Lims close on promotion

Limerick FC 1 Athlone Town 0

The Shannonsiders will now meet Longford Town (away) and Wexford Youths (at home) knowing that one win will see them go up as First Division champions.

Mark Sherlock had two big chances for the visitors in the opening 20 minutes. His first was saved by Barry Ryan and his second clipped the outside of the post.

Denis Behan, Derek O’Brien and Cian Collins all went close for the hosts in the first half but could find no way past Town goalkeeper Pat Jennings.

Dominic Foley missed from eight yards from in the 55th minute and then volleyed a Behan flick off the post on the hour as Lims continued to press.

And super sub Sean Brosnan secured the points for Pat Scully’s side last night with a rising drive from a Sean Kelly cross five minutes from the end.

Mark Sherlock had two big chances for the visitors in the opening 20 minutes. His first was saved by Barry Ryan and his second clipped the outside of the post.

LIMERICK FC: Ryan, Kelly, Purcell, Tracy, Tracey, Bradley, O’Brien (Brosnan 65) O’Leary (McGann 74) Gamble, Collins (Foley 54) Behan.

ATHLONE TOWN: Jennings, Harney, McCarthy, Kenny, Rushe, Broughall (Conroy 55) McGolderick, O’Mahony, Rellihan, Sung, Skelly (Woods 81)

Referee: J McKell (Tipperary)