By Kieran O'Brien at Markets Field
Limerick 0-1 Bray
In a game of two crisis clubs, it was Bray Wanderers who left Limerick with a huge three points in the relegation battle when David Scully side-footed a 22-yard freekick to the right of 'keeper Conor O’Donnell to break the host's hearts in the 90th minute at Markets Field.
Bray who made the news off the pitch with manager Trevor Croly reportedly having departed the club earlier in the day, seemed to be content with a 0-0 draw after Limerick were reduced to ten men on 59 minutes but the late strike may well have condemned Limerick to the First Division as it now makes it 18 games without a win for the Shannonsiders.
It was Bray, with David Cassidy seemingly directing proceedings via mobile phone from the stands, who started the brighter and forced four early corner kicks but the Limerick defence managed to withhold the early onslaught.
Limerick, featuring the retuning Lee J Lynch and playing in front of a healthy crowd of 1,452, grew into the game and had a great early chance to take the lead but Ian Turner blazed over with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Limerick captain Shane Duggan went even closer for the hosts when his low drive was inches wide on 27 minutes before Bray came closest to taking the lead when Limerick defender Robbie Williams almost headed into his own net moments later.
The best chance of the game fell to the hosts on 58 minutes when Shane Duggan released Lee J Lynch but Peter Cherrie saved superbly. Within 90 seconds Limerick were down to 10 men when Sean Harding who was tormented all evening by Peter McGlynn received a second yellow card for a needless challenge.
Much maligned Limerick keeper Conor O’Donnell was actually Limerick’s saviour twice in the final ten minutes with impressive saves from Onwubiko and McDonagh but he was flat footed for Scully’s late late winner.
Limerick: Conor O’Donnell; Sean Harding, Aidan Price (Paudie O’Connor, 56), Robbie Williams, Shane Tracy; Shane Duggan, Paul O’Conor; Ian Turner (Darragh Rainsford, 70), Lee-J Lynch, Sean Russell; Dean Clarke.
Bray: Peter Cherrie; Hugh Douglas, Niall Cooney, Alan McNally, Michael Barker; Ryan McEvoy, John Sullivan; Peter McGlynn (Adam Hanlon 78), Graham Kelly, Gareth McDonagh (David Scully 84); Chris Lyons (Emeka Omwubiko, 72).
Referee: Robert Harvey (Dublin).
