Mid Season Report Card - Limerick

Club: Limerick

Manager: Martin Russell

Stadium: Markets Field

Highest attendance this season: 1,690 v Cobh Ramblers (won 6-1) March 19^th

Highest league goalscorer: John O’Flynn (11)

Mid Season Position: 1st

How we thought they would do

The Extratime.ie team had Limerick as unanimous winners of the First Division. That prediction was hardly surprising given the strength of the squad and their full-time status. But few would have predicted Limerick being so dominant and winning so many games with plenty to spare. It was felt that Drogheda United, UCD or Shelbourne could be closer to Martin Russell’s charges at this point.
 

How they really have done

Almost perfect - 16 wins in a row in all competitions was followed by a last-gasp equaliser at home to second placed Drogheda United. The draw leaves the gap to the Boynesiders at 14 points with 15 League games to play.

The Super Blues have found the net on 52 occasions in the League and a further 15 times in the two major cup competitions. The play has been exciting and easy on the eye, with Limerick really able to flex their muscle both home and away.

A EA Sports Cup semi-final meeting with Derry City awaits while the Club will hold no fears in the next round of the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup having already proved more than capable of dominating Premier Divison clubs in the EA Sports Cup.

Moment of the season so far

A 5-1 dismantling of Shelbourne at Markets Field stands out as the Reds had levelled on the hour mark only for Limerick to assert full control and dominate the closing stages.

Their ability to step up a gear and score four goals in quick succession shows exactly why Limerick fans won’t need to worry too much for the remainder of the season. It appeared to show everybody that the gulf in class is huge, while also showing that Limerick can be ruthless in front of goal.

Away wins at Drogheda and UCD also come to mind, but the team has shown that Markets Field should be a difficult ground to visit for Premier Division opposition, should they return to the top table in 2017.
 

Star Player – John O’Flynn

Deemed surplus to requirements at Cork City, the veteran attacker quickly made the Blues support forget the loss of Vinny Faherty. His League record is phenomenal – 11 goals in 11 games – despite only completing 90 minutes twice. Starting games has been irregular too, with only 6 starts from 11 appearances. O’Flynn appears to be enjoying his central role, something which John Caulfield couldn’t offer in recent times.

Seven cup goals in three games shows that Limerick have an in-form striker, a striker who always shows his vast experience during games.

It’s not just goal getting that O’Flynn can be noted for. The ex-Barnet man has also created plenty of chances for teammates and his clever and selective movement makes him more than a handful for any opposition. He provided an assist just moments into his competitive bow for the Club.

Surprise star player – Robbie Williams

The centre-half has oozed class. Last season he migrated from left-back to centre-half and Limerck slowly reaped the rewards. However, the Englishman has really been a leader for the Shannonsiders and has been a massive threat in attack. With teenager Paudie O’Connor alongside, the former Plymouth Argyle man seems to be passing on his experience in spades.

Despite his red card in UCD, his lack of pace hasn’t been exploited due to his ability to read the game. Playing out from the back is at the cornerstone of Limerick’ play and Williams has allowed his team to develop this more this season

Young player – Paudie O’Connor

The only regular in the starting line-up who is under 23, O’Connor has been consistent throughout. Like Williams, the centre-half has been a massive threat from corners and free-kicks, and may even be disappointed with his two goals in all competition so far. Scoring the winner at Turners Cross last season highlighted his set-piece ability and the 18-year old appears to be the number one target from corners. At the back he is a tough tackler, and has rarely lost an individual battle over 90 minutes.

The Limerick native was benched in favour of Patrick Kanyuka and the end of last season, a move which many fans cite as a major contributor for relegation. But O’Connor appears more determined than ever to help Limerick succeed, and has learned from the mistakes made in last season’s Premier Division.

Star signing – Stephen Kenny

A fast, tricky and difficult to read winger from Cork, Ian Turner's replacement has been superb thus far, showing Russell’s eye for young talent. Linking well with the full-backs he has played in front of, Kenny has provided multiple assists and found the net twice.

Though he may want to surpass his seven goal tally at Cobh last season, Chris Mulhall and John O’Flynn will be more than satisfied with his contribution.

What they need to do in the transfer market

Very little at all; Russell has a squad capable of coasting to the title from this position, though the addition of a goalkeeper appears necessary, with Freddy Hall having picked up an injury recently. His cover is provided by Tommy Holland, who is also the under-19 goalkeeper, which is far from ideal for the club.

Elsewhere, should attacking players Aaron Greene, Garbhan Coughlan and Captain Shane Duggan return soon, the squad will be looking fresh and competitive again. Seamus Sharkey looks to be nearing a return following a severe concussion and will be able to strengthen the division’s most effective defence for the second-half of the campaign.

Interestingly, in their last two outings the Club named 6 outfield players who are with the U19s or had previously played with the clubs U19 side – emphasising that the Russell’s options had been reduced due to injuries recently.
 

Where we see them finishing

Anywhere but title winners is near impossible. The date of confirming the tittle may be much earlier than ever seen in before, assuming Limerick continue their unbeaten run. Finishing 2^nd would be one of the greatest shocks in the history of the League of Ireland. Cup competitions can become the focus for the club, having not tasted cup success since winning the League Cup in 2002 and 1982 in the FAI Cup.