Above: The Waterford United team in their away strip in Limerick last Tuesday night. Left: Waterford-born Gavin Roche who now plays his football with Limerick FC making a protest to the FAI at last week's Munster Senior Cup tie in Jackman Park.
There was a strange atmosphere In Jackman Park in Limerick on Tuesday night last. Limerick FC had been embroiled in a bitter row with the FAI regarding the hosting of Barcelona in a friendly game at Thomond Park on Saturday, July 31st, and now of course we know that the FAI refused to budge on the matter and as a result the fixture had to be scrapped, much to the annoyance of the Shannonside club.
A meeting was held in the office above the dressing-room until minutes before the kick-off time of 7.45pm and the Limerick players warmed up in white training tops with ‘Let Us Play Barca’ splashed across their backs. The matter had nothing do with Waterford and all that was on their minds was to get back to winning ways following the poor display against Wexford Youths in the league the previous Friday, and of course to book a place in the final of the Munster Cup against Midleton.
The Blues are of course the holders of the competition and they achieved their aim in what was a highly entertaining tie despite the wet and rather dark evening.
Purcell cracker
Waterford took the lead after only 11 minutes. Paul Carey released Gary Dunphy and he sprayed the ball out wide right to Timmy Purcell who lobbed it over the Limerick goalkeeper John McGuinness from just inside the penalty area.
Limerick came back strongly and they went close to equalising on 29 minutes. Robbie Kellegher raced into the penalty area before shooting at goal but Kevin Burns produced a brilliant save by diving to his left to tip the ball away.
One minute later Kellegher should have scored once again when he was put clear by David Inguki but with the goal at his mercy he shot wide. Kellegher played the ball out to Alex Scully after 37 minutes and his cross from the left was met by David Inguki but he directed his header wide of the far post.
