STONE COLD

Magnificent Mason lays foundation for Pat's success

- BY MARK MCCADDEN

STEPHEN KENNY hailed Mason Melia after the teenager fired St Patrick's Athletic into the FAI Cup quarterfinals and delivered a body-blow to Shelbourne ahead of their bid to qualify for the Europa Conference League.

The teen star opened the scoring seconds before the halftime break, with his 11th goal of the season, while Chris Forrester doubled the Saints' advantage from the penalty spot shortly after the restart.

Pat's fans will now be dreaming of a third FAI Cup success in the last five seasons, having brought the trophy back to Inchicore in 2021 and 2023.

As for their Dublin rivals, they head into Thursday's €3.8million all-island clash with Linfield on the back of a bitterly disappointing defeat - and a huge injury blow.

Goalkeeper Conor Kearns was making his first appearance since he suffered a calf injury in the Champions League qualifier against Linfield, but he lasted just over half-an-hour.

After he stretched to claim a Sean Gannon back-header, Kearns remained on the ground. His discomfort was clear, as he held his head in his hands, and both Gannon and referee Paul McLaughlin waved to the bench for the physio.