Buckley hails Sporting players after Cup win

Sporting Fingal manager Liam Buckley paid tribute to his players following their dramatic comeback victory over Sligo Rovers in the FAI Ford Cup final at Tallaght Stadium.

Sligo led 1-0 with eight minutes to go after Eoin Doyle's strike early in the second half and they had the chances to increase their lead as the game entered the final quarter.

However, a penalty from Colm James and an injury-time header from striker Gary O'Neill meant the trophy went to Sporting in their second year in existence.

The cup victory came on the heels of Sporting's promotion to the League of Ireland Premier Division after play-off victories over local rivals Shelbourne and Bray Wanderers of the Premier Division.

'This is just topping it all off to get a result today,' said Buckley.

'On a personal level I was just chuffed to be in the final. It was great. But it is not about me. It is about the players and I am chuffed for them. They have worked hard over the last few weeks.

'They would have been under from the start of the season, bearing in my mind the four or five we signed from the Premier Division.

'But I also have to take my hat off to all the other guys who don't usually get a mention, such as Lorcan Fitzgerald, Robert Bayly, Brian Gannon, Collie James and Philly Byrne. I am delighted for all of them.

'So many people will have enjoyed the day, between our squad, our board, our sponsors and our supporters. This will mean a lot to so many people.

'The lads stood up to the plate and they have done it all season. We have had a few injuries early on, which didn't help us, but they have stuck at it this evening. With ten minutes to go we were losing and to win it in ten minutes is great.'

Buckley admitted that he had been on the verge of switching tactics when Eamon Zayed was fouled by Sligo goalkeeper Ciaran Kelly for the penalty.

He said: 'We had intended to change it a little bit more to try and force it just before the goal. To be honest, I had it all scribbled it on my notes and once we scored I sat down and threw my notes back in my pocket.

'Low and behold, we get a decent ball in the box and Gary gets a decent flick header, which was a fantastic finish.

'I would have settled for extra-time and regroup it. I thought our fellas were looking reasonably okay, but to bag a late goal like that it was always going to be difficult for Sligo to peg one back.'

In the past, Buckley has endured more than his fair share of cup final heartbreak. Three times he was on the losing side as a player and manager. Buckley was, therefore, sympathetic to Sligo and their manager Paul Cook.

'It was always going to be difficult against Sligo. They are a decent outfit and have pushed on since the break. We had a little bit of luck, but we will take it. I have had that go against me before,' said Buckley.

'I feel for Sligo, they probably deserved something out of the game and they will be disappointed coming out losing it over 90 minutes. That's football.

'I played against UCD 25 years ago and we lost in a replay. I have lost two other finals with Pat's and managing Shamrock Rovers, so it is fourth time lucky.'