LIMERICK FC have the unenviable task of trying to get their first league win of 2015 against champions and leaders Dundalk on Saturday evening at Jackman Park (kick off 6:30pm).
The Lilywhites have five wins out of five thus far and have yet to even concede a league goal this term, whereas Limerick have just two draws to their name.
Super Blues manager Martin Russell has noted his team’s improved performances of late, though, and is eager to pit his wits against the current standard bearers in Irish football.
He said: “It’s a great game and you want to test yourself against the top sides who are leading the way. Dundalk are doing that, nobody has scored against them yet in the league and they’ve got maximum points.
“They’ll come here full of confidence but we’ve gained a lot of belief in ourselves in the last two weeks and if we can continue to put the effort in that we’ve been doing, I think we can do well against Dundalk.”
Limerick’s most recent outing ended in a 1-2 home defeat by St Patrick’s Athletic last Saturday, although the FAI Cup holders were made to work hard for the three points.
Two aesthetically contrasting goals either side of half-time by Aaron Greene made the difference, one the result of a goalmouth scramble and the other an exquisite chipped finish.
Ian Turner’s free kick 15 minutes from time, his second goal in as many games, ensured a nervy finish for the visitors and Russell believed that a positive result was there for the taking.
“St Pat’s have come off the field probably thinking that they’re glad to get out with a win. We put a lot of effort into the game and there are no easy games, particularly against the St Pats’ and Dundalks.
“It’s always going to be a big ask from where we are, but we asked a lot of questions and on the night we could have gotten a draw out of the game.”
The following day, Moyross United suffered a bitterly disappointing penalty shoot-out defeat in their FAI Junior Cup quarter-final at home to North End United.
The Wexford men struck first through Paul Murphy before Adrian Power equalised and two second half penalties from Barry Quinn seemed to have Moyross set for victory.
However, North End pulled it back to 3-3 late on and, with extra time failing to produce a winner, they prevailed 5-4 on penalties after sudden death.
