Better late than never as Sligo Rovers serve notice of intent at Thomond Park

Strikes from Aaron Greene and Seamus Conneely in the closing stages gave the Bit O’Red win over Limerick a favourable veneer.

Limerick FC 0-3 Sligo Rovers

SLIGO ROVERS LEFT left Thomond Park with all three points thanks to a 3-0 victory over Limerick FC. The result elevates Rovers to fifth and closes the gap on Cork City and Dundalk, who both dropped points.

Ian Baraclough’s men wasted little time in establishing their dominance as they took the lead after just three minutes. Robbie Williams’ hesitancy allowed Kieran Djilali to nip in on the right and square for the unmarked Paul O’Conor. He made no mistake.

Limerick responded well to the early blow — Shane Duggan found himself in space inside the Sligo box. His effort bounced into the air and Sam Oji rose highest, but his header went just over Gary Rogers’ bar.

As well as Limerick did with a number of key players out, Sligo always had that bit more of a threat about them. Breaking quickly, Aaron Greene found himself running into space, before skipping past James McGrath and shooting on goal. Shane Cusack did well to save, but the rebound was on its way in from Danny Ledwith before Jason Hughes made a last ditch challenge to deny him.

A joy to watch at times, the Bit O’Red’s interplay appeared a level above their hosts’. Some tidy pass and move football on the edge of the Limerick box allowed Djilali to play in Greene, but Cusack did well to deny him yet again — this time with his legs.

Rory Gaffney had Limerick’s best chance of the half just before the break when he cut in from the right, skipped past two players and struck towards goal. Much to the relief of Rogers, the effort only found the side netting. Tam McManus’ introduction almost had an immediate impact when he found the net on 66 minutes, but had his goal ruled out by the linesman on the near side.

Limerick were upping the tempo and almost drew level through Gaffney. He took a touch to set himself outside the box before unleashing an effort destined for the top corner. Rogers pulled off a world class save to deny the Tuam native.

Sligo confirmed their victory minutes from time when Aaron Greene broke through the last line of defence. Despite the home side appealing for a foul in the build-up, Greene took flight before rounding Cusack and slotting home. Seamus Conneely sealed the win in stoppage time — smartly finishing from close range after the Limerick backline was stretched.

LIMERICK: Cusack; Nzuzi, Folan, Oi, Williams; Hughes, Duggan, Tracy; McGrath (Mann, 77), Gaffney, Rainsford (McManus, 66).

Unused subs: Abass, Murphy, Whitehead, Walsh, Agyemang.

SLIGO: Rogers; Keane, McMilian, Henderson, Gaynor; O’Conor, Cawley; Djilali (Conneely, 77, Russell, Ledwith (North, 75); Greene.

Unused subs: Brush, Dykes Spillane, Maguire, Odhiambo.