LOMBARDI DOUBLE HELPS SAINTS CRUISE TO THE NEXT ROUND OF THE KEANE CUP
Our Seniors kicked off their 23/24 campaign with an away trip to Passage in Round 1 of the Keane Cup. The Saints got the job done thanks to a brace from Josh Lombardi, with Kyle O’Callaghan grabbing the other in a fine Saints performance.
We started the game on top and nearly took an early lead when John O’Sullivan smacked the crossbar with a powerful effort from 35 yards out. Very unlucky from the young forward.
Minutes later, O’Sullivan was the heart of it again when he picked up the ball from a similar position. This time, he lifted an inviting in-swinging cross into the area. Jason Hurley cleverly ducked out of the way allowing Josh Lombardi to poke the ball home and put us in front. 0-1
We didn’t wait long to extend the scoreline as we attacked down the right side again. Kyle Keeley whipped a dangerous cross into the penalty area like he so often does and once again Lombardi was there to meet it and powered a bullet header into the back of the net, leaving the keeper no chance. 0-2
We had a whole host of other chances in the first half but went into the break two to the good.
The hosts started the second period with a bit of momentum and Sean Dennehy was called into action, producing a spectacular save to keep out a thunderous volley, preventing Passage from getting back into the game.
Once again, we had a handful of chances that we failed to convert but maintained control of the game throughout. Scott O’Callaghan and Jason Hurley were menaces to the Passage defence.
Kyle O’Callaghan put the final seal on a wonderful Saints showing as he received the ball from Ronan Murphy down the left channel, beat his man and blasted an unstoppable strike past the keeper. Ruthless finish from O’Callaghan and great to see two of our strikers off the mark so early in the season. 0-3
Promising start to the season for our lads. We host Mayfield United in the next round on Tuesday night as we look to build on this fantastic display.
Final Score: Passage 0-3 Saints
