Limerick have won back-to-back Premier Division matches for the first time this season after a scintillating 3-0 victory over Drogheda United at the Markets Field.
The win moves them into fourth place in the league standings, just a fortnight after the club dispensed with the services of manager Martin Russell, and replaced him with interim coach Willie Boland. After these two wins fans will inevitably be calling for the club to make that permanent.
Limerick were 2-0 up after only seven minutes with goals from Rodrigo Tosi and Chris Mulhall, as the Blues threatened to run riot. Young striker Chiedozie Ogbene added the third, his first goal for the club, just after the break to seal a comfortable win.
We spoke to coach Joe Gamble after the win. He said, “Fantastic performance first and foremost. They individually and collective produced the goods tonight, and without being too biased it should have been more if we were more ruthless and clinical.”
“The first goal came from a corner after a fantastic in-swinging delivery from Lee J Lynch, and Tosi ran across the near post and finished with a glancing header.”
“The second goal came after some good play by Cheiozde down the left wing, and he delivered a cross which deflected of Chris Mulhall and beat the goalkeeper. Yes, he got lucky but maybe we derserved it with the amount of pressure we put on them.”
“The third goal came from a superb diagonal ball from Bredan Clarke, and great first touch from Obgene got him in behind the back four, and he drove at the goal, came inside and shot on goal. It was a great move overall.”
We also got the thoughts of 19 year-old Ogbene after his first goal.
Ogbene said, “It was a great win for us tonight. An important one also as we are aiming high this season, and we didn’t have the best of starts.”
“Credit to Brendan Clarke with the vision and technique to pick out my run with a ball which I didn’t have to break my stride. My first touch took me towards the goal.”
“It was a bit scrappy at the edge of the box but I got back up and made sure I could generate enough power as I directed the ball towards the goal. It took a deflection off the defender and went in.”
Asked how he’s enjoying his time at the club Ogbene said, “Limerick in general is a club that allows their players to express themselves. I was allowed to do that both under Martin Russell and Willie since coming in. It always great for players to express themselves which is key for self development but especially for the younger players playing at this level.”
“This season has been great for me regardless of the earlier results this season. I am playing with great players and the management set-up is great which is very encouraging. As a result I feel stronger both mentally and physically. I know I will improve more and more as the season goes on under the setup here. I am very positive about this.”
Photo Credit: Conor Wyse