FAI Junior Cup

St Michael’s-9

Clodiag Rangers-0

Michael’s showed just why they are deemed joint favourites to win the FAI Junior Cup with a massive third round win on Sunday.

Despite being behind in the race- the Saints were playing in round 3 over the weekend when most teams are already into round 5- the Tipp side are bookies favourites along side Janesboro- and they produced a display worthy of short outright odds on Sunday.

The home side came within one goal of hitting double figures in their third round clash.

Alan O’Donnell and Ollie O’Driscoll had half chances in the first 10 minutes and just three minutes after the latter saw his shot saved John O’Brien was crossing for Ritchie Ryan to break the deadlock.

Three minutes later and it was two as Junior International cap Jimmy Carr headed home from a David Slattery cross.

Michaels continued to dominate although the visitors did have some half chances, but neither could change the scoreline before the turn.

The Saints were a different animal after the break and produced a ruthless display. Less than 10 minutes after the about face O’Driscoll trebled the advantage when he fired home after a Jimmy Carr cross deflected into his path.

It was four on 62 mins when Paul Breen rose well to head home a Shane Ryan free kick. David Slattery made it five on 68 mins from a Jimmy Carr cross with a powerful finish.

O’Driscoll hit the post as the hosts continued to push after David Slattery went close and then Luke Quinn headed over near goal from a Jimmy Carr cross.

O’Driscoll made it six on 77 mins from a David Slattery through ball. Before Luke Quinn then hit a rapid hat trick with three close range finishes on 80, 82 and 88 mins.