Russell retains eye for goal

Martin Russell scored twice to end any pretentions non-league Wayside Celtic had of causing an FAI Cup shock at Richmond Park last night.

Russell, who scored when restored to the team after a three-month absence in their last match at Finn Harps, retained his eye for goal with strikes in each half to see the Premier Division side safely through.

Any jitters the home side may have had were eased by 23 minutes when they deservedly took the lead. Mark Weir's error from a Ger McCarthy cross presented the ball to Russell who drilled it under goalkeeper Alan O'Sullivan. Wayside might have been level within three minutes, but team-mate, Jimmy Hobson, got in the way of a goalbound shot from Alan Byrne. Hobson then turned Colm Foley only to shoot into the sidenetting a minute before the break. Russell's unintentional second goal on 54 minutes killed off Wayside's challenge. Liam Kelly made the goal with a burst through the middle to lay the ball off to Russell's whose misshit cross sailed over O'Sullivan and into the net.

Wayside midfielder Alan Byrne was then sent off following two yellow cards within three minutes.

Russell provided the corner for Foley to head home St Patrick's third goal on 73 minutes.

Alan McHugh got Wayside's consolation goal with a longrange chip on 86 minutes before substitute Michael Holt added St Patrick's fourth.

St Patrick's Athletic: S. Kelly; Croly, Maguire, Foley, Burke; Byrne, Osam, Griffin, Russell; L. Kelly, McCarthy. Subs: Harris for McCarthy (44 mins), Holt for L. Kelly (74 mins), R. McGuinness for Griffin (81 mins).

Wayside Celtic: O'Sullivan; Weir, Simpson, Martin, Roche; Webb, McHugh, A. Byrne, Synnott; Callaghan, Hobson. Subs: P. Byrne for Synnott (56 mins), Grimes for Weir (78 mins), Flynn for Webb (83 mins).

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin)