ATFC V Lims Report

Airtricity League First Division
Athlone Town 0 - 1 Limerick FC

Limerick Scorers: Joseph Gamble (55)

Friday 30th March 2012

Limerick came out on top of a tight affair in the Athlone Town Stadium on Friday night thanks to a composed Joe Gamble goal. Although this was a match with very few memorable moments, Pat Scully will feel his side did just about enough to deserve their victory.

Limerick began the game brightly and created a number of half chances in the opening quarter of an hour. As the half progressed Athlone grew into the game and matched the league favourites in all departments. Both sets of players will point at the playing surface to excuse a dour opening half and they'd certainly have a point.

The second half began much brighter with the home side playing a lot of brave, attractive football. Limerick got most joy when they attacked down the flanks and kept the ball away from Tommy Barrett who looked like he would thwart the Shannonsiders all night long in the heart of the Athlone defence. The only goal of the game came on the hour mark when some excellent play by Limerick ended up with the ball at Joe Gamble's feet and from eight yards out he calmly slotted home.

There were nervy moments for Limerick with Jason Hughes going closest for Athlone. At the other end Paudie Quinn had a ferocious shot smash the crossbar and moments later Denis Behan fired inches wide after being sent through one-on-one with the Athlone keeper.

All in all Limerick will be pleased with the points as this win was far from comfortable. Both sides have had good starts to the season and while Limerick have an impressive squad, Athlone look like they could raise more than a few eyebrows this term.

Athlone Town: Patrick Jennings, Joseph Woods, Ross Kenny, Thomas Barrett, Brian McCarthy, Warren Conroy (Niall Scullion 72), Darren Coleman (Noel McGee 60), Jason Hughes, Kevin Williamson (Idris Oyemiyi 65), Mark Walsh, Mark Sherlock.
Subs not used: Paul Danaher, Garvan Broughall, Val Feeney, Brian Collopy.

Limerick FC: Barry Ryan, Corie Treacy (Shaun Kelly h/t), Andrew Bhandarkar, Shane Guthrie, Pat Purcell, Joseph Gamble, David O'Leary, Shane Tracy (Stephen Bradley 82), Denis Behan, Rory Gaffney, Derek O'Brien (Padraic Quinn 18).
Subs not used: David Ryan, Garry Sheahan, Brian O'Callaghan, Steven McGann.

Referee: Keith Callanan.

Match Report by Paul O'Riordan