Gaffney the Limerick ace

Rory Gaffney’s 71st-minute goal helped Limerick FC leapfrog Wexford Youths into second in the First Division after dominating at Ferrycarrig Park last night.

Limerick dominated the opening 45 minutes but surprisingly failed to break down the home defence.

Dominant in midfield, where Joe Gamble and Steve Bradley controlled matters, they were on the offensive from the opening minutes. After 15 minutes they came close to taking the lead with home keeper Graham Doyle pulling off an excellent save from a Denis Behan header.

It took a superb CJ Browne tackle on 23 minutes to deny Behan in front of goal, while 12 minutes later, Corie Treacy pulled his shot over the bar when he should have scored.

As the second-half progressed, Limerick’s dominance continued but they had to wait until the 71st minute to get the goal they deserved.

Rory Gaffney drilled a low shot through a crowded goalmouth to take the points.

WEXFORD YOUTHS: Doyle 7, Nolan 7, Carr 7, Browne 6 (Scallan 7 33), Dermody 6 (Molloy 82); Dempsey 6, Keenan 6, Wall 6, Furlong 7, Elmes 7, Broaders 6.

LIMERICK FC: Ryan 7, Kelly 7, Tracy 7, Treacy 7, Purcell 8, Gamble 8, Bradley 7, Gaffney 7 (O’Leary 83), Brosnan 6 (Sheahan 6, 70), Coughlan 6 (Quinn 6, 62), Behan 7.

Referee: P Cascara (Kildare).