Martin Russell says “we cannot underestimate how important it is that everybody tries to make the club as strong as possible”, with the manager calling for another big support as Limerick look to take an important step towards the title against UCD at the Markets Field on Saturday night (kick-off 6.30pm).
The Shannonsiders returned to winning ways following the midseason break with a comfortable 2-0 victory at Cabinteely last week, and coupled with Drogheda United’s defeat by UCD on Boyneside it saw them extend their advantage at the top of the SSE Airtricity League First Division table to 16 points.
That lead could be further increased this weekend, to at least 17, as they face an in-form UCD side that moved up to second with their fourth win on the bounce. And though they are back on home soil, Russell knows his players face a “stern test” against his former club where he won the First Division seven years ago.
“UCD are always competitive,” Russell told LimerickFC.ie. “They will always give you a stern test as they have done particularly in our recent away game there. We’re fully aware of the threat they pose but again we have to focus on trying to play to levels that can get us a win.
“We keep on saying this. We cannot underestimate how important it is that everybody tries to make the club as strong as possible. The crowds that have come out hopefully we’ve entertained them. The ones who have come to support us have been great and we want to try to grow that fan base if at all possible.”
Limerick have been hit by a number of injuries in recent weeks, with captain Shane Duggan, Aaron Greene, Garbhán Coughlan and Séamus Sharkey all absent. ‘Keeper Freddy Hall returned last week, and the manager is hoping their bad run of luck is coming to an end.
“The injuries are obviously a concern,” Martin admitted. “You want to get the strongest possible selection that you can.
“Each week there has been a different injury issue popping up. We’ve had to manage it and work with it. But it was good to see that when we had those issues last weekend that the young players were able to come in and do their bit.
“We’re not far away. Aaron Greene is close now; he has trained. Hopefully Duggy isn’t too far behind. The rest of the boys that had niggles this week should be okay, the likes of Shane Tracy, Lee-J Lynch and Chris Mulhall, the three that had to come off in the Cabinteely game. I’d like to think they could be available, but it’s not for sure.”
Looking back on that victory over Cabinteely at Stradbrook, Russell added: “On reflection, all things considered, first of all you’re pleased to come out with the win and we extended our lead which is good.
“Also considering that at the end of the game on the pitch altogether we had Ross Mann (20), Shane Costelloe (20), Seán McSweeney (18), Tony Whitehead (20) and Paudie O’Connor (18) – quite a young group of players. So there were positives in the win, getting the young players some experience.
“It was a great goal from Seán. Anybody that was there to see it, it was one to treasure. It was a great finish; it’s something that Seán is capable of. He’s a highly technical player and has done those types of things regular enough.
“All we can do, as we’ve said all along, is take each game on its merits and try to win each one. Hopefully what will happen is the table will reflect our performances.”
While Limerick are riding high at the top of the standings with 40 points from a possible 42, UCD have put a good run together to move up to second.
They have won their last four league games, overcoming Drogheda and Shelbourne in their most recent outings. The Students also dumped Premier Division outfit Bray Wanderers out of the FAI Cup in May.
The teams have met twice this season. On the opening day of the campaign in March, Maxi Kouogun gave UCD the lead at the Markets Field but Limerick battled back to win 4-1 thanks to goals from Greene (2), Chris Mulhall and Shane Tracy, the hosts helped by Brian Shortall’s first-half dismissal.
At the UCD Bowl in April, Duggan scored either side of Ryan Swan’s equaliser to secure a 2-1 win on a night when both teams finished with ten men. In total, Limerick have won the last four encounters, including two top-flight matches in 2014.
Team News: Limerick remain without long-term absentee, defender Séamus Sharkey (head) who has not featured since 8 April.
Officials: Referee for Saturday’s game is Kevin O’Regan, his assistants are Dermot Broughton and Ralph Pieper with the fourth official Patrick Gleeson.
