LIMERICK FC crashed out of the FAI Ford Cup semi finals this week after a thrilling game against Shelbourne at Tolka Park.A hat trick from Philly Hughes, (undoubtedly the best striker in the league) and an own goal from Limerick’s Andrew Bhandarkar saw Shels take an insurmountable lead. A John Frost strike and two goals from Barry Sheedy were not enough for Limerick to force a replay.
What made the loss to the First Division league leaders even harder to take was that midway through the second half Limerick controversially had a goal disallowed. Shane Tracy’s free kick from the right put Shels keeper Skinner under pressure and the ball bounced off the back of Behan and into the back of the net for what looked like a legitimate goal. Referee Winter decided that a foul had been committed and Shels were let off the hook.
Limerick have no game this weekend. The shove for promotion is still on, but Limerick are facing an uphill task. With three games left for Limerick, the SuperBlues need Cork City and Monaghan to drop points.
Cork City’s defeat of Monaghan this week means that Limerick are now three points off of third spot, which is the place they need to be come the end of the month.
Even if Limerick win all of their last three games, Limerick will need Cork City to drop three points more than them, as the Turners’ Cross outfit’s goal difference is superior to Limerick Fc.
The Blues face Athlone at home on October 14, before travelling to face Monaghan on the 21st, finishing the season with a home game against Waterford United on the 29th of October.
Limerick FC v Shelbourne: Barry Ryan, John Frost, Andrew Bhandarkar, Brian McCarthy, Garvan Broughall (Stephen O’Flynn 70), Shane Tracy, Padraic Quinn, David O’Leary, Peter Hynes (Barry Sheedy 61), Garbhan Coughlan (Steven McGann 54), Denis Behan. Subs not used: Shane Cusack, Alex Scully, Sean O’Callaghan, Cian Collins.
