Limerick blitz sinks Drogheda
Drogheda United 1 Limerick 4
Keith Treacy of Drogheda United in action against Limerick's Darragh Rainsford
Drogheda's Tiernan Mulvenna in action against Robbie Williams of Limerick
Darragh Rainsford celebrates after scoring Limerick FC's third goal
Limerick narrowed the gap at the foot of the division by picking up their fourth win in five games.
Three goals in eight first-half minutes put Martin Russell’s men in control at United Park. Before last week’s draw against Longford, they had won three in a row to haul themselves within touching distance of the sides above them.
Vinny Faherty, Ian Turner and Darragh Rainsford gave the visitors a commanding early lead. First, Faherty headed in Sean Russell’s fifth-minute corner for the opener. Shortly after, referee Jim McKell judged Stephen Maher to be holding Robbie Williams in the area. Ian Turner scored the spot-kick.
Just 90 seconds later, Limerick had a third when an unmarked Rainsford headed Turner’s cross past Micheal Schlingermann.
Drogheda gave a surprise debut to ex-Ireland winger Keith Treacy, who may not have been match-fit but showed some nice touches. His pass led to Tiernan Mulvenna’s goal on 26 minutes before Limerick restored their cushion before the break when Robbie Williams headed in.
Drogheda – Schlingermann; Daly, Byrne, O’Reilly, Gorman; Treacy (Hughes, 62), Thornton, Maher (Whelan, 71), Marks; Duffy, Mulvenna (Pender, 79).
Limerick – Hall; Kelly, Kanyuka Williams, Tracy; Turner, O’Conor, Lynch, Russell (Whitehead, 84), Rainsford (Feeney, 73); Faherty.
Ref – J McKell
