with Andrew Cunneen
Limerick ended their eight game losing streak at the RSC thanks to a brace from Denis Behan and all round workman-like performance from Pat Scully’s men, seeing them run out two-one winners on Friday night.
Waterford and Limerick both had massive absentee lists heading into this game, although perhaps
Limerick had the depth to cope, and this showed throughout, and despite the minimal separation in
the scoreline, the gulf in class was evident on the night.
Waterford lined out in a fairly basic 4-5-1 formation, making Gary Keane the lone striker. Limerick
countered this, and fielded what looked like a 4-2-3-1 formation, with both Brosnan and Gaffney in
advanced positions to support Denis Behan up front.
In the early stages, spectators were treated to a rare enough spectacle, as Rory Gaffney displayed his
long throw technique, which cause serious problems for the Waterford United defence throughout.
The technique appeared to be to target the head of six foot plus defender Brian McCarthy’s head
at the near post for him to flick back into the awaiting crowd. This almost paid dividends just ten
minutes into the encounter as McCarthy found Behan, but his header was cleared off the line. The
warning signs were there for United.
Paudie Quinn, who played in a role just behind Denis Behan, took control of the ball about thirty
yards out. He jinked his way along the eighteen yard box before sliding an inch perfect pass into the
feet of Sean Brosnan. He was approaching goal from an acute angle however, and his shot was well
held by the Waterford keeper Kevin Burns.
Limerick’s first real scare arrived in the shape of a sliced cross from Paul Phelan. Hiss effort quickly
veered off path and almost caught Barry Ryan out. The veteran managed to scramble to the far post
however and tip it around for a corner. Fate almost favoured Waterford in that instance.
A heart-in-mouth moment arrived just shy of the half hour mark when Paddy Purcell challenged
Gary Keane in the Limerick box. Keith Callanan appeared to rush in and point to the spot, much
to the delight of the home support. Instead, Callanan indicated a goal kick, which was met with
sarcastic jeers from the Limerick faithful.
Denis Behan uncharacteristically went on a brave run into the box just shy of the forty minute mark.
He beat his marker, and he crossed excellently for Brosnan, only for Kevin Murray to slide in to make
an excellent intervention.
Behan wouldn’t have to wait long for success however. The ex-Hartlepool frontman opened his
account in Limerick colours shortly after. As Rory Gaffney broke down the right wing, he took his
time to look up, pick out Denis Behan, and float a majestically driven ball right onto his forehead.
Behan expertly glanced the ball into the far corner beyond the reach of Kevin Burns. His celebration
was one of much relief. Moments later, the players were greeted by the half time whistle.
As the second half began, the efforts of Sean Brosnan became more noticeable. He chased every last
ball to ensure Waterford didn’t have the privilege of taking their time on the ball. His energy, steely
determination and sheer passion defined the hunger for the jersey.
Behan almost doubled his tally just ten minutes into the second half. In what seemed a rather
unusual standoff from the Waterford players, Behan found himself in space, and had plenty of time
to shape to shoot. He shot, and for all in attendance, he had scored. However, the striker in reality
had hit the side netting. Waterford fans returned the sarcastic jeers from earlier on.
It was that man at the centre of it all once more, Behan made his second Paddy McCourt-esque style
run of the match; weaving in and out of challenges before laying a beautiful cross right in front of
goal. David Breen was the quickest to the ball and almost slid the ball into his own net. The ball came
to rest just outside the far post, much to his relief. If Behan was to dwell on that chance, he wasn’t
to dwell for very long.
It’s not often in football, and in particular, at this level, that you see a cross of such quality, that
you have to think twice to yourself before admitting that you had seen it. On the fifty sixth minute,
Sean Kelly produced such a ball. Cutting across the ball, Kelly’s laces stood the ball up perfectly, just
floating out of reach of David Breen and landing perfectly in the path of Denis Behan for him to be
able to take a touch, turn, and finish calmly under the outrushing Kevin Burns. Behan rightly wheeled
off in joyful celebration.
As Limerick appeared home and dry, a reality check set in a little less than ten minutes later as
Waterford somehow managed to grab a goal. Gary Dunphy floated in a free kick, which met the
head of Kevin Murray. His nod was enough to deliver the ball to Conor Sinnott at the back post who
has the simplest of finishes to claw a goal back for United.
As one may expect, Waterford made an attacking change late on to try and grab an equaliser. The
introduction of Paul Murphy may have been seen as a risky move considering his lack of match
fitness, but a goal was required, and Gary Keane didn’t appear to be the man to snatch it.
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Ironically, Limerick had the next chance. Gaffney’s throws again were the sword by which Waterford
would perish, as McCarthy did his duty and won the flick. Limerick substitute Barry Sheedy was the
beneficiary and his effort was also scrambled off the line. Expect goals to come in the future from
these throws, Limerick fans.
Waterford last chance followed Denis Behan netting his third, which was ruled out for offside. Paul
Phelan’s cross from the left wing almost caught Barry Ryan out, but the Limerick keeper clawed the
ball out from the line with just one hand. Hearts were in mouths in the away end for that moment.
Limerick hung on however to claim what was their first win in the RSC in many years. A massive
improvement from the Monaghan match for Pat Scully’s side, while Waterford looked condemned
to mid-table mediocrity.
Waterford United:
Kevin Burns, Brian Nolan (Sean Maguire 89), Kevin Murray, Paul Carey, David Breen, Paul Walsh,
Connor Sinnott, Paul Phelan, Adam McSherry, Gary Dunphy, Gary Keane (Paul Murphy 70).
Subs not Used: Sean Barron, Adam Potter, Jason Keane, Adam Heaslip, Dwayne Wilson. />
Limerick FC: Barry Ryan, Shaun Kelly, Brian McCarthy, Paddy Purcell, Andrew Bhandarkar
(Peter White 84) , Corie Treacy, Shane Tracy, Rory Gaffney, Paudie Quinn (Peter Hynes 89) , Sean
Brosnan (Barry Sheedy 72) , Denis Behan.
Subs not Used: Shane Cusack, Garvan Broughall, Garbhan Coughlan, Steven McGann.
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Referee: Keith Callanan.
Attendance: 400 (estimate)
Extratime.ie Man of the Match: “The Beast” is back in business. Two goals and an excellent
work ethic.
