Limerick 2-2 Longford Town
By Kieran O'Brien at Jackman Park
Limerick and Longford enjoyed a share of the spoils after an entertaining 2-2 draw in tonight's SSE Airtricity League Premier Division clash at Jackman Park.
It was former Longford Town player Russell, son of Limerick manager Martin, who gave the hosts the lead, when finishing off some neat build-up play from Paul O’Conor, with a superb left-footed strike that gave Longford keeper Paul Hunt no chance.
Longford were on level terms within five minutes when Limerick keeper Conor O’Donnell failed to deal with Kevin O’Connor’s mis-hit effort saw David O’Sullivan bundle the ball home to an empty net.
The home side got back in front before half-time after the tireless Dean Clarke beat his man easily on the right flank and his pin-point cross was turned home by Russell, who was making his competitive debut for the Blues.
Tony Cousin’s half-time team talk had the desired effect on newly promoted Town and on the 58th minute, they were level. Don Cowan whipped in the cross and last season’s First Division top scorer O’Sullivan made no mistake with a headed finish.
On the balance of play, a draw was probably the right result with the Shannonsiders in control in the first half and Longford the more attack minded in the second 45. In fact, it will be the visitors who will have more regrets as they headed out of Jackman Park.
Firstly, Limerick keeper O’Donnell redeemed himself, after his earlier error, with a fine save from Gary Shaw who was through on goal and then Shaw placed a header wide from just six yards out when it looked easier to score.
O’Sullivan had the last chance for Longford but headed wide from a promising position and Limerick could only muster an Ian Turner free-kick and a drilled O’Conor effort in the second half, both of which went wide to the right of Hunt’s post.
Limerick now head to Drogheda on Tuesday with increased confidence with their first point of the season on the board, while Longford welcome Bray Wanderers to the City Calling Stadium and are also off the mark for the 2015 Airtricity League season.
With both teams predicted to be in the relegation fight this season they will be looking to use tonight’s result as a springboard for a push up the table.
Limerick: Conor O’Donnell, Sean Harding, Paudie O’Connor, Aidan Price, Robbie Williams, Ian Turner, Jason Hughes, Paul O’Conor, Sean Russell, Darragh Rainsford (Vinny Faherty ’45), Dean Clarke.
Longford Town: Paul Hunt, Jamie Mulhall, Pat Flynn, Pat Sullivan, Kevin O’Connor, Don Cowan (Lorcan Shannon ’75), Conor Powell, Mark Salmon (C), Gary Shaw, David O’Sullivan, Stephen Rice.
Referee: James McKell.
