Limerick 5
Sligo Rovers 1
Andrew Cunneen reports from Markets Field
A RODRIGO TOSI Brazilian exhibition helped Limerick record an emphatic opening-day victory over Sligo Rovers — by five goals to one.
Limerick began their return to the Premier Division in surreal fashion. Reminiscent of his goal in the EA Sports Cup final, Lee-JLynch latched onto a throw-in from Tommy Robson and unleashed a shot from outside the box. The effort had too much power on it for Sligo goalkeeper Michael Schlingermann and he palmed it straight to Ian Turner to tap home.
Tosi wasn’t cleared to play until this morning, but he made a significant impact on proceedings regardless. Two goals in the space of 10 minutes sent a packed Markets Field into dreamland.
First, Shaun Kelly beat Regan Donelon down the right before putting in a poor cross. Sligo didn’t deal with it, however, and Tosi nipped in to smash home from eight yards.
Kelly was the tormentor once again for the second. This time, he produced a brilliant ball right to the head of Tosi, whose lofted attempt beat Schlingermann and gave Limerick a commanding lead.
Sligo gave themselves a lifeline through Matt Stevens on the hour mark. In a carbon copy of Turner’s opener, Stevens snuck the ball in after a powerful Kieran Sadlier effort wasn’t held by Freddy Hall.
Despite this, Tosi would not be denied his hat-trick. A great run from Dean Clarke down the left resulted in Tosi slamming the ball home at the second attempt, after his initial effort was saved.
Lynch would add further salt to the Sligo wounds as he lobbed Schlingermann from 20 yards to seal a memorable win for Martin Russell’s men.
Limerick: Freddy Hall; Shaun Kelly, Tony Whitehead, Robbie Williams, Tommy Robson; Shane Duggan; Ian Turner, Lee-J Lynch, Bastien Hery (Paul O’Conor, 85), Dean Clarke (Chiedozie Ogbene, 70); Rodrigo Tosi (Chris Mulhall, 77).
Sligo Rovers: Micheal Schlingermann; Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, Gary Boylan, Mick Leahy (Kyle Callan-McFadden, 46), Regan Donelon; Craig Roddan, Chris Kenny (Mathew Stevens 46); Daniel Kearns, John Russell, Raffaelle Cretaro (Jonah Ayunga, 84); Kieran Sadlier.
Referee: Graham Kelly (Cork)
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