Wexford Youths 1 - 0 Limerick

Sunday 13th September 2009

The Limerick U20s felt the cruel hand of fate on Sunday afternoon when Wexford Youths were awarded a dubious penalty with four minutes remaining. Up until this time Limerick FC, visiting Ferrycarrig Park, shaded the contest and were disciplined and well organized. A minute later David McGrath netted but was ruled offside, a decision that was hotly contested by the Limerick players and officials.

Limerick started the brighter of the two sides and created the best scoring chances in the first half. Ian Storan shot narrowly wide and Daniel Clinton pulled an inviting ball across the six yard box after good work by Jack Allen up the left. The best chance of the half fell to David Njuki when he beat the offside trap to break clear, however the Wexford keeper saved brilliantly. At the end of the half Limerick were nearly caught on the break with Ian Storan off for treatment, but Darren Lynch made up the ground and got in an all-important tackle. Half time, 0-0.

In the second half the home side edged it slightly. After 15 minutes Brian Collopy made a great fingertip save under the crossbar after a deflected shot. On 30 minutes Brian was again called into action when he made a double save as Wexford threatened. As time ticked down it looked like the game would finish as a scoreless draw.
Then came the defining last four minutes; first was the penalty award when Mike Sheehan tackled strongly for the ball in the penalty area. He appeared to win the ball, but the referee pointed to the spot and Jimmy Keohane confidently put the ball in the bottom corner.
Minutes later Peter Balogh played a great ball over the Wexford back four for David McGrath to run onto and put the ball in the net. However Limerick's celebrations were cut short as the assistant had her flag raised for offside. And so it finished, 1-0 to Wexford.

This pool remains very tight as Cork City beat FC Carlow. Limerick FC can be right back in contention if they win in Carlow on Sunday week.

Limerick: Brian Collopy, Tomas Barrett, Michael Sheehan, Darren Lynch, Jack Allen, Daniel Clinton, Cian Doyle (Christy Ward), Ian Storan, Peter Balogh, David McGrath, David Njuki (Cillian O'Connor).
Unused subs: Ed Gallagher, Aaron Leahy.