Buckley on high after cup win
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Liam Buckley was quick to direct praise towards his Sporting Fingal players after they beat Shamrock Rovers to reach the semi-finals of the FAI Ford Cup.
The First Division outfit won 2-1 in Tuesday’s replay at Tallaght Stadium with Alan Kirby scoring twice to send his side through to the final four.
After making a flurry of signings at the start of the season, it has taken some time for Sporting to click. Although, they certainly showed what they are capable of in the two games against Rovers.
Buckley thinks that his players deserve a lot of credit for beating such a high profile opponent and putting the team in with a chance of winning one of the most important trophies in League of Ireland football.
“It was a tremendous commitment by the players over the two matches to beat one of the top two teams in the country,” said Buckley.
“Apart from the opening half of the first game when we just didn’t perform, I felt we were the better side overall.
“It took a lot of character for us to produce such a courageous display in Tallaght and we came away with a deserved in.
“I’m delighted for the players. Eight of Tuesday’s starting XI joined us at the start of the campaign and for them to gel so well is testament to the team spirit they’ve generated within the group.”
The First Division outfit won 2-1 in Tuesday’s replay at Tallaght Stadium with Alan Kirby scoring twice to send his side through to the final four.
After making a flurry of signings at the start of the season, it has taken some time for Sporting to click. Although, they certainly showed what they are capable of in the two games against Rovers.
Buckley thinks that his players deserve a lot of credit for beating such a high profile opponent and putting the team in with a chance of winning one of the most important trophies in League of Ireland football.
“It was a tremendous commitment by the players over the two matches to beat one of the top two teams in the country,” said Buckley.
“Apart from the opening half of the first game when we just didn’t perform, I felt we were the better side overall.
“It took a lot of character for us to produce such a courageous display in Tallaght and we came away with a deserved in.
“I’m delighted for the players. Eight of Tuesday’s starting XI joined us at the start of the campaign and for them to gel so well is testament to the team spirit they’ve generated within the group.”
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