Latest news with #Pat's
Irish Daily Mirror
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
St Pat's seek to break a club record on Thursday in bid for European progress
Tom Grivosti wants to rewrite the history books at St Patrick's Athletic and earn the club a shot at either Besiktas or Shakhtar Donetsk. The Saints last week equalled their all-time clean sheets record when they recorded a sixth shut-out in a row. They have not conceded since Liam Boyce's winner for Derry City at Richmond Park on June 23, and have kept out Cork City, Bohemians, UCC, Europa Conference League first round opponents Hegelmann twice, and second round foes Nomme Kalju. Another clean sheet on Thursday evening and not only will they break the club record, but they will guarantee themselves a place in the third qualifying round. That's because they lead going into the second leg in Estonia, courtesy of Chris Forrester's 90th minute winner last week in Inchicore. It was no less than Stephen Kenny's side deserved, as they dominated their opponents and finished the game with two extra men. The Estonians will be without suspended pair Rommi Siht and Danyl Mashchenko tomorrow night, after they were red carded within five second-half minutes of each other. Click this link or scan the QR code to receive the latest League of Ireland news and top stories from the Irish Mirror. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . Asked about their clean sheets, defender Grivosti said: 'It's brilliant, last year in Europe we had good clean sheets but we were known for how many goals we were scoring. 'Now to equal the club record for clean sheets is an added bonus. If we can do it again on Thursday it's a great achievement for the whole squad. 'Everyone in the squad played a part in that over the six games.' Pat's were successful last week at suffocating Nomme's attacking threat, but they also struggled to make their dominance count on the scoreboard. 'I'm expecting a different game,' Grivosti said of the second-leg. 'They probably felt like they didn't play well. We watched them and they do look like a good team. 'But we know, we've been in this position before where we've won the home leg and we have to go away, that you're going to be under pressure.' That's exactly how their first round tie panned out, with Pat's taking a 1-0 lead to Lithuanian side Hegelmann, where they completed a 3-0 aggregate win. 'I think it's similar, obviously the same result (from the first leg), and we played both home legs well,' said Grivosti, commenting on lessons they can take from the first round. 'But we know the teams are probably going to be better at home and you are probably going to have to soak up pressure, but ultimately we are going away and we want to win the game, so going off two weeks ago, an early goal is massive for us. 'So we would be hoping to do that again.' The Liverpudlian, meanwhile, is refusing to look too far ahead, despite the prospect of a mouthwatering tie against either Besitkas or Shakhtar Donetsk. 'It is an incentive. But no matter who the draw is against, you just want to keep going. We can't really look past this tie, it means nothing if we get knocked out,' he said. 'Obviously we know who we can play in the next round, but we are just focusing on this tie and hopefully we can progress through this one.' Get the latest sports headlines straight to your inbox by signing up for free email .
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
St Patrick's Athletic boss Stephen Kenny hails unlikely full-back duo for European showing
ST PAT'S players joke that, in Ryan McLaughlin, they have a full-back who taught Trent Alexander- Arnold all he knows. Whatever about that, 2 Jason McClelland of St Patrick's Athletic was hailed by his boss Stephen Kenny for his intelligence 2 The Pat's boss also singled out Ryan McLaughlin for his quality in the Euro clash The pair both played their part in He said: 'Ryan and Jason didn't start any of the European games last year and they're in the positions now. They've both performed really well. 'You see the passing touchline to touchline, Ryan to Jason and then Jason played one back. You don't see that much in matches, those touchline to touchline passes from full-backs. 'Ryan has that in his locker. The in-joke in the group is that he showed Trent how to do it.' read more on football Former Northern Ireland international McLaughlin spent five years at Liverpool but did not make a first-team appearance before leaving in 2016. That was the year Alexander-Arnold made his first-team debut for the Reds, with the England star joining Real Madrid this summer after 20 years attached to his hometown club. McClelland is in his sixth season at St Pat's with his outings in the league split almost equally between starts — 61 — and outings as a substitute — 63. And Kenny remarked that, on occasion, he has not even made the bench but shown resilience and perseverance to play his part. Most read in Football The former Ireland boss said: 'He hasn't always actually been in the squad, he's been in the stand in the past, not just with me. 'Certainly he's had to bide his time and he's just having a run of form and his innate football intelligence is incredible. Marcus Rashford back together with ex-fiancee Lucia Loi two years after they split as childhood sweetheart joins him in Barcelona 'And I suppose he's worked on other aspects of his game which weren't his strongest points where you might get exposed as a left-back, your one-on-one defending and your heading and things like that. "He's got much better at those facets of the game and his distribution is very inventive. 'It is a competitive area for us. Anto Breslin has never let us down, he's always been a terrific full-back at the club. 'We probably wouldn't have factored in at the start of the season Jason playing at left-back but that's the way it's worked out and when people take their opportunity you have to reward that.' But Kenny is not prepared to pigeon-hole the former UCD star, particularly because he might be needed in other areas. Kenny said: 'With Zack Eelbouzedi getting injured, we lost a wide player and Jason has played there as well so we've got to look at a lot of stuff. 'But definitely when the game is in front of him he can see great pictures and has the technical ability to execute really intelligent passes and crosses. He's a very intelligent player. 'The physicality maybe wasn't his strongest point but he has adapted to that and really added that to his game to help him play there.' Despite being in and out of the team, Kenny does not believe McClelland was ever close to leaving and praised how he ensured he kept himself in shape. Kenny said: 'I don't think so. He was out of contract last season. I made it clear to him that I wanted him to stay. 'His versatility is important, he's played central midfield this year a good few times and he's played on the left. 'Even when he's not in the team, he's super fit and that's a challenge because players find it hard, when they're not in the team, to stay at the level, they get demoralised. 'He's had that level of professionalism to stay at the level needed whenever needed and that's testament to his character.' Opportunities in midfield came in part, because of Chris Forrester — Thursday's goal hero after he came off the bench — being sidelined for a total of almost two months. And Kenny admitted the fan favourite had work to do to get back into the starting XI. He said: 'He's had a few weeks' training and is coming on so definitely he comes into our thoughts but Jamie Lennon and Barry Baggley have been very good.
The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
St Patrick's Athletic ace Zack Elbouzedi facing lengthy layoff after nasty injury in Nomme Kalju clash
ZACK ELBOUZEDI could be sidelined for up to eight weeks after dislocating his shoulder. The Advertisement 2 Zach Elbouzedi of St Patrick's Athletic awaits medical attention after injuring his shoulder in his side's clash against Nomme Kalju 2 Elbouzedi is facing a long layoff after the injury in the European clash The Afterwards, A dislocation was later confirmed with his shoulder popped back in but it is understood that the 27-year-old is facing a prolonged spell on the sidelines. The Dubliner is expected to be ruled out of action until mid or late September. Advertisement read more pn football That would be a major blow as Pat's look to progress in the Conference League and FAI Cup, as well as force themselves back into contention to qualify for Europe through the league. Kenny - who had worked with Elbouzedi with the Ireland under-21s - brought him to Richmond Park last summer. He had previously played in the League of Ireland for Waterford and, after starting out with West Brom, played for Inverness and Elgin City in Scotland, Lincoln City, Bolton Wanderers and Swindon Town in England, and AIK in Sweden. Kenny suggested that St Pat's could look to strengthen if they advance against Kalju, with Besiktas their likely opponents in the next round, with Romal Palmer still on the treatment table. Advertisement Most read in Football He said: 'Losing Romal hurt us a bit, he's still a good bit away. I've to assess that situation and we'll see how it goes. If we can get a result next Thursday we'll have a busy period.' Cristhian Mosquera's proud dad breaks down in tears after watching Arsenal welcome video for his son
The 42
5 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
Chris Forrester provides dramatic inspiration to give St Pat's slender lead over nine-man Kalju
Uefa Conference League second qualifying round, first leg St Patrick's Athletic 1 Nomme Kalju 0 COOL HEADS WERE needed and Chris Forrester delivered in the 90th minute for St Patrick's Athletic. After Nomme Kalju had their second man sent off on 69 minutes more and more rows of home supporters simply remained standing as their team attacked in waves. Richmond Park was gripped by a combination of anxiety and anticipation. Forrester provided the delirium with the kind of lethal composure we have come to expect in a lengthy career that has seen him become the record European appearance holder for the club. This was his 26th game on such a night and, sprung from the bench on 79 minutes along with Brandon Kavanagh and Conor Carty, that trio combined entering injury time to break the deadlock. Goalkeeper Maksim Pavlov made a dog's dinner of Carty's shot, spilling into the centre of the box, and Forrester was the one to lap it up. He could have easily smashed a hit and hope first time but instead he took a touch with a roll of his studs over the ball and then just prodded low into the goal with much needed serenity. The previous 25 attempts of the night for Pat's had been anything but. Advertisement Inchicore erupted but with six minutes of injury time and a two-man advantage they continued to pile forward in an attempt to extend their advantage heading over to Estonia for the second leg next week. It proved hard enough to break down a resolute Kalju defence to find one and Pat's will fancy their chances of causing damage should the home side come out to play more adventurously on their own turf. Pat's had all the ball for the opening 45 minutes but there was little in the way of threat in the final third. Kalku made sure to slow the game down when they could and when Zach Elbouzedi saw a rare bit of space open up in front through the middle he was cynically brought down by Danyl Mashchenko who knew he had to act with a man over on the break. The centre back was shown a yellow card but as Elbouzedi hobbled off clutching a damaged right wrist, Pat's were the ones who had to tweak things. Jake Mulraney was introduced as a result and a bit of extra spark followed on 31 and 32 minutes when the substitute cut in from the right and fired a low shot that was well saved, while on the opposite flank Jason McClelland also tested the goalkeeper who now looked a more competent operator. There was a farcical episode before the break when midfielder Oleksandr Musolitin was warned by the referee to cover up his white base socks with the regulation black socks that had been lowered to the middle of the shin. He fiddled with his legs, play resumed, and when the Czech official realised there was no change and it clashed with the Pat's socks he booked the Kalju man and forced him off the pitch to cover up with black tape. Perhaps Musolitin didn't like being dictated to you, but his performance was such he didn't make it back out for the second half and was replaced by Aleksandr Nikolajev. Kalju were content to break up play in the first half but were more aggressive after the interval, showing a little bit more intent in possession while also trying to sustain some pressure. But they were still vulnerable when Pat's could counter and that is what led to the two incidents that saw the visitors playing the last 20 minutes plus stoppage time with nine men. Midfielder Rommi Sihit was the first to get his second yellow for taking down Leavy as he broke on 64 minutes and before the clock struck 70 Mashchenko was also given his marching orders for hauling down Mulraney as he galloped towards the box from the right. Now it was all one way traffic as Pat's sought to make the two-man advantage county. Aidan Keena had already been lined up to come on before the second red card, and he was followed for the last 10 minutes by the trio of Carty, Kavanagh and Forrester. It was the latter who had the final say tonight but whether it proves to be decisive will become clear in a week's time in Estonia. St Patrick's Athletic: Joey Anang; Ryan McLaughlin (Aidan Keena 70), Joe Redmond (captain), Tom Grivosti, Jason McClelland; Zach Elbouzedi (Jake Mulraney 24), Barry Baggley, Jamie Lennon (Chris Forrester 79) , Kian Leavy (Brandon Kavanagh 79), Simon Power; Mason Melia (Conor Carty 79). Nomme Kalju: Maksim Pavlov; Daniil Tarassenkov, Danyl Maschchenko, Maksim Podholjuzin (captain) (Uku Korre 45+6), Modou Tambedou; Ivans Patrikejevs (Sander Liit 72), Oleksandr Musolitin (Aleksandr Nikolajev HT), Rommi Siht, Kristjan Kask; Mattias Mannilaan, Nikita Ivanov (Guilhereme Smith 62). Referee: Ladislav Szikszay (Cze).
Irish Independent
5 days ago
- Sport
- Irish Independent
Chris Forrester delivers last-gasp Conference win for St Pat's against nine-man Estonians
St Patrick's Athletic 1 Nomme Kalju 0 What had the potential to be one of the most frustrating nights in their European history finally delivered relief for St Patrick's Athletic. They left it late but eventually called on their bench to break down the resistance of their Estonian opponents and send Stephen Kenny's men off to Tallinn for the return leg next week with a narrow but precious win. They had just treated their supporters to an 11-goal haul in three games in a little over a week, but they needed a 90th-minute goal from club stalwart Chris Forrester to give them a slender advantage against Nomme Kalju ahead of what will be a physical and mental battle away from home. The Saints had been unable to make the most of their superiority, in terms of chances created or mere bodies on the field against nine-man opposition. The team from Tallinn were left to play for the last 20 minutes with nine men after a quickfire salvo of second yellows. But in the last minute of time Conor Carty powered his way through a tired Kalju defence and when his shot was blocked, fellow sub Forrester was free to prod the ball home, finally lifting the tension at Richmond Park in what was a rough battle at times. The European campaign to date had been blemish-free for the Dublin club with back-to-back wins and clean sheets against an ordinary team from Lithuania. This second-round tie had a similar backdrop but instead of a procession, it was rather a drag, as Pat's had spells of possession for long periods but did little with it. Pat's were forced into a reshuffle midway through that dull first half. Zac Elbouzedi ran half the length of the pitch and, as he bore down on goal was taken down by defender Danyl Mashchenko, who earned himself a booking. But Elbouzedi appeared to injure his arm as he fell and had to be substituted with Jake Mulraney called from the bench. His manager confirmed afterwards that Elbouzedi had in fact dislocated his shoulder and been removed to hospital. More woe for Pat's followed when Jason McClelland wasted the resulting free kick, sending it straight into the wall. After that, it was all bits and pieces from Pat's but no ability to stitch it all together as they struggled to break down the Estonians' defensive wall. A conservative Nomme side offered little, content to soak up the pressure and carried no threat at all on their rare forays into the Saints' half, with home keeper Joe Anang a spectator. At the other end, Pavlov kept out shots from Mulraney and Simon Power, while a run by Mason Melia in first-half injury time was halted by a thundering tackle from captain Maksim Podholjuzin. Pat's fans had a half-hearted appeal for a penalty on 51 minutes dismissed, but refereeing decisions then went their way. First, Rommi Siht was sent off for a second bookable offence on 64 minutes. Then just four minutes later the Estonians were down to nine men when Mashchenko was also dismissed for a second yellow card following a clumsy foul on Mulraney. With 20 minutes to play and a two-man deficit, it was desperate measures for the away side who had to withstand a constant barrage from Pat's. Melia should have scored on 71 minutes when set up by Grivosti but fired wide, then the 'keeper denied a strong effort from sub Aidan Keena. Kalju looked dead on their feet but resisted until a ball from Brandon Kavanagh found Carty and Forrester latched onto the loose ball for a crucial advantage to take on their travels. ST PAT'S: Anang; McLaughlin (Keena 69), Redmond, Grivosti, McClelland; Baggley, Lennon (Forrester 79); Elbouzedi (Mulraney 23) Leavy (Kavanagh 79), Power; Melia (Carty 79). NOMME KALJU: Pavlov; Tarassenkov, Mashchenko, Podholjuzin (Korre 45), Tambedou; Siht, Musolitin (Nikolayev 46), Patrikejevs (Liit 71); Kask; Ivanov (Guilherme 62), Mannilaan.
