Limerick FC secured their place in the semi-final of the FAI Cup after a deserved 2-1 win over Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Neil McDonald made just two changes to the lineup as Joe Crowe and Peter Berki were replaced by Shane Tracy and Stephen Kenny.
Bastien Hery was the early star of the game, setting the pace for Limerick as they created plenty opportunities in the first twenty minutes.
Barry Cotter had the first real chance of the game as he connected with Lee J Lynch’s corner only to head it straight at Galway’s keeper Conor Winn.
Limerick’s Brazilian striker Rodrigo Tosi saw his header narrowly fly past the post after Stephen Kenny whipped in a terrific cross.
United had their best chance of the half when Gavan Holohan weaved his way through two defenders on the edge of the box before firing a shot towards the bottom right corner only to have it denied by Limerick’s Brendan Clarke.
Limerick came close once more before half-time when former Galway United full-back Shane Tracy hit his free kick from 25 yards out just wide.
Early in the second half, Limerick’s Chiedozie Ogbene linked up with his midfield partner Lee J Lynch who got a powerful shot off from the middle only for United’s Winn to push away.
Limerick finally broke through for the opener ten minutes into the second half when Conor Winn couldn’t hold onto Stephen Kenny’s shot from outside the box which gave Rodrigo Tosi an easy finish from a few yards out to make it 1-0.
Limerick’s second didn’t come long after as skipper Shane Duggan had acres of space in the box and neatly finished in the far corner.
Galway United looked to be back in the game after Kevin Devaney’s shot was saved right into the path of Padraic Cunningham who side footed it home in the 80th minute.
However, United failed to create any more chances in the final ten minutes and Limerick booked their place in their first FAI Cup semi-final since 1994.
Limerick’s next match will be on the road against Bray Wanderers in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division on September 15.
You can read more stories like this in the Limerick Post Sports section
