Limerick FC 0 Drogheda United 1: A goal from 30 yards by Paul O'Connor after half an hour gave Drogheda United victory over a disappointing Limerick at a wet and windy Thomond Park last night.
When the sides met earlier in the season it ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw but this time shot-shy Limerick paid the penalty.
The home side were reduced to 10 players after 77 minutes when Joe Gamble was shown a second yellow card in the space of 12 minutes.
Limerick had the first serious opportunity when Axel Bossekota broke down the left. His pass found Gamble who superbly lofted the ball over the defenders for Craig Curran but he could not get a touch. That was after 15 minutes and two minutes later Bossekota missed from six yards following a Shane Tracy corner.
Paul O’Connor’s goal from 30 yards after David O’Leary was dispossed shook Limerick but the home side were extremely lucky not to concede further. Ryan Brennan set up Alan Byrne whose shot was parried away by Dave Ryan into the path of Cathal Brady whose effort was cleared off the line and just before the end of a half that had seven minutes added time Gary O’Neill missed from six yards.
LIMERICK FC: Ryan, O'Callaghan, Kelly, Folan, Williams, Tracy, O'Leary, Gamble, Galbraith, Curran, Bossekota (Bradley 55)
DROGHEDA UTD: Schlingermann, Quigley (Gannon 45), Prendergast, Hand, Byrne, O'Connor, Cassidy, G Brennan (G), R Brennan, O'Neill.
Referee: D McKeon (Dublin).
