Limerick -v- Salthill Devon

• Andrew Cunneen
• Thu, Mar 10 2011


Salthill Devon travel to Shannonside on Friday evening to face Pat Scully’s Limerick side who are among the favourites for promotion this season (kick-off 7.45).

Neither were able to secure three points in their opening game and will look to justify that this week. Limerick opened with a credible draw in Ballybofey in a heated encounter while Salthill lost their opening fixture at home to their Galway rivals, Mervue United.

Limerick are without a number of key figures this week such as Stephen O’Flynn and captain Paddy Purcell. Purcell’s heroics last week have taken their toll and the Lims skipper has been made pay the price with a groin strain.

O’Flynn misses this particular game due an accumulation of yellow cards aswell as facing an extended ban due to his head butt last week.

The well publicised injury to Garry Sheahan will increase the pressure on Limerick to try and get their first win of the season.

Salthill will have to travel without the services of Ciprian Straut and Eugene Greaney, who are both suspended this week.

“We are looking forward to our first home game of the season and making Jackman Park a fortress for the whole year” Lims boss Scully says ahead of the game.

“We want to give all our fans something special to shout about this year starting with this Friday night against Salthill Devon and we hope they come out in numbers to support Limerick FC.”

Speaking about last week’s crucial injury to Sheahan the Limerick boss said “I would like wish Gary Sheahan a speedy recovery from his broken leg against Finn Harps and everyone in the club can’t have a great player like Gary back quick enough.”

It is hoped that the announcement of the purchase of the Markets Field will increase interest in soccer this season on Shannonside, and only a comfortable win over minnows Salthill will do for the Limerick faithful.

Limerick:
Injured: Paddy Purcell (groin strain), Garry Sheahan (broken leg).
Suspended: Stephen O’Flynn.
Doubtful: Garbhan Coughlan.

Sathill Devon:
Injured: None.
Suspended: Ciprian Straut, Eugene Greaney.
Doubtful: None.

Referee: Phil Caschera.
Paddypower.com Odds: Limerick 1/7 Draw 11/2 Salthill Devon 10/1.
Extratime.ie Prediction: 3-0 home win.