Dundalk strike late on to move within one win of title

Limerick FC 1 Dundalk 3

Three late goals helped Dundalk move to within just one win of retaining their SSE Airtricity League Premier Division title as they beat basement side Limerick 3-1 at Markets Field.

The hosts looked destined to get something from the match when they led from the second to the 76th minute.

But in a glorious six-minute spell the champions scored three times to ensure maximum points in a very entertaining contest.

A goal inside two minutes by Dean Clarke following a Shane Tracey corner nudged on by Ian Turner gave Limerick a sensational start.

Dundalk were denied three times by Limerick goalkeeper Freddy Hall and Limerick held out until 14 minutes from time.

By that stage Dundalk had used their three substitutions but it was Richie Towell who once again broke Limerick hearts.

He popped up in space to fire low past Hall after 76 minutes and four minutes later his shot struck defender Shane Duggan and gave Hall no chance.

Dundalk made it three when the outstanding Daryl Horgan set up substitute Ciaran Kilduff to guarantee maxim points.

With four games to play, one more win by Stephen Kenny’s side will see them move on to 75 points and out of reach of Cork City.

LIMERICK FC: Hall, Williams, Kelly, Tracey, Kanyuka, Turner, O'Conor Agyemang 84), Lynch (Russell 71), Duggan, Clarke, Faherty.

DUNDALK: Rogers, Massey, Boyle, Gannon, Barrett, Towell, Shields (O'Donnell 62), Meenan (Mountney 74), Horgan, Finn, McMillen (Kilduff 68).

Referee: N Doyle (Dublin).