Match Report: Granagh Utd 0–4 St. Ita’s A
St. Ita’s A made an impressive start to their league cup campaign with a convincing 4–0 victory away to Granagh United. The scoreline, however, did not tell the full story, as goalkeeper Sean Richards produced two outstanding penalty saves to preserve his side’s clean sheet.
The Saints began brightly and could have taken the lead as early as the 5th minute when Jack Long met a dangerous cross but failed to convert from close range. The miss was quickly forgotten when, following a well-worked team move, Paul Fitzmaurice collected the ball on the edge of the area, turned sharply, and fired home to make it 1–0 after 10 minutes.
Granagh responded immediately and were awarded a penalty just two minutes later after a rash challenge from Ben. Richards came to his side’s rescue, diving low to his right to pull off a superb stop.
The game remained open, with chances at both ends, but it was Ita’s who struck next. In the 25th minute, Sean Curtin intercepted smartly in midfield and released the ball wide. From the resulting cross, Tony McCarthy arrived at the near post to finish clinically from close range.
The visitors continued to play with confidence, and their pressure was rewarded with a third goal just after the half-hour mark. Jack Long picked up possession out wide, beat his man, and unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner to put Ita’s firmly in control.
Half-time: Granagh Utd 0–3 St. Ita’s A
The hosts began the second half with renewed energy and tested Richards on several occasions, but the goalkeeper stood firm with a string of fine saves. Granagh were handed another lifeline in the 70th minute when awarded a second penalty, this time following a foul by Eamon. Once again, Richards proved unbeatable, diving to his left to deny the spot kick.
Just minutes later, the result was beyond doubt. Long, who had seen several second-half runs halted by marginal offside calls, cut inside from the wing and unleashed a thunderous drive that struck the upright before nestling into the net for his second of the match.
Full-time: Granagh Utd 0–4 St. Ita’s A
A strong opening performance from Ita’s, highlighted by some excellent team play, clinical finishing, and a heroic display in goal from Sean Richards.
St. Ita’s A made an impressive start to their league cup campaign with a convincing 4–0 victory away to Granagh United. The scoreline, however, did not tell the full story, as goalkeeper Sean Richards produced two outstanding penalty saves to preserve his side’s clean sheet.
The Saints began brightly and could have taken the lead as early as the 5th minute when Jack Long met a dangerous cross but failed to convert from close range. The miss was quickly forgotten when, following a well-worked team move, Paul Fitzmaurice collected the ball on the edge of the area, turned sharply, and fired home to make it 1–0 after 10 minutes.
Granagh responded immediately and were awarded a penalty just two minutes later after a rash challenge from Ben. Richards came to his side’s rescue, diving low to his right to pull off a superb stop.
The game remained open, with chances at both ends, but it was Ita’s who struck next. In the 25th minute, Sean Curtin intercepted smartly in midfield and released the ball wide. From the resulting cross, Tony McCarthy arrived at the near post to finish clinically from close range.
The visitors continued to play with confidence, and their pressure was rewarded with a third goal just after the half-hour mark. Jack Long picked up possession out wide, beat his man, and unleashed a stunning strike into the top corner to put Ita’s firmly in control.
Half-time: Granagh Utd 0–3 St. Ita’s A
The hosts began the second half with renewed energy and tested Richards on several occasions, but the goalkeeper stood firm with a string of fine saves. Granagh were handed another lifeline in the 70th minute when awarded a second penalty, this time following a foul by Eamon. Once again, Richards proved unbeatable, diving to his left to deny the spot kick.
Just minutes later, the result was beyond doubt. Long, who had seen several second-half runs halted by marginal offside calls, cut inside from the wing and unleashed a thunderous drive that struck the upright before nestling into the net for his second of the match.
Full-time: Granagh Utd 0–4 St. Ita’s A
A strong opening performance from Ita’s, highlighted by some excellent team play, clinical finishing, and a heroic display in goal from Sean Richards.
