Manning fires Mervue Utd into quarter-finals of FAI Youth Cup

Date Published: 25-Feb-2013

St Patricks Ath 2Mervue Utd 3

A brilliant hat-trick from the prolific Ryan Manning ensured Mervue United marched onto the quarter-finals of the FAI Youth Cup after they defeated a St Patricks Athletic side that finished the game with nine men in Tallaght on Sunday afternoon.

Manning's goals in the 19th, 27th and 51st minute had Mervue 3-0 up as they completely out played the home side in the opening hour of the game which was played on the Sacred Heart FC all-weather pitch in Tallaght.

The home side pulled a deflected goal back just after the hour mark, and added a second with five minutes remaining for what was a nervous finish to the game.

Justin Neary and Colin Nolan’s side were quick out of blocks as Luke Tully’s well struck effort on just four minutes was well saved by St Pats keeper Patrick Reilly. Mervue almost took the lead seven minutes later when Dillon Murphy’s ball released Manning through the centre, and the striker lobbed the ball over the advancing Reilly only to see it crash back of the crossbar.

The opener did arrive shortly after that as the visitors continue to play good football and another Dillon Murphy ball found Moise Assogoba. As he raced towards goal, the advancing Reilly took him down in the box with referee Matthew Farrell pointing to the spot and showing the ’keeper a straight red card.

The confident Manning dispatched the penalty into the corner despite the stand-in keeper Stephen Murphy guessing the right side on 20 minutes. That lead was soon doubled as another flowing Mervue move ended with Richard Fahy heading the ball into the path of Manning who fired the ball low into the corner on 27 minutes for 2-0.

The home side did have a great chance to pull a goal back on 36 minutes, but Peter Hopkins fired his effort badly wide from a great position in the box.

Mervue Utd added a third six minutes after the break with the goal of the game. Manning picked up a ball on the right wing before cutting inside and weaving past three St Pats players and as the home defence stood off he looked up and fired an unstoppable effort into the top corner from 25 yards.

For more, read this week's Connacht Sentinel.