Rampant Limerick inflict heaviest defeat of season on Mervue Utd

Limerick FC 4Mervue United 0

Just four days after recording their biggest win of the season, a 4-0 win over Waterford Utd in the FAI Cup, Mervue Utd crashed to their heaviest defeat of the season as league leaders Limerick hit them for four goals at Jackman Park on Friday night.

The turning point in this game was the sending off of Mervue captain Mike Elwood in the 33rd minute after he was adjudged to have handled on the goal-line, up to that point Johnny Glynn’s side had been the better side. Elwood’s red card also allowed the home side the chance to take the lead as Shane Tracy scored for the third time this season from the penalty spot against Mervue.

Glynn made five changes to the side which claimed that memorable cup win as Ger Hanley replaced Connor Gleeson between the posts and Elwood, Cian McBrien, Dan Cunningham and Shane Keogh all returned with Marc Ludden, Jason Molloy and Noel Varley all missing. 

Mervue’s Pat Hoban fired the first chance of the game just wide on the quarter hour mark, while the lively Jean Biansumba went even closer after 23 minutes as the visitors started well. Cian McBrien had a well struck effort saved by Barry Ryan five minutes later, while Joe Gamble headed Limerick’s first effort on target but not past a well positioned Hanley.

The main talking point of the game soon followed as Elwood was sent off for a handball on the line following a Derek O’Brien ball into the box and referee Andrew Mulally awarded the home side a penalty which Shane Tracy calmly dispatched past Ger Hanley for 1-0.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.