Galway notch five against Limerick
Friday, 29 September 2006 22:53Dave O'Dowd notched a hat trick in the final six minutes as Galway United came from behind to go top of the eircom First Division following a 5-1 demolition of ten man Limerick FC at Hogan Park tonight.
Conor Gethins was also on target for the Tribesmen with the brace, the first of which was a 72nd minute equaliser from a low cross left wing cross from O'Dowd.
Gethins then edged his side in front 12 minutes later with a crisp finish from the edge of the box.
Limerick didn't do themselves any favours when Derek McCarthy received a straight red card following an altercation with United defender Mick O'Donnell in the eight minute.
But despite being reduced the ten men the Blues managed to go in front on the stroke of half time courtesy of a fine finish from Colm Heffernan.
John Lester began the move in midfield feeding Kevin Waters, and his cross was met by a text book header from Heffernan which gave visiting keeper Alan Gough no chance.
Rafael Cretaor had penalty appeals waved aside ten minutes after the break when his mazy run appeared to have been brought to an illegal end inside the box.
At the other end Kevin Waters rasping 35 yard drive brought out the save of the match from Gough.
United restored parity mid way through the half when O'Dowds cross found its way into the six yard box and Gethins did the rest with a close range finish.
At the other end Water against tested Gough-but Gethins put his side in front in the 84th minute driving home from 18 yards following good work from Derek O'Brien.
O'Dowd then notched his first of the night when outpaced the Lims to slot past Austin O'Neill and then added a second four minutes from time after the home defence was again caught square.
O'Dowd claimed the match ball one minute into injury once again outpacing the home defence to fire low and hard into the bottom left hand corner of O'Neill's net.
This evenings win moves United-who have beaten Limerick four times in the league this season- three points clear of Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk. However Rovers have two games in hand over the new table toppers.
Limerick FC, O'Neill, Cooney (Burke 84) Buckley, Finnucane, Purcell, Barrett, Lester (Ryan 87) Sinnott (Miller 84) McCarthy, Waters, Heffernan.
Galway United, Gough, Keane (Murphy H/T) O'Donnell. Keady, Cleary, Carter, Cretaro (Cooke 67) Foley (Russell 84)O'Dowd, Gethins, O'Brien.
Ref, P Sutton (Clare)
