Shamrock Rovers 1-1 Limerick
By Jamie Moore at Tallaght Stadium
Roberto Lopes’ header looked to have earned a much needed win for Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night.
His goal came in the 18th minute.
The former Bohemians man glanced in Graham Burke’s curling corner, the last time Lopes scored a header, it was for Bohs against Rovers last season.
But Limerick equalised from close range in the 90th minute through Rodrigo Tosi from to break Rovers hearts and extend their unbeaten record in the league under Caretaker Manager Willie Boland to five matches.
The Hoops could have been ahead after a brilliant move in the 14th minute, Luke Byrne found Burke, he flicked it around to corner to Gary Shaw, who returned the favour, but the ex Aston Villa man dragged his low shot wide of the far post.
Shaw then missed a sitter, after Ronan Finn got by Chiedozie Ogbene, his low cross found Shaw with the freedom of the six yard box, he somehow shot wide.
Limerick couldn’t get going, Robbie Williams had two free kicks in good range easily saved by Rovers stopper Tomer Chencinski, while right on the stroke of half time, sub Bastian Hery had their best opportunity after a quick counter attack, but his curling shot was again too easy for the Rovers’ goalkeeper
After a slow start to the second period, Limerick forced Chincinski into a save in the 64th minute, he topped Tosi’s header wide after he t Lee Lynch’s deep cross.
Brandon Miele’s low shot was then saved by Brendan Clarke.
Limerick were growing into the game as the Hoops were dropping off, Shane Duggan’s long range shot was palmed wide by Chencinski, he should have caught it.
Tosi has made his name this season with headers, he should have dived at Dean Clarke’s inviting cross, but didn’t and the ball curled wide of the far post.
Lopes blocked what looked like a certain Limerick equaliser in the 85th minute, Tosi looked odds on to score but Lopes stood firm to deny the chance.
Then the equaliser.
The impressive Ogbene squared for Tosi, who couldn't miss from four yards.
Stephen Bradley and his new now turn their attention to Tuesday night’s EA Sports Cup quarter-final at home to First Division Longford Town.
Shamrock Rovers: Tomer Chencinski; Simon Madden, Roberto Lopes, Dave Webster, Luke Byrne; Dave McAllister (Paul Corry, 74), Ronan Finn; Darren Meenan (Sam Bone, 59), Graham Burke, Brandon Miele (James Doona, 67); Gary Shaw
Limerick: Brendan Clarke; Shaun Kelly, Tony Whitehead, Robbie Williams, Tommy Robson; Paul O’Conor (Bastian Hery, 26), Lee J Lynch, Shane Duggan; Dean Clarke (John O’Flynn, 82), Rodrigo Tosi (Tommy Walsh, 91), Chiedozie Ogbene.
Ref – Derek Tomney
Attendance - 2,570
