Athlone 18/5/12

[NeverFeltBetter]

With Longford likely to take all three points against SD Galway, Limerick need to keep that gap at just four points before the trip up to Flancare. Some questions about the defence from last Friday, but at least they were able to score a good few goals.

A win is needed, but a confident display of football at home would be very much appreciated. Steady the ship and all that.

[Shannonsider]

Hard to judge from last weekend but we should beat Athlone. They will be tricky and sit back but to be honest SD Galway were the worst LOI team I have ever seen. Limerick scored five but 3 of those were a gift from a very young SD Galway goalkeeper. If we play like that again this season, we will lose. Looking forward to Friday but Limerick need to win to keep in touching distance of Longford as I have no dount they will comfortably beat SD Galway. The game in Flancare in two weeks is massive if Limerick want to win the league.

[sadloserkid]

2-1 win with two goals from an impressive Rory Gaffney. Nice to see Gary Sheehan back too. Precious little else to get excited about. Ex-Limerick player Garvan Broughal scored their goal.

[wonder88]

What was the crowd like ?

[thomas72]

around 500 no more

[NeverFeltBetter]

Not great. I'm not the best judge, but wouldn't say there was more than 400?

Result got, but Limerick were so poor for much of the second half. Gaffney took both his goals really well, not sure why Athlone were complaining for the second, from my perspective it looked like the defender just slipped. Behan played really well I thought, much better than earlier games. Ryan in goal was solid enough, great save in the dying seconds to keep it at 2-1. Dominant in the first half, Limerick should have killed this game off by half time. It seemed like a 4-4-1-1 for most of the game, occasionally a 4-3-3, with Behan just behind Gaffney, but reverted to a 4-5-1 in the second, with just Gaffney upfront alone for the second half. A lot of long ball, but plenty of ground work as well.

Some dodgy defending at times, made nervy work of what should have been a routine win. A lot of stupid frees given away near our penalty area. Sheahan was a little disappointing for me, still not 100%. Gaffney was being caught offside all game, to a really frustrating degree. Limerick only really fashioned three really good chances, Gaffney's two and I'm told a Bradley shot? (Missed it, bathroom). A lot of wides, a lot of weak headers straight at the Athlone keeper. Gaffney's throws are great and all, but no good unless that kind of delivery is used properly. Corners were also quite bad, usually played way too deep.
Longford seemed to struggle tonight from reports, so I’m optimistic about the next few weeks especially with Foley coming back. Limerick need more options upfront.

[thomas72]

poor again tonight strange team playing two strikers on the wing sheedy and sheehan another win but we really need to step it up big time or rovers will hammer us out the gate next week. another thing monday night v liverpool scully was out of his dugout roaring out instructions every 5mins all game (prob trying to impress them) tonight he was back to himself in the dugout like a mute the odd time he would stick his head out shout out BE POSITIVE then back in he goes i suppose it was raining :rolleyes:

[bluewhitearmy]

Dont think we deserved to win that game at all we are awful.
The amount of times our players just boot the ball away with out even looking around is ridiculous.

Only for there right back being crap and trying to take a touch when he should have just cleared it we wouldn't have won that game may have even been fouled.
We are getting worse ad worse to watch imo...Crowds wont be getting better anytime soon.

[Jofspring]

Couldn't make the match but from just hearing about it it is exactly how I expected it to go and I really feel I missed nothing. It's an awful shame when you just know how home games are going to go every week.

Out of 12 league games this season we have played well in 2. Wexford away and Finn Harps (going by reports) away.

There is no point in going this whole season doing well against 5 teams and not beating the other two cause there is only one place we will end up and that's a playoff.......if we are lucky.

Longford aren't exactly doing amazingly well every week but for some reason they just come across as that bit more solid than us. Waterford are just going to be our bogey team for the season.

I am actually expecting us to do quiet well on the road next week.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Certainly think the team plays way too negative at home. The way they sat back in the second half - the way they always seem to sit back - was so bad to watch because you could just see what was going to happen. As is often the case, we were saved by the poor quality of the opposition, as Athlone seemed fairly clueless in the final third for the vast majority of the game.

[da bishop]

it was terrible stuff tonight,no pattern to our play some really poor performances,behan,bradley who was badly at fault for athlones goal,guthrie,kelly,and at times purcell while ryan had a shocker in goal imo.sheehan off the pace naturally as he is only getting back to fitness.thought o leary,tracy,gaffeney did some great work and showed some real leadership when it was needed.athlone can feel hard done by ,outplayed us for most of the second half after a non event first half and thanks to a dubious decision not given in their favour would have secured a deserved point.the regular scully retreat to the dugout continued afresh this evening and was,n seen for most of the 2nd half but found his vocal cords again when gaffeney scored whereupon a volley of rubbish expletives were expressed to all and sundry...ah well thank god for 3 pts.

[abbeyvale]

For what its worth............

Results from tonight
Limerick 2 - 1 Athlone Town
Mervue United 3 - 0 Wexford Youths
Finn Harps 0 - 1 Waterford United
Longford Town 1 - 0 SD Galway

Table as it stands before we play away v Longford
1 Longford Town 12 10 1 1 22 12 10 31
2 Limerick 12 9 0 3 23 12 11 27
3 Waterford United 12 6 2 4 15 15 0 20
4 Wexford Youths 12 6 1 5 17 12 5 19
5 Athlone Town 12 6 1 5 14 12 2 19
6 Finn Harps 12 4 0 8 15 21 -6 12
7 Mervue United 12 2 2 8 15 20 -5 8
8 SD Galway 12 0 3 9 7 24 -17 3

Fixtures
1 Jun 2012 7:45pm Waterford United v Mervue United Regional Sports Centre
1 Jun 2012 7:45pm SD Galway v Finn Harps Terryland Park
1 Jun 2012 8pm Wexford Youths v Athlone Town Ferrycarrig Park
2 Jun 2012 7:30pm Longford Town v Limerick Flancare Park

22 Jun 2012 7:45pm Athlone Town v Waterford United Lissywollen
22 Jun 2012 7:45pm Limerick v Wexford Youths Jackman Park
22 Jun 2012 7:45pm Mervue United v SD Galway Terryland Park
23 Jun 2012 7:45pm Finn Harps v Longford Town Finn Park

[bluewhitearmy]

the regular scully retreat to the dugout continued afresh this evening and was,n seen for most of the 2nd half but found his vocal cords again when gaffeney scored whereupon a volley of rubbish expletives were expressed to all and sundry....

Gets more and more annoying every week sick of him hiding.

[Minesapint]

Gets more and more annoying every week sick of him hiding.
Bluewhitearmy as i have said in previous post i think you have a personal problem with pat scully, whats does hiding in the dug out mean a manger can sit down or stand up when he wants you seem to be waiting to point out the negatives very quickly, 3pts tonight 2nd in the league 7pts clear of wateford it wasnt free flowing game but its all about getting the points and getting points when your not playing well is great if your getting sick of pat in the dugout stay at home and watch takemeout.

[bluewhitearmy]

Bluewhitearmy as i have said in previous post i think you have a personal problem with pat scully, whats does hiding in the dug out mean a manger can sit down or stand up when he wants you seem to be waiting to point out the negatives very quickly, 3pts tonight 2nd in the league 7pts clear of wateford it wasnt free flowing game but its all about getting the points and getting points when your not playing well is great if your getting sick of pat in the dugout stay at home and watch takemeout.


You do realise it wasn't me that pointed it out yes?

As i and others have told you already i backed Scully for ages until it was clear he hasn't a clue. You may have a point if i was the only one that thought he was no good but i think you will find you are in the minority in wanting him to stay. Argue your points why you think he should stay away but please stop throwing out the same stupid talk that has already been pointed out as incorrect.

[Minesapint]

[QUOTE=bluewhitearmy;1596910]You do realise it wasn't me that pointed it out yes?

As i and others have told you already i backed Scully for ages until it was clear he hasn't a clue. You may have a point if i was the only one that thought he was no good but i think you will find you are in the minority in wanting him to stay. Argue your points why you think he should stay away but please stop throwing out the same stupid talk that has already been pointed out as incorrect.[/QUOTE
If you go back through your post i cant see many of your posts supporting the manager, we are second in the table will still alot of point to play for, yes i think we are not winning in style but league is about results and last night was 3pts.

[Jofspring]

The problem minesapint is we are getting away with these performances against the poorer teams but against Waterford and longford we are losing. Just like last year with cork, Shels, Monaghan.......And the year before with cork, Shels, Monaghan and Derry..........and the Year before that against U.C.D, Shelbourne and Fingal. On average out of about 8 big games a year we are lucky to win 1 and maybe draw 1 or 2. That is why we are still stuck in the first division. Scully does go into hiding when things are going the wrong way. The team really need to pull a performance out for scullys sake against Longford.

[fieldofmarkets]

Was glad to see we started 4-4-2. Gaffney was so much better upfront than on the left, I didn't think he would score the 2nd but he really buried it in a tight space at the near post, great finish. Thought O'Leary and Treacy were our best players last night.

Athlone fans got quite upset about a foul not being called on Gaffney prior to his 2nd...I didn't think it was a foul myself, just Gaffney outmuscling the defenders. It was an inconsistent call by the ref though as he blew up all night prior to that for any little challenge.

Did have 3 or 4 nice moves of good football, but turned off for large periods. Seams mental. One result was Bradley being terribly caught out giving posession away for their goal. I haven't looked at the stats but it feels like we are conceeding a lot more goals this year and in a weaker league.

[Battery Rover]

Athlone fans got quite upset about a foul not being called on Gaffney prior to his 2nd...I didn't think it was a foul myself, just Gaffney outmuscling the defenders. It was an inconsistent call by the ref though as he blew up all night prior to that for any little challenge.

I heard that even Rory said to one of our players after the game "that they are given every week". Even the referees delegate apparently said it was a foul after the game. It was an incorrect decision that cost us at least a point and perhaps more as we were pushing on at that stage. It is a job I wouldn't do and they must be commended for that but the inconsistency in decisions is absolutely appalling.

If Niall Scullion had put his hand on Gaffney's shoulder and dragged in that position last night he would have more than likely walked for fouling as last man back.

[blueblood]

Think there was a slight improvement overall last night thanks to Behan not being the target man up front all alone, still loads of room for improvement, we just don't seem to be clicking (yet) as a unit but we are getting there now that the team is a bit more settled lately, would be great if Jeffery Judge comes back we really need that sort of midfielder, could really do with having a bit of pace a center back, Guterie and purcell are ok for winning headers but thats about it there too slow, and Davy Ryan in goals what the f***, i've never been a fan of him but last night he was back to his good old unreliable self, I can't believe someone on here said he had a good game. Anyway a long way to go but we HAVE to beat Longford in all our head to head games cause I cant see them dropping too many points in this poor division and I wouldn't fancy us against a premier team in a playoff.

[harpin]

O'Leary was very good, Bradley was cat...probably was a foul but Gaffney did well to finish it...we completely switched off in the 2nd half they were much the better team...Guthrie is poor in possession, should be way more aggressive and vocal for a centre half any bit of pressure and he crumbles

[bluewhitearmy]

Gaffney has said it was a foul for 2nd alright.

[sadloserkid]

The Athlone full back threw himself down for the second goal as soon as the ball started to get away from him. There may have been a bit of shoving on both sides but he has only himself to look at imo.

[Jofspring]

Gaffney has said it was a foul for 2nd alright.

Ha ha I saw him say that alright.



On a side note lads was there any mention last night from anyone within the club about being involved in the friendly tournament in thomond park that was blocked by the FAI? According to someone on boards Limerick FC were going to be running the tournament or at least be "hosts" of the tournament.

[bluewhitearmy]

Ha ha I saw him say that alright.



On a side note lads was there any mention last night from anyone within the club about being involved in the friendly tournament in thomond park that was blocked by the FAI? According to someone on boards Limerick FC were going to be running the tournament or at least be "hosts" of the tournament.


I was told this lastnight. Was never in a million years going to be allowed though.

[Targetman]

I was told this lastnight. Was never in a million years going to be allowed though.

There is a piece on it on the back page of today's Daily Mail. Some one from the Celtic backroom is basically saying that they are hopeful it will still go ahead and cant understand the FAI's stand on it, as no tournament has been organised for Dublin so far. Seems the shambolic FAI couldn't agree terms with their new third party promoter, but Delaney is still definitely worth the 400k a year :rolleyes:

[Minesapint]

The problem minesapint is we are getting away with these performances against the poorer teams but against Waterford and longford we are losing. Just like last year with cork, Shels, Monaghan.......And the year before with cork, Shels, Monaghan and Derry..........and the Year before that against U.C.D, Shelbourne and Fingal. On average out of about 8 big games a year we are lucky to win 1 and maybe draw 1 or 2. That is why we are still stuck in the first division. Scully does go into hiding when things are going the wrong way. The team really need to pull a performance out for scullys sake against Longford.
Its hard to go back to previous years because i think we were not as good as we are now, plus the fact quality players have been brought in to deal with pressure games so i do expect us to beat longford and i also expect us to win the league, we arent playing well and winning.

[bluewhitearmy]

Its hard to go back to previous years because i think we were not as good as we are now, plus the fact quality players have been brought in to deal with pressure games so i do expect us to beat longford and i also expect us to win the league, we arent playing well and winning.

You mean these quality players that have played 3 pressure games so far this season and lost all 3?

[ped_ped]

Minesapint I don't see how you can defend Scully the way we've been set out time and time again.

You say we've bought to deal with high pressure games and the closest we've gotten to pressure situations got us - what? - 0 out of 9 points so far.

This with, as you said, a much stronger team.

And within a weaker league.

I was at the game last night and was delighted to get out with 3 points. If you'd told me at the start of this season that I'd leave Jackman in May relieved to have beaten Athlone I'd've told you what I'm telling you now: Scully has to go.

[da bishop]

Bluewhitearmy as i have said in previous post i think you have a personal problem with pat scully, whats does hiding in the dug out mean a manger can sit down or stand up when he wants you seem to be waiting to point out the negatives very quickly, 3pts tonight 2nd in the league 7pts clear of wateford it wasnt free flowing game but its all about getting the points and getting points when your not playing well is great if your getting sick of pat in the dugout stay at home and watch takemeout.no one on here has a personal problem with pat scully,everyone of us want to see limerick win and we are all delighted with 3pts...but given our present manager has the highest budget ever given to one at this club,one which far outstrips anything in this div or in fact most clubs in the premier we are surely entitled to see some quality in our play,we are not seeing it.some of our players are on huge money,they are not producing,i still expect to win the league..we should be winning it by at least 10 to 15pts playing good attacking football,why?because this div is the worst ever in its history and we have a premier squad in it.so things need to buck up and quick,this manager needs to be getting the best of this quality squadthe dugout thing is about character and leadership it is constant feature to see the manager abdecate responsibility when the team is going through a dodgy patch or losing,yet when winning or in ascendency making sure his presence is felt ,in many instances in a manner not befitting a manager..i want to see my team winning,getting the 3pts and playing good football.

[NeverFeltBetter]

There is a very negative attitude around the club and the way they play. Just look at the falling numbers attending games. Scully's attitude to tactics at home is a large part of that. The team just seems to spend a significant proportion of each game playing like they've had a man sent off, struggling against opposition they should walk over. This game was just another example. If Limerick make it into the top tier, they won't stay there under Scully. We'd be another Monaghan.

[bluewhitearmy]

Its fine to say we are 2nd but we are 2nd in a league with 2 good teams really.

[NeverFeltBetter]

I'd say three, considering how we've played againt Waterford. I know we're well clear of them right now, but they have no fear of Limerick.

[bluewhitearmy]

I'd say three, considering how we've played againt Waterford. I know we're well clear of them right now, but they have no fear of Limerick.


Ill agree to 2 and a half :p... I dont think Waterford are that good just that we are bottlers when it comes to whoever is seen as challengers.

[Minesapint]

You mean these quality players that have played 3 pressure games so far this season and lost all 3?
I think foley has been a huge loss to limerick as well and there is along way to go in the season and there will be more pressure games and i think the limerick players are good enough to over come any team in the league even if they have to win ugly.

[Minesapint]

no one on here has a personal problem with pat scully,everyone of us want to see limerick win and we are all delighted with 3pts...but given our present manager has the highest budget ever given to one at this club,one which far outstrips anything in this div or in fact most clubs in the premier we are surely entitled to see some quality in our play,we are not seeing it.some of our players are on huge money,they are not producing,i still expect to win the league..we should be winning it by at least 10 to 15pts playing good attacking football,why?because this div is the worst ever in its history and we have a premier squad in it.so things need to buck up and quick,this manager needs to be getting the best of this quality squadthe dugout thing is about character and leadership it is constant feature to see the manager abdecate responsibility when the team is going through a dodgy patch or losing,yet when winning or in ascendency making sure his presence is felt ,in many instances in a manner not befitting a manager..i want to see my team winning,getting the 3pts and playing good football.
You dont always get what you want in football, attractive football would be great but jackman park is not ideal for that its probably the worst pitch in league of Ireland football that has to be addressed, looking to win the league by 10 to 15pts is a crazy target to set even in the first division.

[bluewhitearmy]

You dont always get what you want in football, attractive football would be great but jackman park is not ideal for that its probably the worst pitch in league of Ireland football that has to be addressed, looking to win the league by 10 to 15pts is a crazy target to set even in the first division.


Not even close to being the worst pitch we have played on this season....Other teams have come and played football on the ground on it so pitch is no excuse.

[NeverFeltBetter]

Exactly. Longford, Waterford, Athlone the other night have all played good football on that pitch, as bad as it is. Limerick have played many games on it this season, and played better on worse away, so that is not a valid excuse.

[harpin]

I think foley has been a huge loss to limerick as well and there is along way to go in the season and there will be more pressure games and i think the limerick players are good enough to over come any team in the league even if they have to win ugly.

Really? How many games has he played for us to miss him

[Monster]

Explain how the young lads from limerick and liverpool could play attractive football in jackman park last week?? pitch isnt the problem manager is a bluffer totally defensive minded and with the players and budget he has at his disposal it a tad embarrasing to go and watch limerick on a friday night..has the wool pulled over the decision making people within the club how long more will they stand for it?? one of limericks players earns more money than the whole athlone squad yet they have played the better football on both occasions this season..

[sadloserkid]

However many other good and valid points have been made in this thread he notion that any team has come down and played sparkling, passing football in Jackman this year can't be allowed to stand. Longford simply hoofed more effectively than we did, Waterford closed us down brilliantly and squeezed the life out of us and Athlone played a few neat triangles in harmless areas of the field but were garbage in the final third throughout apart from the goal when we switched off. That said we have, on paper, better players than all those teams and it's not good enough for us to play the type of nonsense we do and get dragged down to idealess, brainless hootfball.

Jackman is in some state at the moment but that's only in the last few weeks so not a real excuse for some of the turgid nonsense we've served up ourselves this season. The pitch at Athlone is definitely the worst in the division, Harps was a waterlogged swamp when we were there (weather inflicted that time perhaps) and Deasy/Terryland was of a similar standard to our own. We can't blame the pitch for our performances either but it's a disgrace at the moment too and that shouldn't be overlooked.

Scully is the boss and he has to carry the can for the shaplessness and lack of drive we're seeing on the pitch game after game. We never look like putting teams away, rarely look dominant for long periods and are definitely set out negatively. Some of the players are getting away with murder too though, there's a lack of real commitment out there, we seem very quiet a lot of the time too. Foley has been a loss, both in terms of his experience and ability but we should have the players to compensate for that and still go out there, attack these teams and see games out far more easily than we have been doing to date. I presume Scully is skating on thin ice by now.