Moore the merrier as Jack's treble knocks out St John’s
Moore United 4 St John's Athletic 0
By John Dingle
Jack Nevin was the hat-trick hero as Moore United dumped fellow RDFL Premier Division team St John's Athletic out of the Challenge Cup at Lecarrow last Sunday afternoon.
Charles Nevin opened the scoring midway through the first half and Jack Nevin doubled the lead close to the break. Moore made it 3-0 just before the hour mark and Jack Nevin completed his hat-trick late on to steer United into the quarter finals.
Moore were looking for revenge having suffered a heavy league defeat (5-1) at the hands of the Saints early this month and were soon on the attack from the first whistle. With their own ground at Falty out of bounds due to ground works, United are using the RDFL headquarters as their home pitch but St John's would also feel somewhat at home there with such a short journey to undertake.
Jack Nevin fired wide early on with goalkeeper Sean Coyle also denying the Moore number seven. Daire Keenan had the Saints' first chance after 18 minutes but the League champions were shocked when Moore took the lead five minutes later.
Keith Reynolds' men had a free kick but in a swift counter attack it was Moore that scored. The free kick was blasted off the defensive wall with the ball then being cleared up field to Charles Nevin, who stayed cool in spite of being outnumbered to fire a low shot past Coyle. It was an amazing sequence of play as defence was quickly turned into attack to devastating effect.
The opening goal gave Moore the confidence they needed and they followed up with Jack Nevin firing wide from the right and soon earning another corner.
St John's were struggling but Daire Keenan give them some hope when having a shot blocked. Moore were intent on adding to their lead and, from Jack Nevin's right wing cross, Charles Nevin headed the ball back across the goalmouth but the danger was cleared. Keenan provided the main danger for St John's throughout but blasted over after 39 minutes.
United were much more clinical when the opportunity arose and they then doubled their lead from another counter attack. Jack Nevin took advantage by twisting and turn on the edge of the penalty area to create the opening for a shot which found the net.
Moore were now in command heading off for the interval but still expected a response from Athletic when play resumed.
St John's had the League and Cup double in their sights beforehand but that dream was soon shattered as Moore looked to rescue their campaign by staying in contention for silverware in knockout competition.
The first chance when play resumed could have seen Moore increase their lead only for them to be denied by the woodwork. Charles Nevin had the opportunity but the post intervened to halt his shot which was slowly rolling towards the goal. The Saints tried to respond but Daire Keenan was again out of luck as his attempt on goal was saved.
Moore all but ended the tie as a contest when they made it 3-0 after 57 minutes. The Nevin brothers linked up again as Charles from the left sent a cross to Jack, who finished off the move when firing the ball past Coyle.
St John's offered little in reply as their League form failed to carry forward into knockout fare. A corner kick before the hour mark came to nothing. Moore in contrast were in hot form with Charles Nevin firing over and another corner following.
The victory was sealed after 74 minutes when Jack Nevin collected the match ball. Charles Nevin was again the provider on the left and Jack completed his hat trick with another smooth finish. Moore earned two more corners either side of a St John's effort which almost lead to a consolation score.
It had been a disappointing outing for the Lecarrow side but they had the chance to take the bare look off the score on the stroke of full-time. Moore conceded a free kick just outside the box from which Daire Keenan took aim but his strike hit off the post. It summed up a miserable afternoon for the local team with Moore, in their adopted home, marching onto the last eight of the cup and keeping their season alive.
St John's, meanwhile, must now concentrate on retaining the Premier Division title, which they have very much within their grasp.
Man of the match: Jack Nevin (Moore United). Nevin took his three goals with some style while providing the Saints defence with some anxious moments any time he was in possession with his close control and trickery.
Moore United: Adam McManus, Sean Fortune, Jayden Tumulty, Shane Dunning, James Fortune, Rian Carpenter, Jack Nevin, Sean Finneran, Charles Nevin, Jay McPhilbin, Andrew Nevin. Subs: Euan Kelly for A Nevin (73 mins); Aaron Hogan for J Fortune (87).
St John's Athletic: Sean Coyle, Robert Keenan, Jack O’Beirne, Brian Francis, Rob Owens, Kevin Brennan, Simon Leonard, Bryan Hughes, Thomas Hurley, Daire Keenan, Conor Devaney. Sub: Daniel Keenan for Francis (47 mins).
Referee: Ultan Beaumont (Athlone).