Joshua Daniels, Aaron Barry (Conor McDermott, 65), Rory Patterson.
Limerick: Freddy Hall, Shaun Kelly, Paudie O’Connor, Robbie Williams, Chris Mulhall (John O’Flynn, 80), Shane Duggan, Paul O’Conor, Sean Russell, Shane Tracy, Stephen Kenny, Aaron Greene (Ross McGann, 90).
Referee: Robert Harvey.
