Advertisement
St. Pat's Darren Meenan and Barry McCabe of UCD tussle for possession ©INPHO/Donall Farmer
League Cup

EA Sports Cup: Big win for Derry as Shamrock Rovers bounce back

The Candystripes were emphatic winners over Finn Harps, while the league champions march on after defeating Galway

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC recorded a solid 2-1 win over UCD at Richmond Park to march on in the EA Sports League Cup.

Liam Buckley’s men, fresh from their 5-1 league won over Shamrock Rovers on Friday, made short work of UCD at Richmond Park.

Goals from Sean O’Connor and Ian Daly either side of the break had Pat’s in open country before a Chris Lyon’s strike on 83 minutes led to a tetchy conclusion.

Derry also progressed after sweeping aside Finn Harps 4-0. Two goals within a minute just before half-time did the resounding damage and Derry coasted thereafter.

Barry Molloy opened the scoring after good work from Mark Farren on 37 minutes. The Donegal side would have been hoping to regroup for a second-half push but goals from Farren and Patrick McEleny ended the match as a contest. Molloy added a second in the final minutes.

Rovers get the win

Shamrock Rovers had been looking imperious in the opening matches until they were found out by St Pat’s. Manager Stephen Kenny stuck with his plan to rotate the squad and rested regulars such as Craig Sives and Gary Twigg.

Two first-half penalties from Gary McCabe were enough to see off Galway but the home side were not happy with referee Phil Caschera’s decision-making and were further incensed when Willie Enubele was given his marching orders for dissent.

Limerick FC were 3-0 winners over Cork City at Jackman Park as a Sean Brosnan strike on 52 minutes was book-ended by scoring contributions from Cian Collins and David O’Leary.

Shelbourne are up against Bray and Sligo are taking on Monaghan in the evening kick-offs.

Balotelli may yet face Ireland in Poland, says Prandelli