Shamrock Rovers 1
Limerick FC 1
A COMPELLING CONTEST ended with the spoils being shared at Tallaght Stadium as Jason McGuinness last-ditch diving header denied Limerick a dramatic win.
Limerick had goalkeeper Barry Ryan sent off in stoppage time for a second bookable offence and though Shane Tracy, normally a midfielder, saved substitute Sean O’Connor’s spot-kick McGuinness scored from the rebound.
Though Limerick’s enthusiastic midfielders dashed about, craving involvement, Rovers were still able to manufacture a few early chances. Only three minutes had elapsed when Gary McCabe’s right wing cross was met by Ciaran Kilduff, who headed wide under pressure.
Kieran Marty drilled a 12th minute effort wide from an acute angle as Rovers sought to land a blow, but they were then caught out themselves. Shane Tracy’s 14th minute free-kick was clever and Rory Gaffney reacted smartly to nod Limerick in front.
Seeking a quick response Rovers went close again, but Barry Ryan saved a crisp McCabe attempt as the Hoops probed. Ryan also gathered a McGuinness header in the 25th minute following a Waters corner as Limerick continued to be plucky.
The hard-working visitors’ nearly pinched a second in the 37th minute, but Gaffney’s shot crept narrowly wide. Rovers were awarded a controversial 64th minute penalty when referee Rob Rogers deemed that a Limerick defender had handled in the area.
McCabe’s resultant spot kick was saved by Ryan and then Limerick goalkeeping coach Eddie Hickey was ordered from the technical area moments later. There was another layer of excitement in the dying embers as Rovers took a point courtesy of McGuinness’ header.
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Murphy; Madden, Cornwall, McGuinness, Byrne; Brennan, Robinson, Bayly (Sheppard, 57); McCabe, Kilduff, Waters (O’Connor, 77).
LIMERICK FC: Ryan; Kelly, Oji, Folan, Williams; Tracy, Agyemang (Galbraith, 71), Hughes, Duggan, McGrath (Rainsford, 79); Gaffney (Mann, 90).
Referee: R Rogers (Dublin).
