Limerick 4 Shamrock Rovers 1
New manager Martin Russell had a dream home start to his career with Limerick as his side dazzled in the torrential rain at Thomond Park on Friday night.
Very much the outsiders ahead of the game the only surprise was that Limerick did not win by more such was their dominance especially in the first half.
They led 3-0 at that stage, with the visiting supporters chanting “we want Crolly out” as the hapless manager made his way to the dugout to refresh his players.
His half-time ‘chat’ to his players brought a second-half improvement and a stoppage-time goal but it was a great occasion for a new-look Limerick in front of a crowd of almost 1,000.
The opening goal alone was worth getting drenched to see as the outstanding Rory Gaffney hit a thundering right-footed drive from 20 yards after only nine minutes.
Thumped home
Eight minutes later Gaffney was involved again when his cross from the left was thumped home by the on-loan Ian Turner, and inside the 25th minute Limerick had a third.
Local lad Lee J Lynch, signed from St Patrick’s Athletic in midweek, saw his effort headed into his own net by Rovers defender Conor Kenna.
Limerick’s Barry Ryan denied Seán O’Connor after 50 minutes and the goalkeeper then made a save from Dean Kelly’s header.
Stephen Folan headed Limerick’s fourth six minutes from the end and in stoppage time Rovers were rewarded with a good strike by O’Connor.
LIMERICK: Ryan, Williams, Oji (Leahy 90), Nzuzi, Folan, Turner, Lynch, Hughes, Duggan, Djikali (Mann 67), Gaffney. SHAMROCK ROVERS: Murphy, Kenna, Madden, McGuinness (Byrne 37), Osam, Finn, McCabe (Waters 72), McPhail (Bayly 78), O'Connor, Kelly, Sheppard. Referee: J McKell (Tipperary)
