A goal in each half from Kevin Waters steered Limerick to a comfortable 2-1 victory over Monaghan United in the eircom League First Division at Century Homes Park.
Waters put his side ahead after 13 minutes when Colm Heffernan's deflected cross fell perfectly for him to drive left-footed beyond Monaghan keeper Tadgh Murphy.
But Monaghan were quickly on level terms. Two minutes later Robbie Farrell headed home after Austin Mooney had executed a fine save to keep out an initial David Lee header from Finbarr Heffernan's cross.
Tommy Barrett and Wayne Colbert missed chances to restore Limerick's lead before half-time.
The visitors were the dominant force after the resumption, winger Colin Heffernan tormenting the United defence.
Heffernan cracked a fierce shot off the crossbar in the 65th minute after great work from Brian Buckley.
A minute later, another Heffernan effort shaved the top of the bar via a deflection.
A penalty incident brought about the winning Limerick goal. After
Buckley was brought down in the box, John Lester struck the spot-kick confidently but saw it kept out by the diving Murphy.
The Monaghan keeper was helpless, however, to prevent Waters from powering home the rebound.
The moment turned bittersweet for the Limerick hero as he was injured in the celebrations and had to be replaced by Shane Guerin.
MONAGHAN UNITED: Murphy; Toal, Burke, Sargent, Kerr; Cronin, Heffernan, Finnegan, Smyth; Lee, Farrell.
Subs: Smith for Heffernan, 61. Mackey for Lee, 69. Fullam for Cronin, 78.
LIMERICK: O’Neill; Mowlan, Finucane, Purcell, Waters; Buckley, Lester, Colbert, Heffernan; Cooney, Barrett.
Subs: Sinnott for Colbert, 72. Guerin for Waters, 80. Millar for
Referee: Stephen Toner (Donegal)
