Limerick FC manager Tommy Barrett was a satisfied man despite his missing out on the chance to go top of the SSE Airtricity League First Division. The Super Blues could have reached the summit with a victory over Wexford FC but Barrett’s men could o
Limerick FC manager Tommy Barrett was a satisfied man despite his missing out on the chance to go top of the SSE Airtricity League First Division.
The Super Blues could have reached the summit with a victory over Wexford FC but Barrett’s men could only manage a 1-1 draw at the Markets Field.
Despite the missed opportunity, Barrett was pragmatic with how the game turned out against a struggling Wexford outfit.
“It was difficult to break them down. We knew they were going to put 10 men behind the ball. They have done it against Drogheda and Longford in the last few weeks and both those teams scored late on.
“We didn’t move the ball quick enough but it is difficult to play against. We still had a couple of chances where we should have won the game.”
Limerick dominated the game for large parts but it was the away side that took the lead six minutes into the second half.
Emmet Nugent took advantage of Sean McSweeney’s slip in midfield and ran through a non-existent home defence.
The Wexford number 11’s initial shot was well saved by Jack Brady but he was quick to the rebound and gave Wexford the lead against the run of play.
However, Limerick were back on level terms three minutes later when Darren Murphy’s left footed shot from just inside the penalty area was too hot to handle for Wexford keeper Corey Chambers.
“Half time for me was about keeping the concentration levels,” said Barrett. We knew it was about stopping the set pieces and counter attack but we got caught.
“I was happy with the response. We went up the pitch and scored straight away. We created a few chances after that but couldn’t get the winner.
“The lads have done really well. You get days like that as well. We weren’t getting too carried away when we were winning and we’re certainly not going to get too carried away when we are drawing or dropping points. It’s very early in the year.”
Limerick face a trip to Shelbourne in their next game and Barrett confirmed that they will not be able to call on the services of promising winger Will Fitzgerald, who continues to be sidelined by a hip problem.
Barrett’s men face Shelbourne next week and the Limerick boss thinks that it’s too early to say who the frontrunners for the title are as of yet
“It’s a very close league. Wexford have beaten Bray and took points off us. They were unlucky against Longford and Drogheda.
“We have to be realistic to where we are at. If we can keep it tight and pick up points, you don’t know what can happen. It’s a long way to go.”
