LIMERICK FC exited the EA Sports Cup, last Monday night at the semi final stage after a 3-1 defeat to Cork City in extra time. Limerick had gone one goal up after 13 minutes when Peter Hynes ruffled the Cork City net. The Leesiders repsonded though in the 28th minute as Davin O’Neill scored from the penalty spot to make it one all.
The game ebbed and flowed from there on in. Former Cork City stars Denis Behan and Joe Gamble starred for Limerick. Both sides had several opportunities to get the win in normal time, but the game seemed destined for extra time as both sides looked to booked their place in the final.
Limerick struggled with Cork’s pace and fitness in the first period of extra time. The Turners Cross side took a deserved lead in the 103rd minute, when Vinny Sullivan was hauled down by Brian McCarthy in the box. Vincent Escudé-Candau did the honours from the spot to make it 2-1.
A Graham Cummins goal in the 118th minutes meant that Limerick had no chance of recovery. In a truly entertaining game, both First Division clubs served up a feast of football which defies their current league status.
Limerick v Cork Team: Barry Ryan; Andrew Bhandarkar (John Frost, 73mins), Brian McCarthy, Paddy Purcell, Peter White; Peter Hynes (Sean Brosnan, 67mins), Shane Tracy, Joe Gamble, Jeffrey Judge (David O’Leary, 88); Denis Behan, Paudie Quinn.
Limerick FC return to action in the Airtricity league away to Finn Harps this Saturday August 13th at 7.45pm in Ballyboffey.
The SuperBlues will play their next home Airtricity game against Salthill Devon on August 19 at 7.45pm in Jackman Park.
In other news, Limerick’s Barry Sheedy played for the Republic of Ireland Under 18’s in their 2-0 win against Wales recently. The Limerick star has been the centre of attention for some time now with many experts seeing a bright future in the game for the young starlet.
