It was a case of 22nd time lucky for Limerick FC as they claimed their first win of the SSE Airtricity League season thanks to a 3-2 win over Sligo Rovers at the Markets Field on Saturday evening.

It was a case of 22nd time lucky for Limerick FC as they claimed their first win of the SSE Airtricity League season thanks to a 3-2 win over Sligo Rovers at the Markets Field on Saturday evening.

Limerick took the lead for the first time since returning to the Garryowen venue on 26 minutes thanks to Galway native Vinny Faherty.

Lee-J Lynch won the ball in midfield before slotting Faherty through on goal. He still had work to do, but he dropped his shoulder to win a yard of space, before rocketing a shot past Richie Brush.

Martin Russell’s men were in dream land just ten minutes later as Faherty doubled his tally after Ian Turner crossed. Faherty’s header was powerful and on target – providing Limerick with their first two-goal advantage of the season.

Sligo Rovers got themselves back into the game after 57 minutes – former Limerick full back Patrick Nzuzi squared for Rob Lehane to halve the deficit.

Sixty-seven minutes had elapsed when the home side secured the points. Lee-J Lynch squared for Vinny Faherty who then squared for Dean Clarke. His effort was deflected, but the ball looped over Brush before finding the net.

Gary Armstrong’s late goal left the 900-strong crowd on the edges of their seats until the end, but Limerick held on for a crucial three points.

The result means Limerick close the gap to seven points behind Sligo with 11 games remaining. Derry City are now three points ahead of Sligo thanks to their easy win over Longford Town on Friday. Limerick begin their third and final round of fixtures next Saturday when they entertain Bohemians. Sligo are at home to Cork City.

Limerick FC: Freddy Hall; Shaun Kelly, Patrick Kanyuka, Robbie Williams, Shane Tracy; Shane Duggan; Ian Turner (Sean Russell, 82), Paul O’Conor, Lee-J Lynch, Dean Clarke; Vinny Faherty (Cyril Guedje, 82).

Sligo ROVERS: Richard Brush; Alan Keane (Gary Armstrong, 46), Gavin Peers, Tim Clancy, Regan Donelon (Jake Dykes, 86); Jason Hughes, Gary Boylan (Danny Ledwith, 46); Patrick Nzuzi, David Cawley, Raffaele Cretaro; Rob Lehane.

Referee: Rob Rogers (Dublin)