A couple of Irish internationals, past and present, experienced the full magic of the FA Cup today
Former first choice Ireland striker Kevin Doyle found the net for the first time in 11 moths. The Wexford native got Crystal Palace’s final goal in their 4-0 win over Dover. The goal will come as a massive relief to Doyle who is looking to impress newly installed manager Alan Pardew. Corkman Damian Delaney also put in a captain’s performance for the Eagles.
Doyle had not played for Palace in nearly two months prior to this game and will be hoping that he can keep finding the target to stake his claim for an extended run in the first team.
Kevin Doyle's final goal to progress us into the fourth round #CPFC https://t.co/CDUDbJz6iZ
— Crystal Palace 🦅 (@CpfcNews_) January 4, 2015
Stephen Ireland was in sensational form for Stoke City as they saw off Wrexham. The former Ireland international came off the bench and bagged a brace to spare his side’s blushes against the lower league team. The Potters finished up 3-1 winners to book their place into the next round.
.@stokecity left it late to go in front, Stephen Ireland steering home from just inside the box…#WeAreInhttps://t.co/jotP9b39sO
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 4, 2015
Stephen Ireland sealed @stokecity's win with his second of the game, following a neat exchange of passes…#WeAreInhttps://t.co/7vZ0cW3zzy
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) January 4, 2015
Elsewhere, a battled performance from Mick McCarthy’s Ipswich earned them a replay against Premier League high flyers Southampton. Daryl Murphy and co. secured a 1-1 draw with the Saints and they’ll fancy they’re chances in the return leg. Shay Given also kept a clean sheet for Aston Villa as they defeated Blackpool 1-0. The highlight of the game for the Donegal native was tipping Ishmael Miller’s blasted effort over the bar in the second half. Jack Grealish and Ciaran Clark also turned in decent performances for the Villains while Blackpool’s Darren O’Dea could not stop his side from losing.
However, Paul McShane could not stop his Hull side from finishing up second best to Arsenal. The Gunners ran out comfortable 2-0 winners.
