Buckley delighted with Saints win
Credit:
St. Patrick’s Athletic manager Liam Buckley was delighted with his sides 3-0 away win against Shelbourne last Friday night.
Shels dominated the opening period, something that Buckley acknowledged. “I’m delighted with the result, it’s a huge three points for us bearing in mind where we were, but we’re delighted. I thought Shels played quite well actually.
"You wouldn’t have thought they were bottom of the table on that performance. That said I thought we were a little bit under the weather in the first half, I’ve no doubt Tuesday’s game had a little bit to do with that. I thought the second half we got at them a little bit more."
The Saints are now level on points with Sligo Rovers at the top of the table and Buckley believes he has a squad that can challenge for honours this season. “In our dressing room we’ve got a lot of good players and we want to be competing at the top end of it. We’ve played everybody and there’s not a hell of a lot between the likes of Derry, Sligo, ourselves and one or two other teams. On any given day if you don’t turn up it’s very competitive.
The Inchicore side dominated the second 45 and got their reward through a Christy Fagan double, as well as a Chris Forrester header. With Anto Flood missing out due to illness, Buckley was delighted by the performance of his able deputy. “I’m always impressed with Christy Fagan, he’s a top player and was a top player for us last season as well.”
As seems to be the status quo for Shelbourne this season they finished out the game with ten men after a Jack Memery sending off midway through the second half. The Reds have now finished more games with 10 then they have with 11. Buckley says there can be no complaints about the decision. “It was really quick, the lad has his foot up. I’m just glad I wasn’t the head he caught, it was shoulder height. He’s badly bruised but he’ll be ok for Monday/Friday.”
