Limerick 37  1 - 1  Wexford Youths

Friday 25th July 2008

Limerick surrendered their four match winning streak after they were held to a draw by battling Wexford Youths at Jackman Park.

James Hayes opened the scoring for the Blues – but the Youths were back on level terms in the 21st minute when Danny Furlong supplied a scrappy low finish from inside the box. Limerick almost opened their account in the 3rd minute but Davy Ryan failed to get a full connection on Gary Sheehan's cross on the edge of the six yard box.

Lims swept upfield from that let-off, Brian Cleary feeding Gary Sheehan who left a defender for dead on the right before firing over a low cross for Hayes to supply a close range 12th minute finish.

The Limerick lead was short lived however, as when another Flynn-O'Connor corner was cleared by Tommy Barrett, Keith Kearney hammered in a volley and Furlong was on hand to sweep the ball home.

Ritchie Fitzgerald then made space for himself on the edge of the box but his finish was also rising before Dave Ryan pulled off a great save from a Kearney header.

However, Mike Kerley's side almost edged back in front just before the break when Ryan showed great skill to avoid two defenders – but his shot never matched his approach work.

Limerick were well on top with Wexford getting everyone behind the ball in the second half and on the hour mark, Sheehan volleying off the crossbar following a flick on from Shane Guerin. Sheehan then turned provider, crossing for Paul Walsh who couldn't keep his effort on target.

Kyle Dempsey then somehow sidefooted wide for Wexford from inside the box with only Ryan to beat, while Limerick hit the crossbar again in the 73rd minute when Paul Danaher came within inches of heading home a Jason Hughes corner.

Limerick were all over Wexford in the closing stages but could find no room against the packed defence of Wexford.

Limerick 37: Ryan, White (Colbert h/t), Cleary, Danaher, Barrett, Hughes, Daly, Ryan (Carroll 64), Walsh, Sheahan, Hayes (Guerin 57)

Wexford Youths: Doyle, Russell, Wadding, Rossiter, Flynn-Connor, Malone, Kearney, Sinnott, Furlong, Doyle, Fitzgerald (Demsey h/t)

Referee: P Sutton (Clare)