There were several Irish footballers in competitive action in both England and Scotland this Saturday afternoon.
English Football League Cup
Championship club Blackburn Rovers included Daragh Lenihan in their starting eleven for their 3-2 home victory over League One Doncaster Rovers. Alan Browne and Sean Maguire started for Championship side Preston North End and Maguire scored as they defeated League Two Mansfield Town by four goals to nil at Deepdale. The visitors are managed by Graham Coughlan and included Ryan Sweeney, Corey O’Keefe and Harry Charsley in their starting eleven with recent signing Aaron O’Driscoll a 64th minute substitute. James McClean started for Championship side Stoke City who played out a scoreless draw with League One visitors Blackpool but the hosts prevailed in the penalty shoot-out although McClean failed with the opening spot kick. The trio of Ronan Curtis, Sean Raggett and Marcus Harness all started for League One Portsmouth who progressed via another penalty shoot-out after they shared six goals with League Two hosts Stevenage in normal time. Curtis opened the scoring for the victors and also converted his penalty in their 3-1 shoot-out success.
Scottish Premiership
Ireland U21 defender Danny McNamara, on loan from Millwall, was named ‘man of the match’ for St Johnstone who defeated Jim Goodwin‘s St Mirren with the only goal at McDiarmid Park. The visitors included Conor McCarthy, Sam Foley and Jamie McGrath in their starting eleven with new signing Dylan Connolly a half-time substitute.