No penalty as Dougherty takes lead

Nick Dougherty, a Liverpudlian who supports Manchester United, grabbed the lead in the Nissan Irish Open today – and then seconds later saw Paul Scholes’ penalty miss in the FA Cup final.

The 22-year-old will go into the closing round at Carton House near Dublin two ahead of Swindon’s David Howell and tour rookie Oliver Wilson, from Mansfield.

“It was a good day,” said Dougherty, concentrating on the golf rather than the soccer side of things.

“I didn’t hit it fantastic, but I achieved what I wanted to.”

He had been one behind Stephen Dodd at halfway, but the Welshman fell back to joint fourth.

Dougherty lifted his first tour title in Singapore in January. He was two ahead with a round to go there as well and after being challenged by Colin Montgomerie pulled away again to win by five.

“It helps to know I can win. That gives me a lot of confidence,” he added after his 67.

“I enjoy leading – the majority of players like to see their name at the top. It doesn’t faze me.”

Only last September Dougherty, of whom a lot is expected, was struggling to keep his tour card.

He did it with something to spare in the end and stated: “It’s sweet to think I can compete and win – a lovely feeling.

“Last year my mind was everywhere and I would be looking for where I would fall down.

“Now I’m in a good position in my life with a great opportunity to succeed in a sport I love playing.”