Kenny's Saints still have a long way to go

Colman Stanley reports from Richmond Park

A fortnight ago after St. Patrick's Athletic’s narrow victory over Finn Harps, Saints boss Harry Kenny spoke about his side being “a bit of a project at this moment in time” and asked when this project will be completed, he responded with “next year or even the year after”.

After Monday night's 2-0 home defeat to Shamrock Rovers it seems that this is a realistic call from Kenny.

Despite not creating a huge amount of chances themselves, the Hoops dominated the first half, and when Seán Kavanagh put them 2-0 up just after the break they were happy to sit back and soak up the pressure.

It turned out to be a comfortable win for Rovers, and a game where they were barely threatened.

While it was a disappointing outcome, Kenny remained upbeat about the performance, and their form in recent weeks when he spoke to extratime.ie after Monday’s match.

“We were pretty good in the second half,” said Kenny. “I was delighted with the character and the effort.

“We got a bit of consistency there, (the) last four matches. We drew two and won two which is pretty decent form and then you’re going into this match and Rovers are a good team. 

“It’s Rovers and Dundalk this year, that’s going to be a difficult match anyway. Our level at this moment in time is with Derry and Bohs."

Saints supporters may have been hoping for some new signings to help them bridge the gap on the top sides, and lead them on their way to the long term goals which Kenny speaks of, and this season’s goal of European qualification.



However, the manager did not seem too optimistic on these prospects.

“I’d love to get in a couple of players but they’re not there, not the ones that I want anyway. But if some become available we’d certainly be interested in them”.

He was more optimistic about the excitement around the upcoming friendly against Chelsea, and their European games against Norrköping.

“It’s a good game to look forward to. There should be (two packed houses next week). I just hope we give the crowd a bit of a lift with a performance and a half.”

Norrköping finished second in last season’s Allsvenkan, but currently only lie in sixth place. Pat’s face them at home next Thursday and away the following week, with the Chelsea game on the Saturday in between.

In the meantime they face Waterford on Friday in the league, a team the Saints have already lost twice to this season, suffering 2-0 and 3-0 defeats.



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