Firstly, an entertaining game last night in front of a big home crowd. It was far removed from the bores we usually see at the CCS, and largely it was down to two poor defences being on show. Also, the bigger pitch in Limerick lent itself to a good open game. Our narrow pitch (made narrower since the start of the season) often results in congestion and little flowing play.
Anyway, we got away with a point when we were there for the taking. Limerick might well rue those points lost come October. First 30 mins were a shambles, so going in level at the break was a sign that our luck was in. Salmon left in acres of space for his goal after a good header on by Shaw. 2nd half and Limerick were on top again with some great chances, although Shaw missed a good one-on-one (that’s 23 matches without a goal now). Kelly coming on brought much needed urgency. He was roaring at Powell to ensure that he took the free (and not Salmon) that led to Rice’s header. Kaleem could have even won it at the very end.
Hunt made a couple of good saves and centre mid put in a great shift, but overall we were run ragged. ABM didn’t look happy coming off before the hour but his race was run. His lack of physicality, especially against the full-time teams, is costing us and he often gives up possession too easily. All the players/management (except Rice, of course) came over to acknowledge the away fans at the end.
I’d imagine a few changes will be made for Saturday, although Kelly and Doherty are cup-tied. Hopefully Flynn will get some game time ahead of him starting against an in-form Bray. We badly need him back.
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