Shamrock Rovers faltering league campaign stuttered still further as a hardworking Limerick side battled back for a solid 1-1 draw on a lovely mild Spring evening at the Tallaght Stadium. The Hoops took a deserved lead inside the opening quarter of
A bold attacking switch by Limerick interim Manager Willie Boland gave Limerick a late, late equaliser to earn a share of the spoils in the 6th versus 4th clash at the Tallaght Stadium.
Veteran former Cork City striker John O’Flynn came off the bench to form a two up top partnership for the last ten minutes with Rodrigo Tosi. O’Flynn almost placed Tosi for an 86th minute goal. But Lopes blocked.
Four minutes later, Frenchman Bastian Hery played in Chiedozie Ogbene down the right. Ogbene squared the ball across the six-yard box and Tosi stabbed his cross into the roof of the net.
The home side dominated the first half and deservedly took the lead on 18 minutes. Graham Burke swung in a right-wing corner. Roberto Lopes rose unchallenged at the near post and headed home the Rovers opener.
In truth, it was all Rovers in that opening half. Stephen Bradley’s side played an impressive high pressing game and carved out all of the chances.
If Gary Shaw had managed to convert Ronan Finn’s cross to make it 2-0, Rovers would probably have won comfortably.
Rovers seemed to rest on their laurels after half-time and Limerick began to gain a foothold in the game. Chiedozie Ogbene and Dean Clarke probed down the wings, interchanging on occasion and Rodrigo Tosi ultimately reaped his reward. Rovers had to settle for their first league draw of the season.
