LIMERICK FC are on a high this week as the SuperBlues qualified for the semi finals of the EA Sports Cup. Inspired by two early goals from Garbhan Coughlan Limerick deservedly booked their place in the EA Sports Cup semi-finals with a comfortable victory over Bray Wanderers on Monday night.
The Seagulls had an early chance when Adam Hanlon put veteran Jason Byrne through the middle only to see his parting effort well saved by diving keeper Barry Ryan. Limerick took the lead on 12 minutes when a long throw-in by Rory Gaffney on the right was cleverly back-heeled home by Coughlan from close range with the Bray defence all at sea.
Limerick FC stretched their advantage three minutes later when a long ball out of defence was nodded back by Gaffney for Coghlan to volley home a superb goal from 30 yards despite keeper Darren Quigley getting a hand to the ball.
It got worse for Bray on 21 minutes when Dave O’Leary opened up the home defence for Garry Sheahan to flick the ball over the ‘keeper and in off the post into the net.
Bray did pull a goal back on 55 minutes when Shaun Kelly handled in his area. The resulting penalty was rifled home by Byrne despite Ryan getting a hand to the ball.
Byrne had two chances late on only to twice hook the ball over when well placed. Even the introduction of substitutes Daire Doyle, Graham Kelly and Johnathan Kelty during the second half could not inspire a Bray comeback and it was Limerick who were easily worth their 3-1 victory in the end.
Limerick now face Finn Harps this coming Friday at Jackman Park in the knowledge that they could end the week, results dependent, on top of the league.
Speaking ahead of the league clash, Limerick FC manager Pat Scully said “ We have had a busy few days and the lads played really well in both games getting two great results in the league against Wexford and in the EA Sports Cup against Bray. We now have to prepare for a good Finn Harps side that caused us problems earlier in the season. We must work hard and be positive to continue our good form which has seen us win 7 of our last 8 games.”
