Students no match for fitter Limerick

LIMERICK dealt comfortably, with UCC in their FAI Cup first round tie at the Mardyke yesterday.

A goal after 45 minutes from a Daithi McMahon penalty was enough to give Limerick a win that should have been even more convincing.

UCC of the Munster Senior League, were taking part in the competition for the first time and found the step up a little too steep for them. They have not played a competitive match for four weeks and it showed as their light team.

Limerick's superior fitness and stamina gave them the edge.

UCC's hopes were finally ruined when they were reduced to 10 men after 62 minutes. Fullback Michael Keating mistimed a tackle on Howie King and was shown the red card.

King was a powerful force at the head of the Limerick attack and he was awarded the penalty when he was knocked off balance by Michael O'Connor after racing clear of the rest of the defence.

Dave Minihan had forced UCC goalkeeper, Denis Corcoran to make a one handed earlier. Limerick had several opportunities in the second half. McMahon had a free kick that was deflected onto the crossbar and Tony Izzi fired a shot at goalkeeper Corcoran - only to have the ball taken off the goal line by Dave Kelleher.

College rarely showed in attack but they had one of the most influential players on the pitch in midfielder Paul Byrd. He forced goalkeeper Eddie Hickey to a marvellous first half save with a shot from 25 yards and played superbly throughout until he was forced, off by injury.