FC Carlow  3 - 0  Limerick FC

Saturday 4^th October 2008

Limerick's U20 side slipped to their second defeat of the season last Saturday with a 3-0 loss away to league newcomers, FC Carlow. Playing in Tullow in their first ever competitive home game, the hosts took the lead on ten minutes after a scramble in the penalty area. There was more than a hint of suspicion about the goal, indeed the referee was surrounded by Limerick players after the goal scorer appeared to handle the ball before putting the ball in the net. Limerick's frustration grew as the referee turned down their penalty appeals after Scott Hurley was fouled in the six-yard box when poised to score. Carlow went in at the break one goal to the good while Limerick were without Des Fitzgerald for the rest of the match after he was tackled heavily on the half hour.

The home side were to double their advantage early in the second half when an in-swinging corner led to a free header for the Reds' centre back. Jeffrey Judge waltzed past five players on the restart before seeing his effort well saved by the goalkeeper. Another penalty claim was turned down when Shane Byrne was chopped down from behind with the score at 2-0 before Carlow put the game beyond all doubt with a third just before the end. There was enough time for Jack O'Donoghue to show his worth with two outstanding saves, but Limerick were left rueing poor decisions and now face an uphill battle to qualify from their group.

Next up for Billy Barrett's men are Wexford Youths on Saturday at 2pm in Hogan Park.

Team: Jack O'Donoghue, Lee Carey, Ian Storan, TJ Leahy, Jeffrey O'Halloran, Jeffrey Judge, Des Fitzgerald, Bobby Tier, Craig McMarlow, Scott Hurley, Cillian O'Connor
Subs: Daniel Henneghan, Shane Byrne, Anthony Mulvihill, Christopher Ward, Michael Sheehan