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Stephen Pond/EMPICS Sport
Boys in Green

Irish Eye: Pilkington does it again for Norwich

Also, it turns out that Paul McShane is not just a pretty elf.

EVERY MONDAY, WE scan the passports, check the family trees and cross-reference with the “granny rule” to keep you informed about the ups and downs of all the Irish (and Irish-eligible) footballers in England, Scotland and further afield.

Think of us as the Tardelli to your Trap, if you will…

Premier League

Anthony Pilkington (Norwich 2-1 Sunderland)

The former Huddersfield Town player has finally made it on to Giovanni Trapattoni’s radar, thanks no doubt to his brilliant headed winner against Manchester United recently. The 24-year-old was at it again on Sunday against Sunderland, overshadowing the underwhelming James McClean and grabbing the winner for Chris Hughton’s men, now unbeaten in eight games.

Eight minutes before the break, Pilkington beat the offside trap to run on to Bradley Johnson’s through ball, before rounding Carlos Cuellar and slotting past Simon Mignolet. His goal would turn out to be the winner.

Darron Gibson (Everton 1-1 Manchester City)

A man of the match display against the champions, and one passage of play from the Derry man was a bit special.

FA Cup

Stephen Gleeson (MK Dons 2-1 AFC Wimbledon)

Arguably the most fractious game of the weekend came at Stadium mk, where the team formerly known as Wimbledon FC played the team that also claims to be formerly known as Wimbledon FC, all for a place in the third round of the FA Cup.

Popular favour went with the latter team, but it was the MK Dons who took the victory with a winner from former Liverpool player Jon Otsemobor. The 24-year-old Dubliner Stephen Gleeson got MK Dons on the way to victory with a brilliant 30-yard effort that flew past Neil Sullivan in the AFC Wimbledon goal.

Championship

Kevin Doyle (Bristol City 1-4 Wolves)

The Wexford jumped to the defence of beleaguered manager Stale Solbakken after scoring twice in the thumping win over Bristol City at Ashton Gate. The Ireland striker was in fine form, with one of his goals an excellent solo run and finish.

Owen Garvan (Crystal Palace 3-0 Brighton)

After hitting the crossbar with a free-kick earlier in the game, the midfielder capped the London side’s victory from the penalty spot, after Gordon Greer fouled two-goal Glenn Murray in the box.

Paul McShane (Nottingham Forest 1-2 Hull City)

The defensive behemoth took some time off from paying homage to Will Ferrell to grab the winner in a 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest on Saturday. The goal was McShane’s first for Hull in almost four years, and caps a return to form that has seen him become an unlikely fans’ favourite over the last two months.

Mark Yeates (Watford 4-1 Barnsley)

The Irish midfielder brilliantly found the bottom corner of the Barnsley net from a tight angle in the 59th minute, as Watford ran riot at Vicarage Road.

Scottish Cup

Cillian Sheridan (Kilmarnock 2-1 Queen of the South)

The former Celtic and CSKA Sofia hitman put his side on the road to victory, converting a cross from team-mate Borja Perez after only eight minutes.

Jon Daly (Stranraer 0-5 Dundee United)

Strike partner Johnny Russell may taken most of the plaudits with his hat-trick, but former Ipswich striker Jon Daly was no slouch himself. His first came after an effort from Russell was parried, before Daly bundled home his second from close range.

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