FAI Intermediate Cup Report: St Kevin's Boys 7 - 2 Verona AET

Dave Donnelly reports from St Aidan’s CBS

Supersub Yuki Saito was the hero for St Kevin’s Boys as he scored twice in four extra-time minutes to set the Whitehall club on their way to a first-ever FAI Intermediate Cup quarter-final.

Playmaker Luke Ingram notched a hat-trick – including a last-minute equaliser to force extra time – while Stephen Cantwell and Jordan Farry were also on target on a windy night at St Aidan’s CBS.

Verona twice led through Christy Clarke and Ben Bozse, either side of Cantwell’s penalty, but, just as they had when the sides met in Blanchardstown two weeks ago, Kevin’s snatched a draw late on.

Five unanswered goals in extra time gave the impression of a blow-out but, in truth, Verona could consider themselves hard done-by following a disciplined and clinical performance in 90 minutes.

With Kevin’s predictably dominating possession and setting the tempo, Willie Henry’s well-drilled side were aggressive without the ball and always looked likely to nick something on the break.

They outworked the home side for long periods and the yellow card count at the break – 2-0 in Kevins’ favour – told a story that saw the visitors first to every breaking ball.

The Saints nonetheless managed to create a string of chances as their illustrious frontline, with Cantwell and Josh Peyton flanking the imposing Jordan Cromwell, stretched Verona’s backline.

Cantwell forced Verona keeper Stephen Daly to save well with his feet after cutting in from the left and the same player was unlucky to see his shot deflected wide on the half-hour.

Peyton forced a strong reaction stop from Daly moments later and the keeper was on the ball to deny Cantwell with his feet once more as the half drew to a close.



Verona only needed a half-chance, however, and an awkward bouncing ball presented Clarke with half a second in the box, and he lashed the ball past Gavin Browne to put the away side in front.

With the half-time whistle rapidly approaching, Kevin’s pushed forward and a spell of pressure ended with the referee pointing to the spot, and Cantwell dispatched his spot-kick emphatically.

Kevin’s continued to control the game in the second half but had to wait until the 68th minute to work Daly, who was again alert to deny the nippy Ingram.

But, again, it was Verona who found the breakthrough as Adam Russell’s ball looped through to Ben Bosze, who showed good composure to control and stab the ball past the onrushing Browne.

Daly showed excellent agility to adjust his body and dive low to turn away a swerving Bobby O’Reilly shot, while Cromwell was also denied from close range.

Bosze very nearly sealed the win for Verona six minutes from time, only for Browne to turn his shot past the post, while more heroics from Daly turned Jamie Delaney’s furious drive onto the post.



Saints manager Stephen Costello’s last throw of the dice was a triple substitution, with Farry and Saito and Andy McKenna joining the action, and his positivity paid off in injury time.

Saito was involved in a move that saw the ball sit up nicely for Ingram eight yards out, and the midfielder managed to force the ball past Daly and two desperate defenders.

The Japanese striker put Kevin’s in front for the first time in the seventh minute of extra time as he slipped the ball neatly past Daly, and three minutes later he had his second.

Ingram added a fifth with a scuffed effort before half time, and he rounded Daly to bring up his hat-trick before Farry rounded off a slick move with a fine finish at the death.

St Kevin’s Boys: Gavin Browne; Lee McKevitt, Jamie Delaney, Gavin McCabe, Stephen Mullins; Bobby O’Reilly, Eden Burke, Luke Ingram; Stephen Cantwell, Josh Peyton, Jordan Cromwell.

Subs not used: Adam O’Brien, Ben Donohue, Yuki Saito, Adam Whelan, Andy McKenna, Jordan Farry.

Booked: Gavin McCabe (28), Bobby O’Reilly (40), Josh Peyton (70).

Verona: TBC

Referee: TBC.

Attendance: 125 (estimate).

Extratime.ie Player of the Match: Jordan Ingram (St Kevin’s Boys).