Limerick FC will be playing top flight football in 2018 after a 2-2 draw with Galway United at the Markets Field ensured their safety with a game to spare. Super Blues boss Neil McDonald was a relieved man at the final whistle as his side blew a two
Limerick FC will be playing top flight football in 2018 after a 2-2 draw with Galway United at the Markets Field ensured their safety with a game to spare.
Super Blues boss Neil McDonald was a relieved man at the final whistle as his side blew a two-goal lead against a Galway side that still have a chance of staying up.
Things got underway at the Markets Field 26 minutes late due to a clash of kits and McDonald admitted he was lost for words after a match that had everything, including four goals and three penalties.
“I’m actually struggling for the first time since I’ve come here to explain everything about the game from start to finish” McDonald said.
“I’m shocked that we were two nil up. I’m shocked that we have given them two goals and that the goalkeeper (Freddy Hall) had to make a penalty save but we have got through.
“We set a target of not getting beaten. We can play better of course but given all the circumstances, I have to say congratulations to the players. They have done everything that they possible can and we have got what we deserved.”
Galway were the better side in the opening half hour but were 2-0 down at the break as Limerick took their only chances of the half but Shane Keegan’s men fought back to earn a draw thanks to a Ronan Murray goal and a penalty from Eoin McCormack.
McDonald was unhappy with how Limerick “gave” their opposition two goals but ultimately proud of the side for gaining a point under tricky circumstances.
“Right from the start with all the controversy beforehand it affected us but at the same time we have shown a lot of character and excuse the expression, a lot of balls.”
Now that relegation is no longer on the radar for Limerick, McDonald said that his attention has already turned to planning for next season.
“We will plot it all together, the board and myself and try and improve the team and squad. We look forward to when the fixtures come out.
“We will look forward to the new season with lots of confidence. We were a newly promoted team and have battled our way through.
“The players need a huge pat on the back. A newly promoted team still in the Premier Division and got to the semi final of the cup for the first time since 1994 so well done to them."
