Limerick's season-long inability to finish off what they create was all too evident as Dundalk escaped from Hogan Park on Saturday clinging on to hopes of a place in the second round.

Dundalk's early impetus soon petered out as Limerick took the game to the Premier Division's bottom side.

Limerick were more than good value for a corner count of 6-2 in their favour at the break, and 10-6 in all, but rued missing several clear chances to punish some sloppy defending by Dundalk. The sides meet again at Oriel Park tomorrow night.

Goalkeeper Steve Williams, so often Dundalk's saviour this season, made a sublime save to thwart a low drive from John Whyte in the 20th minute. After this, Limerick ran the game until half-time but failed to put their supremacy on to the scoresheet.

Dundalk applied the pressure early in the second half and Considine was well-placed to clear off the Limerick goal-line after Lee Thew got in a header from David Crawley's corner within three minutes.

However, though the pace of the game increased, the scoring chances were fewer than in the first half.

Limerick FC: Hickey; Kerley, O'Halloran, D Whyte, Finnan; B Ryan, Lynch, J Whyte, Considine; Carr, Doyle. Subs: King for B Ryan (71 mins), G Ryan for J Whyte (72 mins), Hanrahan for Finnan (78 mins).

Dundalk: Williams; Reddish, Gollogly, Capper, Brady; Campbell, Thew, Melvin, Crawley; Ward, Brennan. Subs: Dunne for Ward (74 mins), Byrne for Brennan (78 mins).

Referee: T Tully (Cork).

Receipts: £3,500.