Shelbourne 2-1 Limerick (19-7-13)
By Aidan Geraghty @1895Aidan
Shelbourne
picked up their second league win in a row last night for the first
time in over a year when they came back from a 1-0 deficit at half time
to take all 3 points against a Limerick team that has been hot and cold
all season.
The opening stages were very dull with neither side
creating anything of note until The Blues took the lead after 17 minutes
when Axel Bossekota got on the end of a deflection from David O'Leary
and the Frenchman took advantage of the space he was given to put the
ball in Murphy's net.
Shelbourne, attacking towards their fans
in the Drumcondra End, didn't do much in the first half but they did
have a chance to equalise when Graham Gartland's terrific header found
the side-netting from Seán Brennan's cross to the far post.
The
Reds nearly equalised again just on the stroke of half time. A mistimed
header from Brian O'Callaghan was controlled by Derek Doyle, whose shot
was saved by veteran goalkeeper Barry Ryan. Lee Murtagh looked like
finishing the rebound but Ryan got across to make a fine double save. If
it wasn't for Ryan's heroics all year, Limerick could well be in a
relegation battle as opposed to their comfortable mid-table position.
The
hosts equalised at the third attempt not long after half time. 'Calla'
as his jersey reads, was at fault again as Lee Murtagh stripped him of
possession. Shels' new-found talisman squared the ball to Adam Hanlon
who placed the ball into the bottom corner.
Shels were in
control of the game for the next twenty minutes or so, despite Lee
Murphy being called into action once by Danny Galbraith. John
McDonnell's men took the lead when Seán Brennan drove at the defence
following a pass from Hanlon; the Drogheda native then pulled it across
the box to Lee Murtagh who scored from 6 yards for his second goal in
three games for his new club. Fans at the Drumcondra End were jubilant,
as expected, but their celebrations were repressed by a violent Garda
presence.
Limerick failed to make it a nervy finish for Shels
despite having a few half-chances. Substitute Dean Kelly added salt to
the wound by bringing the ball into the corner for the closing stages
and after a prolonged injury time period, Alan Kelly blew his whistle to
give the Dubliners their second win in a row.
Shelbourne travel
to UCD next week where, if results go their way, they can move up to
ninth while Limerick welcome Derry City to Thomond Park after the
Candystripes' European exploits.
Attendance: 783.
OnTheSidelines' Man of the Match: Graham Gartland (Shelbourne): Nothing got past the 30 year old, who put in a solid defensive performance and could've scored too.
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