Sporting Fingal 2-0 Limerick 37

In-form Sporting Fingal maintained their promotion pursuit against Limerick 37 as they racked up their fifth win in a row.

The three points enables the Dubliners move into second place above Shelbourne and Waterford United.

Just 66 seconds had elapsed when the deadlock was broken after Limerick 37 full-back Brian Cleary turned a teasing cross by Sporting's Peter Hynes into his own net when it appeared there was little danger.

Gary Sheehan left defender Aidan Collins trailing in his wake two minutes later to get a clear sight on goal but Fingal goalkeeper Steve Williams dived low to save the shot and keep their lead intact.

That advantage was doubled on 42 minutes after Conan Byrne ghosted into the area from the right side to collect an incisive pass by Paul Caffrey before rifling a low shot beyond David Ryan from eight yards.

Top scorer Robbie Doyle could have had a third for Fingal soon after with a clinical shot from distance which clipped the crossbar much to the relief of the retreating Ryan.

Limerick had their opportunities to reduce the arrears. Sporting defender Derek Tyrell had to scamper back to hack Sheehan's effort off the line moments before the break and Williams denied substitute James Hayes' shot from point-blank range on the hour mark.

Sporting Fingal: Williams; Tyrell, Collins, Deans, Gannon; Byrne, James, P. Caffrey, McArdle; Hynes (Corcoran 77), Doyle (Morrisroe 90).

Limerick 37: David Ryan; Daly, Dannaher, Barrett, Cleary (White 46); Hughes, Walsh, Colbert, Manjor (Hayes 57); Dave Ryan (Carroll 79), Sheehan.

Referee: Phil Caschara.