SHOULD Limerick FC, unbeaten in all 21 league games thus far in 2016, pick up as much as a point when they travel to UCD this Sunday evening (kick-off 6pm), their promotion to the Premier Division at the first attempt will be secured.
Martin Russell takes his side to face his former club in the knowledge that their 21-point lead, allied to a goal difference 44 goals superior to that of the Students, means that the job is essentially done. Preservation of their undefeated league record for another week will make absolutely sure of it.
Limerick go to the UCD Bowl though, on the back of a first defeat in any competition since February after last Friday’s FAI Cup loss to St Patrick’s Athletic on a 2-0 scoreline.
In a dress rehearsal of sorts for next month’s EA Sports Cup final, the Inchicore men opened the scoring three minutes before half-time. Conan Byrne’s effort took a deflection off Robbie Williams and left Freddy Hall helpless.
Limerick had been well in the game until that point but St Pat’s were dominant after the interval and doubled their lead on 77 minutes. Mark Timlin’s corner was headed on by Sean Hoare to Christy Fagan, who put the result beyond doubt.
On Saturday, Janesboro also exited the FAI Cup away to Dublin opposition, going down 3-1 against UCD. Ryan Swan opened the scoring for the home side inside five minutes and Kieran Marty Waters doubled the lead before a neat finish from Michael Ryan on 38 minutes brought the ‘Boro right back into the contest.
Their hopes were eventually dashed in the 78th minute when Liam Scales headed UCD’s third goal of the evening.
This Friday evening, Limerick FC have the rare experience of testing themselves against an international side when they take on Oman at the Markets Field (kick-off 7pm).
The Asians are playing the Super Blues as a warm-up for their friendly against the Republic of Ireland next Wednesday, having also met Cork City earlier this week.
