Buckley believes Saints set for Skonto clash

St Patrick’s Athletic recorded their fifth straight victory in all competitions with a 3-0 win against Longford Town at Richmond Park on Friday evening. After the game Liam Buckley spoke to Extratime.ie about his side’s win and their upcoming Europa Leaque qualifier.

“It was a half decent performance” the Saints boss explained. “Delighted with the result, we created quite a few chances in the second half but overall I’ve got to be pleased - especially going into Europe next week.”

After watching Brendan Clarke keep a clean sheet, Buckley was happy with how his side defended, limiting the visitor’s opportunities on goal. It was good preperation for their game in Latvia on Thursday against Skonto Riga.

“We limited them to very few chances. Overall I felt we’ve done enough, but we want to get a proper rhythm on our game going into Europe now and make sure we give ourselves a chance to get through.”

Having lost to Bray and Dundalk in consecutive league games last month, the Saints boss is delighted to see his sides change of fortune. However he was quick to point out the players are working hard both on and off the field of play.

“It’s hard work. The lads are working extremely hard in training and in their games. They’re getting the just rewards. We’ve created quite a few chances in most games, like today there were four one-on-ones.

"Their ‘keeper did really well to save them. We’ve bagged a few goals from those chances but overall they’ve worked very hard.”

On Friday evening, Buckley had the opportunity to rest some key players who were carrying knocks but he was also delighted that some of the younger members of the squad are taking the opportunities they are being given.

“We had one or two that we just rested up, obviously with Europe next week. Killian Brennan had a bruised foot, Christy Fagan had knee trouble and Conan Byrne is coming back from injury with a hamstring. We rested the three of them and I feel they’ll all be available next week.

“I’m delighted with the likes of Conor McCormack coming in and Jamie McGrath played up front and he did great. Sam Verdon was another one of the kids to come off the bench - we’ve got a good squad in fairness.”

As St Pat’s prepare to make the 2,910km trip to Riga, Buckley revealed that his side will first fly into London on Monday before flying to Latvia the following day.

When asked about Skonta, the Saint boss explained that they have managed to acquire some footage of their opponents and in the coming days they will continue to study the Latvian side.

“We’ve got a bit on them. We still have got a bit more to get on them and give them a good profile of who we are playing and what way they play. It will be tricky but I don’t see there been a lot between their team and ours, so hopefully we will perform on the night and get a result.”

With the first leg being away, Buckley is hopeful that his side can put in a performance, get a good result and get a large home support for the second leg on July 9th.

“Yeah, it would be great if we could get a full house here and we’ve got something to play for. We need to be careful out there and do ourselves justice but I feel the way we are going well at this minute in time and we have got a chance of getting a result.”