Murphy brace aids St Pat's progression to quarter-finals

Wexford Youths 1 St Patrick's Athletic 3

John Murphy scored twice to book St Patrick's passage through to the quarter-finals of the FAI Ford Cup at rain-drenched Ferrycarrig Park.

But the Premier Division high-fliers were pushed all the way by Mick Wallace's amateurs who belied the fact they currently prop up the whole League of Ireland.

Saints started superbly and were 2-0 up inside 20 minutes. And it might have been more but for Youths' 18-year-old keeper Pa Doyle who made three good saves before finally being beaten on 11 minutes.

A loose pass by Youths' midfielder Patsy Malone put Mark Quigley in on goal to round Doyle and slide the ball to the net, depite the efforts of Paul Rossiter to stop the ball crossing the line.

Murphy doubled Saints' lead nine minutes later when scooping home the rebound after Doyle spilled Quigley's stinigng long-range drive.

But Youths didn't buckle and they struck back with a stunning goal on 28 minutes.

Gavin Doyle cut through the Saints' defence from the left to blast an unstoppable shot to the roof of the net from 16 yards.

Saints didn't seal their win with their third goal until 20 minutes from time.

Stephen Brennan whipped over a terrific cross from the right flank and Murphy dived full length to power a header past Doyle.

But Youths didn't give up and within two minutes Furlong looped a header from an excellent Conor Sinnott delivery from a free-kick off the Saints' crossbar.