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eircom National League First Division

Date	25/11/2001
Score (Blues First)	4 - 3
Venue	Jackman Park, Limerick
Kick Off	2.00 PM
Attendance	96
Weather	Heavy showers
Referee	P. Tuite
Goal Scorers	Watson, Dempsey, Whittle D, Wood
Cards	Yellow: Rea, Breen
Pitch	Grass very high

After only conceding 2 goals in 12 games the Blues traveled to Jackman Park to avenge the 4-0 hammering they received earlier in the season. With a now water tight defence and the return of Captain Breen scoring goals was the blues only problem or so we thought.

The game was only five minutes old when Joey Watson who has started very few games this season found himself running through on goal with only the keeper to beat and he calmly placed the ball passed him and into the net. He not only scored but also injured the Limerick shot stopper who had to be replaced shortly afterwards. The Blues fans who out numbered the home support by at least 3 to 1 jumped for joy in the stand as Joey completed his back flip celebration. Maybe it was the heavy rain which followed or the ghost of September but all of PP's men stopped playing and went on the defensive and surrendered the pitch to the shannonsiders. At this stage it was obvious that O'Brien and Dempsey had no physical presence in the centre of midfield and even the switching of David Moore into the middle might have worked. Limerick pushed on as we sat back and finally scored direct from a free kick which we gave away on the edge of the box. For the next 20 minutes we were overrun and Limerick snatched a second when Binder let the ball slip out of his hands and into the net. The Blues fans in the ground got flash backs of the early league game and felt if we continued to play this way another drubbing was on the cards. It was that man Dempsey, who has found a place forever in all Blues hearts as he took off on a galloping run down the right and drove the ball into the net away from the outstretched hand of Limerick's replacement keeper. Half time shortly followed and it was time for PP to sort out our unwillingness to play.

We didn't start brightly in the second half which was a big disappointment, as we could have closed the gap on top spot to 1 point but didn't seem too interested. Limerick number 9 was left free for every corner and set piece, even though numerous shouts came from the Main Stand (only stand) by fans who were enjoying their half time hot dogs nicely priced at £2.40 for a special (a squirt of Mayo). About three corners later and it was the number 9 who struck sweetly from the edge of the box into the roof of the net. To be fair to Limerick it was no more than they deserved. The introduction of Kevin Whittle in place of Moore helped to put some fight into midfield as Colin O'Brien was moved out on the right. Dempsey was now able to make his mark on the game and only mistimed runs by our strikers saw chances disappear. Thomas Fitzgerald was then introduced and this caused Limerick a few problems but they were again very shaky at the back with only Frosty playing up to his usual high standard. A quick ball down the channel by Dempsey saw Fitzer through and as he rounded the keeper he was upended and a penalty was awarded by referee Tuite. The ever dependable David Whittle then stood up to break the net and bring the Blues level. We had not played well throughout but were happy now to have gained a valuable point. 4 minutes into injury time and that man Dempsey put Woody through down the left hand side and for reasons only known to the Limerick keeper he flew off his line out of the area and charged at Barry. But Woody who can't score from 2 yards struck the ball low passed the on rushing keeper from 30 yards and watched as 2 defenders chased the ball back to the goal line, the big crowd all 96 (2 lads went to the pub with 5 minutes to go), held their breath as the ball slowed down on the long grass and what seemed like a life time finally hit the net to send Woody and the fans wild with excitement as an undeserved 3 points were coming home to Suirside. Chants of "The Blues are going up" rang around the ground as the younger members of the Blues Travel Club led us all in victory song.

That's the last time I want to see Jackman Park for many a year, a 4 goal thumping and a seven goal thriller my heart won't last the pace if we have to return there next season. So even if only for my aging heart PP please take us up this season, Limerick doesn't suit us.