Limerick FC Match Preview

Galway United’s last Premier Division encounter with Limerick FC was on the 30th of December, 1993. It was a fixture of significance for both clubs at the time and on Friday night another telling Premier Division fixture awaits both clubs at Eamonn Deacy Park. Kick off is at 7.45pm.

Last week, both clubs suffered disappointing reversals at the hands of Sligo Rovers and Bray Wanderers respectively and they will be looking to bounce back by the banks of the Corrib.

Galway United boss Tommy Dunne knows the Limerick fixture is a significant one.

“It’s a very important game,” was the Dubliners assessment.

“We’re at home again and our aim is simple, we want to win the match. I keep saying it, we have to do our best to win our home matches. I felt a decision went against us on Friday night against Sligo Rovers and that decided the game.

“Overall, I thought in the Sligo game, we were the better side and created a number of chances but in saying that, we know it’s important that we start well and that we try and get the right result against Limerick on Friday.

“I don’t want to use old clichés, we know every game is important and the Limerick game will be no different. We have to be competitive and tuned in from the start. A lot of our performances at Eamonn Deacy Park have been good, we need to be more ruthless in front of goal.”

For the visit of the Shannonsiders, United are without former Super Blue defender Sam Oji because of suspension. Full back Marc Ludden returns to the side after serving his one match suspension against Sligo Rovers.

“Marc will give us another option,” Dunne explained.

“He’s left footed and he will give some balance to the side. Marc is an important player and he’s been struck down with some niggle injuries so far this season, but he seems to be over them now.

“Against Limerick, We need everybody to perform to their maximum. We will have issues and questions will be asked of us and I’m looking for the players to answer them as a group.”

Coming into Friday’s game at Eamonn Deacy Park, United sit just one place above Martin Russell’s side in the table, in 11th. Dunne expects a competitive match on Friday night.

“We had somebody at Limerick’s loss against Bray Wanderers and by all accounts, the scoreline flattered Bray and it was a closer contest than you’d think,” Dunne told www.galwayunitedfc.ie.

“Limerick had a lot of chances in the first half but they didn’t take them. We will need to be tuned in and aware of their threats.

“We won’t be taking them lightly. So far, they’re the only side to take points off the champions Dundalk. They have some quality players.

“It will be a difficult game but it’s one I’m relishing and I know the players are looking to put the Sligo result behind them with a good performance on front of our supporters.

“If we play like we can, then I’m sure we will get the right result”, Dunne concluded.

TEAM NEWS
Former Limerick centre back Sam Oji serves the last of his four match suspension against his former club on Friday night.

Long term injury absentees Jason Molloy (broken toe), Kilian Cantwell (knee) and Andy O’Connell (ankle) are all ruled out.

REFEREE
Ray Mathews (Mullingar)

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GALWAY UNITED GOALSCORERS
Padraic Cunningham – 3
Jake Keegan – 2
Gary Shanahan – 2
Enda Curran – 1
Sam Oji – 1
Andy O’Connell – 1