Kenna: My best result yet
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St Patrick’s Athletic boss Jeff Kenna hailed his side’s 1-0 win over Krylya Sovetov as the ‘biggest result’ of his managerial career so far.
The Super Saints withstood some first-half pressure from their Russian opponents in the first leg of their Europa League Third Round qualifier, but came out fighting after the interval.
With Bobby Ryan coming on to give them more width and Declan O’Brien moving up front, the Dublin club suddenly looked a lot more dangerous as they responded to the ‘Richmond Roar’ and went in search of a goal.
O’Brien got the goal on 70 minutes following some excellent build-up play and they held on to win the game. That victory allows the Inchicore outfit to go out to Russia for the second leg with a slight advantage.
For Kenna, the win means a lot more. It is a result that shows the good work his players have been putting in behind the scenes and is also proof that his team are able to play (and win) in the style that he has been trying to perfect all season.
“It’s by far the biggest result I have had as a manager,” said Kenna after Thursday’s victory.
“We were camped on the edge of our box for 80 per cent of the game and had a couple of breaks and penalty appeals, but we stuck at it and never dropped our concentration.
“We go to Russia now with something to hang onto, which was our intention before the game.”
St Pat’s play Dundalk at home on Sunday, but Kenna will not be blamed if his focus has already drifted towards that second leg in Russia following such a fantastic result.
The Super Saints withstood some first-half pressure from their Russian opponents in the first leg of their Europa League Third Round qualifier, but came out fighting after the interval.
With Bobby Ryan coming on to give them more width and Declan O’Brien moving up front, the Dublin club suddenly looked a lot more dangerous as they responded to the ‘Richmond Roar’ and went in search of a goal.
O’Brien got the goal on 70 minutes following some excellent build-up play and they held on to win the game. That victory allows the Inchicore outfit to go out to Russia for the second leg with a slight advantage.
For Kenna, the win means a lot more. It is a result that shows the good work his players have been putting in behind the scenes and is also proof that his team are able to play (and win) in the style that he has been trying to perfect all season.
“It’s by far the biggest result I have had as a manager,” said Kenna after Thursday’s victory.
“We were camped on the edge of our box for 80 per cent of the game and had a couple of breaks and penalty appeals, but we stuck at it and never dropped our concentration.
“We go to Russia now with something to hang onto, which was our intention before the game.”
St Pat’s play Dundalk at home on Sunday, but Kenna will not be blamed if his focus has already drifted towards that second leg in Russia following such a fantastic result.
About Gareth Maher
Gareth Maher is an award-winning journalist who has covered domestic, international and women's football for the best part of a decade. Previously a columnist for the Irish Daily Mail and Football Editor for Setanta Sports, … View Full Profile