Limerick FC 3 Sligo Rovers 2
Limerick launched their campaign to remain in the Premier Division with a nerve -wracking first win of the season at the Market's Field in a game in which recently signed goalkeeper Freddy Hall was superb for the home side.
The win cuts Sligo’s advantage over the Shannonsiders to seven points and Limerick have Bohemians as visitors next Saturday.
Galway native Vinny Faherty became the first Limerick player to score twice since the club returned to their spiritual home on June 5th with two first-half strikes, both of which were splendid efforts.
His first goal came after 26 minutes when he popped up six yards out to beat Richard Brush and he scored again seven minutes from half-time.
Sligo made two changes for the second half with Gary Armstrong and Daniel Ledwith replacing Gavin Peers and Gary Boylan and they pulled a goal back when former Limerick player Patrick Nzuzi created the chance for recent signing Rob Lehane to beat Hall after 57 minutes.
Dean Clarke scored a splendid third Limerick goal after 65 minutes but from then to the end Sligo heaped pressure on Limerick and they had a second goal 12 minutes from the end when Armstrong shot low from a Regan Donelon cross.
It took three magnificent saves by Hall and a goal-line clearance by Shane Tracy to survive the late bombardment to spark amazing scenes of joy for the vast majority of the 980 attendance.
LIMERICK FC: Hall, O'Conor, Kelly, Kanyuka, Williams, Turner, Tracy, Lynch, Duggan, Faherty, Clarke.
SLIGO ROVERS: Brush, Keane, Peers, Clancy, Donelon (Armstrong h/t), Cawley, Nzuzi, Hughes, Boylan (Ledwith (h/t), Cretaro, Lehane.
Referee: R Rogers.
