St Patrick's FPs boss challenges young side to find consistency

Saints boss Johnny O’Brien has challenged his young side to end 2023 on a high, by continuing their fine recent form.

Lewis Lobban’s brace and an own goal secured victory against Harestanes on Saturday, with the manager pleased to see his side stringing together consistent results.

He said: “We have to be happy with the result, given that we have been constantly changing the team over the past few weeks due to players being unavailable for different reasons.

“But we have now made the players aware that we are expecting them to go on a run until at least the turn of the year where we are more consistent with our performances and results.”

For the second week running Saints had a 19-year-old debutant in their line up, with young Joe May, signed on Friday evening from Vale of Leven Juniors, justifying his selection with an assured performance.

Saints could have taken the lead as early as the second minute when Lewis Lobban had a good chance, but he lost his balance at the vital moment and screwed his shot into the side netting, with the goal gaping.

Lobban did not make the same mistake twice when his next opportunity arose in the 18th minute.

Jon Gray started the move off with a sweeping pass wide to the impressive Brandon Carmouche, his directness took him past Smith before delivering the ball into the stride of Lobban who shot home with the minimum of fuss.

Saints had the lion’s share of possession pinning Harestanes back but for the most part they were defending well, limiting Saints to only a few shots on target, so it was a surprise when they lost a simple second goal after 26 minutes.

Rowan’s wicked delivery from a corner was misjudged by keeper Storey who deflected the ball into his own net.

The goal did galvanise