Limerick 1-1 Shamrock Rovers
BRANDON MIELE STRUCK late to extend Shamrock Rovers’ unbeaten record to ten games, but lost ground on Dundalk in the process after a dramatic encounter on Shannonside.
Rovers’ relative success this season has been built on their impressive defensive record. Having only conceded to champions Dundalk and Sligo Rovers, Pat Fenlon’s men are rock solid.
Limerick stunned their visitors after thirteen minutes when they took the front. A clever one-two between Shane Duggan and Sean Russell played the former through on goal. Duggan dropped the shoulder and fired a powerful effort across Craig Hyland. His shot struck the inside of the post, rolled across the line and nestled in the back of the net.
The visitors were constantly frustrated for most of the second half – Ryan Brennan had a goal ruled out for offside after the hour mark, while Brandon Miele and Gavin Brennan took turns hitting the woodwork.
The crucial goal did eventually arrive just four minutes from time. A Luke Byrne cross from the left found North who controlled and shot. His effort fell into the path of Miele who fired home to rescue a point for the Hoops.
LIMERICK: Conor O’Donnell; Sean Harding, Aidan Price, Paudie O’Connor, Shane Tracy; Ian Turner (Darragh Rainsford, 73), Shane Duggan, Paul O’Conor, Sean Russell; Vinny Faherty; Dean Clarke (Jason Hughes, 82).
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Craig Hyland; Simon Madden, Conor Kenna, David O’Connor, Luke Byrne; Pat Cregg (Brandon Miele, 61), Ryan Brennan; Sean O’Connor (Danny North, 61), Keith Fahey, Gavin Brennan; Mikey Drennan.
Man-of-the-Match: Shane Duggan (Limerick)
Referee: G Kelly (Cork)