UCD and Fingal waste chance of victory

UCD, having only scored one goal, against Bray, in their last five games were always going to struggle to hit the onion bag against a Sporting Fingal side aiming for the League summit and continuing a run of eight league games unbeaten since losing on the opening day to Bohemians.

The goalless scoreline in this match does not reflect the number of chances both sides created and squandered. Profligacy in front of goal was the recurring nightmare for each trio of strikers.

Lining up in identical 4-3-3 formations deterred both teams from a passing game as the were matched man for man in centre field, in truth the surface must have also been a deciding factor, as both sides opted for aerial attacks, the home side playing searching balls in the space behind the Fingal back four while the visitors were working off knock downs from Eamonn Zayed and Gary O'Neill

After both sides adjusted to a pitch low in moisture (and high in bobbles and bumps) a flurry of chances ensued early in the first half. Evan McMillan was the first to test Darren Quigley while at the other end, Alan Kirby badly misplaced a chipped effort.

Soon after, Gary O'Neill, turned on a sixpence only to have his shot well blocked by Brian Shortall. From the corner, the ball was worked to former UCD captain Ronan Finn whose low shot flashed narrowly wide. Up the other end Chris Mulhall played an inch perfect ball to David McMillan, but the winger could not round the 'keeper and the chance was lost.

From that point college grew in stature giving the influential Shane McFaul no time to settle the visitors tempo, McMillan then returned the favour for Mulhall with a whipped cross from the right, but the wingers glancing header was wide and out of reach of the lunging Ciaran Kilduff.

Kilduff was lunging again minutes later when he latched onto Peter McMahon's ball clipped behind Kenny Browne, but Dublin 4's leading marksman could only reach it with a toe and the ball sailed wide.

McMahon, along with Greg Bolger were the dominant force in midfield, full of running and passing in search of their pacey front three. But Sporting held firm and steadied the flow unitl half time, but the result was a succession of lofted passes from the back which were capably dealt with by Billy Brennan and his back four.

The second half flowed much the same as the first, with both sides creating plenty of chance's but failing to hold possession for any length of time. The away support grew in voice as the white jerseys had the better of the territory but wasted chances were beginning to look ominous.

O'Neill had the best of these opportunities, a free header after a fine cross from Conan Byrne on the right flank, the effort flew over the bar. Zayed too had a chance to break the deadlock but his last act of the game was to sidefoot wide with a goal seemingly inevitable.

Liam Buckley replaced the ex-Drog on the hour with master finisher Glen Crowe but the former Bohemian's poacher never found himself in possession and facing goal. Shorn of Zayed's athleticism on the left flank Sporting began to inch backways and created few more clear chances, although Byrne ensured crosses kept floating in from the right.

With the clock ticking down Dwayne Wilson broke for the home side on a counter attack, he cut back expertly and played the ball to Mulhall who, continuing the theme of the night, angled his right footed shot over the bar.

The Students have now gone four games without a goal, while gaining plaudits for their style of play, Martin Russell is surely aware of the need for a cutting edge. Fingal are now nine unbeaten in all competitions after the questionable penalty they conceded at Dalymount on day one.

UCD: Billy Brennan, Brian Shortall, Andy Boyle, Evan McMillan, Ciaran Nangle, Greg Bolger, Peter McMahon (for Stephen Roche '90), Paul Corry, Chris Mulhall, David McMillan (for Dwayne Wilson '76), Ciaran Kilduff (for Graham Rusk '83).

Substitutes not used: Sean Harding, Ger Baron.

Sporting Fingal: Darren Quigley, Ger O'Brien, Shaun Maher, Kenny Browne, Lorcan Fitzgerald, Conan Byrne, Shane McFaul, Ronan Finn, Alan Kirby (for Shaun Williams '83), Gary O'Neill, Eamonn Zayed (for Glen Crowe '60).

Substitutes not used: Brian Gannon, Brendan Clarke, Keith Quinn.

Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin)

Attendance: 345

Mutu hit with second drug ban

Adrian Mutu has been handed a nine month ban from football after the Fiorentina striker tested positive for the banned substance sibutramin in two drugs tests which followed a Coppa Italia tie against Lazio in January.

It is the second doping ban for the Romanian star who tested positive for cocaine in 2004. Club policy at, then club, Chelsea meant the £15 million man was sacked on top of receiving a seven month ban. The Blues subsequently pursued Mutu through the courts for compensation to the value of the transfer fee.

The former Juventus man was widely regarded as hitting his best form this season as la Viola pipped Liverpool to a place in the Champions League knockout stages where they were narrowly beaten by Bayern Munich.

This time around the drug found in the Mutu’s system was not ‘Class A’ and unsurprisingly, the former Steaua Bucharest player felt hard done by the ruling of Italy’s anti-doping tribunal. Claiming the sibutramin in his blood was as a result of slimming tablets supplied by his mother.

“I feel this is a harsh punishment,’’ Mutu contested. “It seems too much. I expected less because, yes, the mistake was made, it’s right to pay, but not so much.”

The former Chelsea star has been banned since January 29th so his ban will run through the summer until October 29th.

With Serie A normally kicking off in September; Fiorentina would only be deprived of their star man for two months of the new season, and the club are expected to stand by the player throughout his punishment.

In his statement, an apologetic Mutu was keen to add: “I am sorry for having left Fiorentina without my services for the next few months, both for the club and for the fans.’’

Despite the two months suspended from his sentence, Mutu is expected to lodge an appeal the court of Arbitration for sport in Lausanne, Switzerland. A place his legal representatives are no strangers to thanks to the saga which followed the breach of his contract at Chelsea.

Osbourne free kick give Drog's much needed win

Drogheda United earned their first victory of this seasons Airtricity league, beating St Patrick's Athletic by a goal to nil at Richmond Park. The winner came courtesy of a 93rd minute free kick from 18 year old full back Eoghan Osbourne.

The home side created the better chances throughout the 90 minutes but could not bag the critical breakthrough. The game seemed to be destined for stalemate until United broke out of defence in stoppage time and won a free kick slightly outside the area.

The angle favoured a left footed kicker, but without a goal to his name the teenager looked an unlikely candidate, until he curled a beautiful shot which flew low past Gary Rogers into the corner.

Having won a Leinster Senior Cup tie at this ground last month, the Louthmen clearly held no fear. In the first half, looked the side more determined to pass the ball. Consequently dominating possession and territory, limiting the hosts to sporadic counter attacks. Osbourne excelled in his defensive role too, meaning, the normally effervescent, Ryan Guy's contribution was minimal

The Saints turned up the heat in the second period. With Guy moving to a central role, Brian Cash seemed to have the better of Osbourne until he was substituted on 70 minutes after creating Pat's better chances with his right boot.

Naturally, Drogs boss Alan Matthews was delighted with the three points:

"I would have taken a draw beforehand, and another clean sheet would have been enough positives for us to move on".

"but the goal at the end was a nice bonus" Matthews added.

The warning signs of Pat's first defeat of the season were lit by the early dominance from Drogheda. Although, in a cagey opening spell, a well struck shot courtesy of Robbie Martin's left foot was the closest they came. Their table topping hosts preferred to test the aerial abilities of the canary-shirted defenders, but the exam was passed and Drog's continued to probe and prod at the league's best defence.

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Still the Saints looked most likely to find the net. Guy's cross first found Paul Byrne, who flicked onto Vinny Faherty, who in turn deflected the ball nicely for Brian Cash to smash a half-volley narrowly over the bar.

Cash had the crowd on its feet again minutes later, as he took on the mass of defenders, jinking left, then right and leaving Brian King in knots. However, his shot was too weak to seriously worry Paul Murphy.

As the first half drew to a close, Damien Lynch curled a low cross with his weaker left foot which was slightly out Guy's reach, from an acute angle, the American could only find the side netting. Leaving the home support frustrated by a goalless first half.

After the break, Pat's upped the tempo. Derek Pender sent the American through,, but under pressure, the diminutive attacker could not find the finish.

Cash, switching to a right wing position, began to find room and delivered some pinpoint crosses. Just moments after Byrne headed well over, from a corner came the hosts best chance: Stuart Byrne glancing his header narrowly wide of the post. 

That was Cash's last input to the game as Pete Mahon sent on Gareth Coughlan to add extra pace to the attack. But through Glen Fitzpatrick and Jamie Duffy, Drogheda had an out ball to relieve the pressure.

And what better way to relieve pressure than three points against the league leaders. Who, after a great start to the season are now four games without a win.

St Patricks Athletic: G Rogers, Derek Pender, Damien Lynch, Connor Kenna, Shane Guthrie, Ryan Guy, Stuart Byrne, David Mulcahy, Brian Cash (for Gareth Coughlan 70'), Vinny Faherty (for Alex Williams 80'), Paul Byrne.

Subs not used: Dan Connor, Noel Haverty, David McAllister, 

Drogheda United: Paul Murphy, Brian King, Eoghan Osbourne, Alan McNally, Jamie Harris, Mick Daly, Paul Crowley, Garreth O'Connor, Robbie Martin (for Eric McGill '90), Jamie Duffy (for John Flood 83'), Glen Fitzpatrick.

Subs not used: Paul Skinner, Corey Tracey, Ryan Brennan.

Referee: R Winter

Pats take the spoils from scrappy contest

Two goals in a minute from Ryan Guy helped St Patrick's Athletic to a flattering 3-0 victory over a plucky UCD side who, for long periods were more than the equal of their south Dublin neighbours who remain top of the Airtricity League.

Vinnie Faherty had given Pat's a 1-0 lead on the stroke of half time, and it stayed that way until Guy finished off two counter attacks in quick succession as the clock ticked closer to the 90.

For long periods, this contest lacked quality and was crying out for a player to grab the game by the scruff of the neck. But Saints manager Pete Mahon was eager to highlight the positives as his team sit top of the league:

"Its hard winning one game in this league, never mind three," before admitting "at 1-0 they had a lot of possession and we couldn't close them down quick enough."

But St. Pats never gave Mahon's former charges a clear chance on goal, and after three wins from three, the Inchicore side also have three clean sheets to their name; "Thats what pleases me most; when you win a game and don't concede a goal" beamed Mahon.

The breakthrough came on the stroke of half time with Faherty's text book chip from outside the area after a scrappy UCD throw. Evan McMillan mis-hit a clearance to Faherty's feet, and the striker was only too happy to exploit the space behind the on-rushing 'Keeper Billy Brennan, who could only look on as the ball drifted towards the empty net.

The drizzle that sprinkled Inchicore seemed to subdue the home support. And after the same 11 played just three days previously in the win over Shamrock Rovers, the team mirrored that decreased intensity. Unable to bypass Danny Fallon who shielded his back four to good effect.

Before the opener it was Williams who looked most likely to spark the game alight, his opportunistic turn and volley stung the hands of Brennan. While at the other end David McMillan almost capitalised on some ill-advised back heels from Damien Lynch and Connor Kenna, his pinpoint chip had Gary Rogers stretching every sinew to tip over the bar.

The Students trailed at half time but, on the turnaround, were the most eager to play football, Martin Russell sending his troops out almost five minutes before their hosts. The Saints could not find a way out of their own half, slicing and mis-hitting every clearance and almost every pass, all fluency was lost as the temperature dropped in Dublin 8. But Ciaran Nangle's mis-hit cross was the closest the visitors came to an equaliser, Rogers must have breathed a massive sign of relief as it bounced off his crossbar and away to safety.

The game changed when Sinnott suffered a head injury, just on as a substitute, he went off for treatment and returned with his side counter-attacking. Gareth Coughlan spotted him lurking deep, in space and sprayed a fine ball to him. The midfielder rolled his pass to Guy, unmarked in the box and able to spin and power a shot past Brennan with 5 minutes remaining.

Just one minute later the home side, again breaking away down the left wing, this time through Faherty, who picked out the American, steaming past some dejected blue shirted defenders. The diminutive winger again had time to take a touch and pick a spot in the top corner to put a gloss on the result, and results are all that will matter to Pete Mahon at this point in time.

St Patricks: Rogers, Lynch, Bermingham, Kenna, Guthrie, McAllister (for Coughlan '60), S Byrne (for Sinnott '65), Mulcahy, Guy, Williams (for P Byrne '72) , Faherty

UCD: Brennan, Shortall, Nangle, Boyle, McMillan, Fallon, Roche (for Ward '55), McMahon, Fitzgerald (for Rusk '60), McMillan (for Mulhall '55), Kilduff

Referee: A Kelly

Champions League draw throws out some mouthwatering ties.

The road to Madrid has been mapped out for Europe's top teams after the Champions League draw was made in Lyon on Friday morning.

After big spending Real Madrid were knocked out in the last round, no side will have a discernable advantage in the May 22nd final at Estadio Santiago Bernebeu.

The reward for Lyon, conquerors of los Galacticos, is an all French quarter final against Bordeaux, who usurped the French league title after seven years of OL domination.

The winners of the French quarter final will enter the semi-finals for the first time in their history. And vying for a place against the comparative rookies will be the teams who contested the 1999 final. Bayern Munich will have home advantage over Manchester United in the first leg, and will hope the twin threat of Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery can overcome the Wayne Rooney inspired Red Devils, Though the tie will sandwich what would be a potential league decider with Chelsea for Alex Ferguson's men.

In the other side of the draw, holders Barcelona will face fellow 'beautiful game' merchants Arsenal in a tie which will see boyhood Barca fan, Cesc Fabregas, return to Catalunya. The quarter final is sure to have some added spice amid rumours that the Arsenal skipper is Joan Laporte's primary transfer target this summer.

Jose Mourinho, winner of the competition in 2004, and having dumped out his former employers Chelsea, will take his Inter side to CSKA Moscow. The Russian's were widely seen as the weakest of the remaining eight teams, despite disposing of perennial 'dark horses' Sevilla.

The first leg of the quarter finals will take place on the last days of march with the final four playing off on april 20th and 27th for a place in the may showpiece in Madrid.

It will be the first time a Champions League game will be played on a Saturday night, rather than the traditional midweek fixtures. The move by UEFA is designed to increase viewership and heighten worldwide interest.

Quarter-final draw

Lyon v Bordeaux

Bayern Munich v Manchester United

Arsenal v Barcelona

Inter Milan v CSKA Moscow

Semi-final draw

Bayern Munich/Manchester United v Lyon/Bordeaux

Inter Milan/CSKA Moscow v Arsenal/Barcelona

Subs save Bohemians

Two goals in less than a minute gave Bohemians a 2-1 victory over 10 man UCD at Belfield.

A rollercoaster second half was settled by Pat Fenlon's substitutions as Jason Byrne came off the bench to rifle an 80th minute equaliser.Then straight from UCD's Kick off fellow replacement, Rafael Cretaro collected the ball 25 yards from goal and curled a right footed shot low to Billy Brennan's left.

Greg Bolger gave the Dublin 4 side the lead on 55 minutes, making no mistake from the penalty spot after Ciaran Kilduff, was hauled down by Chris O'Conner as he attempted to dribble around the 'keeper by way of Chris Mulhall's slide-rule pass.

But the hero turned villain when Bolger, having collected a booking in the first half, foolishly kicked the ball away as Boh's looked to take a quick free kick. Referee Tom Connolly showed no hesitation in issuing the midfielder his marching orders.

Despite a bright start from the students it was Boh's who had control in the first half, with, Glen Cronin and Paul Keegan out-manoeuvring the opposing trio of Bolger,Keith Ward and Stephen Roche ensuring Martin Russell's back four had to cope with waves of black and red pressure..

The blue resistance managed to keep the champions scoreless in the first half with the unlikely threat of Owen Heary going closest. First from distance; his shot was deflected over by Andrew Boyle, and shortly before half time when he was close to converting Paddy Madden's corner only to be thwarted by Roche standing on the line.

The hosts efforts to release Kilduff, playing as a lone frontman, were largely in vain and their best outlet of attack was the tricky right winger Mulhall.

Early in the second half Bohemians looked increasingly frustrated, trying to break down the dogged student defence. That feeling was compounded when the penalty was conceded, the large away support groaning with each stray pass.

The small choral section of the home support, who had issued taunts of "theres seven of us and we're louder than you" had found some back up singers, until Bolger's red card stopped them dead in their tracks.

The Phibsboro side piled on the pressure in search of an equaliser and Byrne was sent on in place of centre back Steven Gray. But each cross was met by the commanding hands of goalkeeper Billy Brennan

On a rare counter attack; Glenn Cronin found himself on the left flank, he controlled his goal keepers kickout and his cutback to Byrne was perfectly weighted to allow the veteran striker unleash a powerful strike to the top corner.

UCD did not have long to wait for their heartbreak to be complete as Cretaro, who turned last weeks game against Sporting Fingal into a win, picked his spot beautifully.

A goal and a man down, the obstacles for UCD were now too big to scale and the away support returned Northside singing: 'we are top of the league.' But St Pats efforts in Tallaght will ensure the champions have to wait a little longer before returning to that familiar league position.

UCD: Brennan, Shorhall (Creaney 45), Nangle, Boyle, McMillan, Bolger, Ward, Roche, Kilduff, Rusk (McMillan) 85), Mulhall.

Bohemians: O'Conner, Heary, Powell, Cronin, Gray (Byrne 76), Shelley (Murphy 64), McGlynn, keegan, Quigley, Madden (Cretaro 60), Brenan

T Connolly (Dublin)

Sligo stifle Sporting to earn share of spoils

A smash and grab performance from Sligo Rovers seen them come away from Morton stadium with their second point of the season after holding Sporting Fingal to a 1-1 draw.

Gary O'Neill opened the scoring on 52 minutes for the hosts, collecting a pass from Conan Byrne, he cut inside Gavin Peers from the left wing and feigned to shoot before working the angle a second time to send a precise right footed shot past Richard Brush.

Sligo looked unlikely to threaten but just five minutes after going behind, they were handed a lifeline as Padraig Amond caught Stephen Paisley in possession on the edge of his own box, the 21 year old striker calmly rolled his equalising finish under the advancing Brendan Clarke.

The Excitement of premier division football coming to Santry was evident as 1,267 fans buzzed happily into the Swords road venue up to an hour before kick off. After the whistle blew Fingal mirrored that enthusiasm on the pitch, creating a number of early chances and pressing Rovers backwards The visitors best chance coming as Amond raced onto a high ball from Gary McCabe, but the former Shamrock Rovers man fired well wide.

Shane McFaul was the launchpad to many of the Sporting attacks, his inch perfect passes, picking out Conan Byrne and Alan Kirby as they raided down either flank.

The promoted side came closest through a set piece as Shaun Williams picked out his captain Paisley on the back post, he headed back across goal only to see his effort come back off the woodwork.

But the bit of red managed to get a foothold in the game midway through the half and stifled the hosts until the break. The sole flashpoint of that second quarter was Paisley's powerful header behind the Sligo defence. Goalkeeper Brush raced to intercept and appeared to handle outside the area preventing a certain goal for the chasing O'Neill but referee Neil Doyle waved play on.

After both sides had netted in a five minute flurry of goals, chances were few and far between but it was the home side who went looking for the victory, sending on Glen Crowe to partner O'Neill in a more conventional 2 man attack.

Ultimately though, Sligo managed to hold on for the draw, despite Keith Quinn's late foray forward, working a shot which was deflected before Brush showed good reflexes to save with his feet.

Sporting will hope to record a win next time out when they travel to Bray, while Sligo Rovers will host their nearest premier division neighbours, Galway United, having drawn both their opening fixtures one all.

Sporting Fingal: Brendan Clarke, Kenny Browne, Keith Quinn, Shaun Williams, Shaun Maher, Stephen Paisley, Conan Byrne, Ronan Finn, Gary O'Neill, Alan Kirby (for Glen Crowe '77), Shane McFaul.

Subs not used: Brian Gannon, Colm James, Eamon Zayed, Darren Quigley,

Sligo Rovers: Richard Brush, Paul Whelan, Iarfhlaith Davoren, Gavin Peers, Alan keane, Danny Ventre, Gary McCabe (for John Dillon '70), Richie Ryan, Matthew Blinkhorn, Padraig Amond (for Mark Doninger '90), Eoin Doyle.

Subs not used: Conor O'Grady, Mauro Almeida, Ciaran Kelly.

Terenure advance to Junior Cup final

Terenure College overcame the challenge posed by Clongowes Wood to advance to the Leinster Junior Cup final after a well deserved 20-10 victory at Donnybrook on Thursday.

Tries from winger, Tom O’Brien and prop, Silvio Borza proved the difference on the day while Stephen O’Neill also provided 10 points courtesy of his right boot.

Despite having the perfect start with a second minute try from their dynamic hooker, Dylan Donnellan, Clongowes never quite got a firm foothold in opposition territory and superb defence from Nure continuously scuppered their back-line moves.

After falling behind so early, the holders showed tremendous resolve, controlling the ball and relentlessly testing the Wood defence. Some last gasp tackles, including a try-saver from number 10, William Lappin, ensured that the cup holders had only clawed back three points with half time drawing near.

But soon after, the breakthrough came for Terenure, with fine back play creating an overlap. O’Brien was the beneficiary, evading a desperate tackle from Phillip Maher before touching down near the posts for an easy conversion.

That setback spurred the Kildare School into action and they attacked ferociously until the half time whistle came as lock, Oscar Hassett, became isolated in his lunge for the line, and was penalised for holding on. The Dublin 6 boys survived and went into their half time huddle leading 10-7.

By that stage Nure had gained the upper hand over the opposing pack and, tellingly, demolished a purple and white scrum late in the first half. Vast chunks of time spent without the ball were beginning to tell for the boys from Clane.

Nure number eight, Harrison Brewer provided an invaluable ball carrying outlet for his team, and he was harshly adjudged to be held up after he forced his way over the line early in the second half. But the power of the scrum he anchored ensured the Wood defence was creaking and it was Borza who got his hand to the ball under the posts to earn, what would prove to be, a decisive 10 point margin.

Clongowes hooker, Donnellan, who gained his early try from turnover ball outtside his opponents 22, was the main threat to the Dublin school’s defence. But as the clock ticked down Lappin narrowed the gap to seven points via a penalty, but could only send his troops from one side to the other time and again searching for a gap in the Nure defence.

Ultimately the search proved fruitless, and it was O’Neill who had the final say as he sealed his sides victory by drilling over a last minute penalty to make the final score 20-10.

After a 20 year wait before lifting the cup last year, Terenure College will face St Micheal's in the March 21st final, aiming for an incredible two in a row having beaten the same opponents 12 months ago.

Terenure: Ronan Church, Neil O’Conner, Stephen O’Neill, Robbie Carroll, Tom O’Brien, Jordan Lynch, Gary Clarkin, Silvio Borza, Joseph Carroll, Kevin Colgan, Mike Murphy, Rob Somerville (capt.) Niall O’Sullivan, Paddy Thornton, Harrison Brewer.

Replacements: Conor Dignan, Tiernan Creagh, Eoghan Haddock, Stephen Gaffney, Robbie Murphy, Jimmy McCormack, Hilary Nwankwo.

Clongowes Wood: Cillian Burke, Alan Jeffares, Jack Murphy, Daniel O’Sullivan, Arthur Linnane, William Lappin, Philip Maher, David Garty, Dylan Donellan, Jonathan Inglis, Matthew White, Oscar Hasset, Sean Quinlan, Alex Dudeney, David Doyle (capt.)

Replacements: Ben Osbourne, Conor Bracken-Price, John Francis Martin, Cormac Gillick, Iain Brady, Jim O’Shea, Mark Jones.

Referee: Brian Montayne

A Brace from Wayne Rooney extinguished all hope of AC Milan progressing to the Champions League quarter finals as they were hammered 4-0 by Manchester United (7-2 on aggregate) inspired by the Englishman who has now scored 30 goals for the season.

All the build up to this Old Trafford hosted second leg was of the return of David Beckham, But by the time ‘goldenballs’ came off the bench, Rooney (who could well be the next winner of the Ballon d’ or) was ready to depart having helped his team to a 3-0 lead.

His first came after just 12 minutes when Gary Neville clipped an inch perfect cross, reminiscent of his former room-mate, for Rooney to rise above Daniele Bonera and powerfully angle yet another header into the net leaving the Italians needing three to advance. It remained that way at half time with Alex Ferguson giving his players the message: “They (Milan) have to chase and if we can get a second goal it’ll kill the tie”.

Even the Scot couldn’t have imagined that killer goal would come as soon as the 46th minute when Nani broke down the left wing and with the outside of his right boot curled a perfectly weighted ball to the edge of the area for Rooney to race onto and deftly touch it past Abbiati who cut a disconsolate figure by the time this match ended.

Ji Sung Park was second only to Rooney in inspiring the victory, and it was he who wrapped up the tie when the crowd, as they had done all night, urged Scholes to shoot, he looked willing to oblige but instead played a terrific disguised pass into the Korean, who duly controlled and shot on the angle into the far corner of the Milan net.

Rooney was the difference between the sides in an opening period where both created good chances. But the Premier League’s marksman was the most clinical striker on view.

After 20 minutes just as they had done in the San Siro, Leonardo’s side trailed off and settled into a more comfortable tempo which would give them little chance of overcoming their athletic opponents.

As the game lulled into a rhythm, Mathieu Flamini paused for a second on his own 18 yard line, perhaps caught in the headlights, as Scholes was in the process of launching an uncompromising slide tackle from what seemed like 10 meters away. The Frenchman just about passed horizontally in time to see the ginger maestro steam past, luckily for all concerned, he made no contact with man or ball.

That wonderful cameo aside, the pace of the games second quarter coupled with the build up in the English Media, meant some onlookers could have been forgiven for mistaking this for a David Beckham testimonial rather than the knockout phase of the worlds best football competition. But the Red Devils emerged from the dressing room with renewed purpose to wheel the Diavolo Rossoneri into footballs old folks home.

With the game won, the Stretford end had no-reason to fear the introduction of their former hero after the hour mark, the 34 year old was greeted by chants of: “theres only one David Beckham” and ironic boo’s whenever the free kick specialist touched the ball.

That was the signal for Ferguson to put Rooney back into cotton wool as both sides played the remainder of the game out with only the score-line still to be contested.

And that meant another battle lost by the visitors as they again could not deal with United’s crossing prowess allowing Darren Fletcher to ghost to the back stick to nod home Rafael’s cross to round up the scoring at 4-0.

Man Utd: Edwin Van Der Sar, Gary Neville, Rio Ferdinand, Nemanja Vidic, Patrice Evra, Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes, Ji Sung Park, Luis Nani, Antonio Valencia, Wayne Rooney.

Subs: Kuszcsak, Rafael, Evans, Gibson, Obertan, Diouf, Berbatov

AC Milan: Christian Abbiati, Ignacio Abate, Thiago Silva, Daniele Bonera, Marek Jankulovski, Mathieu Flamini, Andrea Pirlo, Massimo Ambrosini, Klass Jan Huntelaar, Ronaldinho, Marco Borriello

Subs: Dida, Zambrotta, Favalli, Gattuso, Beckham, Seedorf, Inzaghi

Ref Massimo Busacca

Guy inspires Supersaints to flying start

St. Patrick's Athletic made a solid start to the season with a 2-0 win over 10-man Galway United at Richmond Park. A result made more satisfying after the Tribesmen won all four league encounters between the sides last season.

But this is a new campaign and the Airtricity League began with a bang in Inchicore as Ryan Guy took just eight minutes to open his account. Latching onto a perfectly weighted Stuart Byrne pass, the American smashed a left foot drive high inside the near post and past former saint, Barry Ryan. Cue chants of "We are top o the league" from the fervent support behind the goal.

The small band of Galwegians in the opposite end were understandably less vocal. And they're mood must have sank further when, 10 minutes after conceding, midfield play-maker Stephen O'Donnell was shown a second yellow card for a dive on the halfway line as he looked to counter attack.

But the saints were unable to force home their man advantage until midway through the second half when Jamie McKenzie could only head Gareth Coughlan's cross into the path of Striker Alex Williams, who coolly slotted home with his right foot.

Pat's assistant manager; John Gill had noted pre-match that "Sean Connors' teams are always hard to break down" and evidence of that was in plain view after O'Donnell's first half dismissal. The former Dundalk manager reshuffled his pack and knocked his hosts well out of their rhythm. Symptomised by the normally controlling Byrne, being caught in possession by striker, Jason Molloy on halfway.The fervor of the opening exchanges were replaced by groans before the two sides went in at half time with the score 1-0.

The Tribesmen were hampered by a lack of numbers but a sterling work rate from he front pairing of Molloy and Karl Sheppard kept Pats' back four honest. Sheppard in particular, who took up the task of right winger when defending and reverting to centre forward when his side were on the attack.

Stars of the show for the Saints were wingers Gareth Coughlan and Guy who provided constant threat on the flanks, the Californian also providing an aerial threat which made a mockery of his five foot seven inch frame.

Ultimately however, the men in maroon, shorn of O'Donnell, rarely troubled the home sides goal and Gary Rogers only difficult task of the night was dealing with a handful of back passes, one of which sliced off his boot and went behind for a corner.

But as the clock wore down both teams seemed to accept that the result was no longer in doubt and Pats could have stretched their lead but former Tribesman Vinnie Faherty and Gareth Coughlan could not find the target with headers.

St Patrick's Athletic:

Gary Rogers, Damien Lynch, Connor Kenna, Shane Guthrie, Ian Birmingham (for Derek Pender 85), Ryan Guy, Stuart Byrne, David Mulcahy, Gareth Coughlan (for Brian Cash, 71), Alex Williams, Vincent Faherty ( for Paul Byrne 81).

Subs not used: Dan Conner, David McAllister

Galway United:

Barry Ryan, Seamus Coneely, Thomas Heary, Jamie McKenzie, Rhys Meynell, Gary Curran, Ciaran Foley (for James Craney 85), Stephen O''Donnell (red card 18 mins), Jason Molloy (for Cian Mc Brien 65), Karl Sheppard, Derek O'Brien.

Subs not used: Tom King, Paul Sinnott, Seamus Friel

Referee: Padraig Sutton