Stokes successfully secures FAI Open draw following Lucan Masterclass
Lucan United secured their berth in the open draw of the FAI Junor Cup following a resounding 8-0 triumph over Clondalkin’s Collinstown FC last Saturday in the Leinster Senior League reports Rory Merriman.
Off the back of a 1-0 victory against Wayside Celtic FC, Gary Stokes’ Lucan United were oozing confidence as they faced Collinstown this week in what was set to be a competitive encounter.
The game got underway at 11am on the STFL all-weather pitch, the astroturf surface rendering the morning rain inconsequential to the style of play in Dublin 22.
In the opening 10 minutes, Lucan struggled to match the intensity of an aggressive Collinstown, dominated in play by robust tackles and a display of immense determination from the home side.
It was but fifteen minutes in when Mark Young of Lucan United found the target with a stunning 25-yard strike, immediately asserting their capability.
The opening goal settled Lucan as they seized control, maintaining dominance for the remainder of the game.
Lucan United progressed to the next round of the cup with an 8-0 win over Collinstown FC
Through unwavering gallantry, Lucan continued to assert their confidence before Clayton Harte found the bottom corner passed an outstretched Greg Murray, netting his sides second just before the break.
2-0 at the interval saw a wornout Collinstown chasing their tails.
But the worst was yet to come.
Super sub, Jermome Chikwaira opened the scoring in the second half to make it three for the visitors just five minutes in.
Following a swift turnover in possession and a succulent one two with teammate, Ryan Hyland, Jordan Hanley secured Lucan’s fourth, finding the target just outside the box.
As if 4-0 wasn’t enough, the Dublin 22 natives persisted in their relentless offence, showing no signs of easing their pressure.
Collinstown defended resolutely, yielding an eventual fifth goal, succumbing to Otthman Meflah’s powerful strike past goalkeeper, Murray.
Emulating Diego Maradona’s slaloming goal vs England in Mexico 86’, Jerome Chiwaira zig-zagged through the Collinstown defence and dinked one over the keeper to secure his second and Lucan’s sixth goal, in what had been a predominantly one-sided affair.
Off the back of a corner Otthman Meflah netted his second of the day.
Hat-trick Hero Chiwaira dribbled passed the keeper for his third, concluding the visitors scoring in the game.
After the referee’s final whistle blew, Lucan United manager Gary Stokes expressed immense pride in his team’s accomplishment, stating, “Building such a strong team in such a short space of time from areas such as Tallaght and Lucan is incredible.
“Despite challenges such as Jerome Chiwaira’s recent arrival from France and players like our left back Manuel Jesus, who has limited English, getting the lads to gel together was brilliant.
“We’re delighted to get into this draw because we really believe we can do something special with this team this year,” Stokes added.
Lucan United’s commanding 8-0 triumph over Collinstown FC in the FAI Junior Cup with a fine display of dominance and resilience is a testament to the strategic guidance and coaching expertise of Conor Duffy and John Markey.
Jerome Chikwaira’s out-standing hat-trick off the bench performance undoubtedly earned him the well-deserved man of the match title, orchestrating an exceptional display that showcased Lucan’s unwavering prowess and determination on the pitch.
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