Pic by Kevin Morrison
Ally Roy and Aaron Splaine – who were cleared to play at the Brandywell just a few hours before the kick off – bagged the goals that gave City all three points.
And it is an important morale boosting win win ahead of their Europa League clash against Dinamo Minsk next week.
The victory, which Kenny Shiels’ side had to achieve coming from behind, was much needed after last week’s disappointing display at Shamrock Rovers.
The woodwork came to Derry’s rescue after just 50 seconds when Connor Ellis got clear down the left, but with only City keeper Gerard Doherty to beat the striker’s effort hit the post.
Derry should have went in front on 13 minutes as a tremendous through ball by Ben Fisk picked out Aaron McEneff, but with only Tommy Holland to beat, the Limerick keeper did well to deny the midfielder.
Soon after a great run and cross by Jamie McDonagh was inches away from new boy Ally Roy but did pick out an unmarked Rory Hole.
However, the midfielder blasted over with the goal at his mercy.Limerick broke the deadlock on 35 minutes after a super run and cross down the left by William Fitzgerald ended with Ellis blasting high into Doherty’s top right hand corner.
Derry only needed two minutes to level things in outstanding fashion as Aaron Splaine marked his debut with a great 25 yard pile driver, which gave Holland no chance.
The home side took the lead after just 20 seconds into the second half as McEneff feed Roy, who like Splaine celebrated his debut with a goal, superbly blasting home from close range.
Limerick should have levelled matters on 60 minutes but Barry Maguire show how failed to trouble Doherty and blasted well over, after Splaine had had incidentally loss possession on the edge of the box.
Soon after a McDonagh right wing cross found Roy, but the former Hearts man was unable to trouble Holland and headed over from six yards.
Then it was Derry’s turn to be denied by the woodwork, the same post kept out Rory Hale’s 20 yard effort hit the psot, the same post that kept out an Ellis strike in the first half.
Ger Doherty had to make a top draw save when he kept out Maguire’s curling effort ight at the death , after substitute Danny Morrissey had created the opening.
Deep into stoppage time City substitute Rory Patterson released McDonagh, but with only Holland to beat, the winger dragged his shot wide. l
Next up for Derry City is its Europa League clash with Dina Minsk this Thursday at the Brandywell with a 6 pm klck off.
Derry City: G Doherty, Cole, Peers, Seaborne B Doherty; Splaine, Rory Hale, McEneff; McDonagh, Roy (Patterson 78), Fisk.
Limerick: Holland, Cantwell, Coleman, Wearen, Duggan (Murphy 73), Ellis (Morrissey 69), Brouder, Fitzgerald, B Dennehy, O’Sullivan, Maguire.
Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin).
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