Courtesy: Shamrock Rovers Web Site


Futsal team move into 2nd

Wednesday, 29 July 2009

SHAMROCK ROVERS moved second in the Emerald Futsal League (Leinster) with a memorable derby victory over St Patrick's Athletic at the BRL Umbro Arena on Monday.

Philip McDonagh proved to be the key play for the Hoops as he bagged a remarkable five goals in a pulsating game. The Saints had taken an early lead through their brilliant Brazilian Hygo Cezar - player of the year in the FAI National Futsal League earlier this year - with a deflected effort that gave Hoops keeper John Somers no chance. After slowly working their way into the fixture, McDonagh bagged the equaliser after a one-two with captain Anderson Nunes to beat Saints keeper Claudio Prado. McDonagh then gave the Hoops the lead with a stunning long range strike that beat the keeper all ends up.

The Irish international wasn't finished there as he burst through the St Pat's defence to complete a brilliant first-half hat-trick. St Pat's got back in the tie just before the break when David Fitzpatrick found the Hoops net from close range.

After the break matters turned in the Hoops favour when Cezar was dismissed after an off the ball incident and McDonagh soon restored the Hoops advantage with another crisp strike. Marco Prudencio extended that lead to 5-2 with a fantastic piece of skill that saw him flick the ball over the advancing keeper and head into the empty net. A goal of the season contender. McDonagh was not to be upstaged though and duly found the net for his fifth of the night to seal a brilliant three points for the Hoops, who have not lost a game since the opening day of the season.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: John Somers; Anderson Nunes, Brendan Dawson, Philip McDonagh, Marco Prudencio, Stephen Finn, Alvin Lawlor.







Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com