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Connolly celebrates a goal for Southampton (file photo). Matthew Impey/EMPICS Sport

Irish Eye: Connolly on song as Saints get off to a flyer

We take a look at how Ireland’s footballing exports fared cross-channel this weekend.

Npower Championship

Keith Treacy (Burnley 2-2 Watford) — Keith Treacy had a debut to remember at Turf Moor yesterday. With Burnley 2-0 down, the winger was introduced midway through the second half and proceeded to turn the game on its head. It was his shot which Charlie Austin deflected into the net in the 77th minute. Then, with six minutes on the clock, he popped up to head Ross Wallace’s cross past Scott Loach for the equaliser.

Mark Yeates (Burnley 2-2 Watford) — In the same game, Tallaght man Mark Yeates also made his mark on his first appearance for Watford. Signed from Sheffield United in the summer, the winger looked lively throughout and got his reward when he beat Lee Grant from 12 yards out on 70 minutes.

David Connolly (Southampton 3-0 Leeds) — The former Republic of Ireland international showed that he hasn’t lost his eye for goal, even at the age of 34. He combined with England U21 Adam Lallana in the 52nd minute to round off an impressive opening 3-0 win.

Sean Scannell (Peterborough 2-1 Crystal Palace) — London-born Scannell wasted little time in opening his Championship account for 2011/2012. The 20-year-old got Palace off the mark at London Road when he held off the attention of two Posh defenders to lob Paul Jones from close range in the 33rd minute. He was substituted in the 70th minute after picking up a knock and has been withdrawn from Noel King’s U21 squad for tomorrow’s friendly against Croatia.

Billy Clarke (Hull 0-1 Blackpool)Clarke missed Blackpool’s Premier League adventure last season with a knee injury and was anxious to repay Ian Holloway’s faith when he was introduced with 25 minutes to play at the KC Stadium on Friday night. The 23-year-old was key to Gary Taylor-Fletcher’s 83rd-minute winner, playing a neat one-two which allowed the striker to rifle home the only goal of the game.

Scottish Premier League

Anthony Stokes (Aberdeen 0-1 Celtic) — Stokes’ goal was all that separated the sides at Pittodrie yesterday. The striker linked up with Kris Commons on the edge of the area before side-footing past Gonzalez in the 74th minute.

Jon Daly (Dundee Utd 1-1 St. Mirren) — Daly’s second-half strike earned Dundee United a point, giving the Tannadice outfit a share of top spot in the SPL. He was perfectly positioned to take advantage of Scott Allan’s darting run, finishing the winger’s cut-back from the edge of the six-yard box.

Jonny Hayes (Dunfermline 3-3 Inverness) — The 24-year-old Dubliner grabbed his first of the season in the 3-3 thriller at East End Park, reacting quickest to hammer home Owain Jones’ fumbled shot in the 77th minute.

Darren Randolph (Motherwell 1-0 Hearts) — Randolph made it three clean sheets from three games this season with another assured display to deny Hearts.

Good week for …

Keith Treacy. A goal and an assist on your debut is a nice way to introduce yourself to the home support.

Bad week for …

Sean St. Ledger. Leicester’s summer signing was left on the bench as Sven chose to go with the central defensive partnership of Matt Mills and Sol Bamba for their 1-0 win away to Coventry.

READ - The Departures Lounge: your daily lunchtime transfer round-up >

READ - Glazers could raise £400m in partial United sell-off >

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    Mute carl victory
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    Aug 21st 2017, 5:27 PM

    As a Dub we have had some serious battles over the past 5 years with mayo and I don’t like them but I have huge admiration for them and there players. 50/50 next Saturday really looking forward to it.

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    Mute Frank Cauldhame
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    Aug 21st 2017, 5:36 PM

    It was a very good game, I don’t think the conditions had too much of an effect. Mayo surprised me big time, I sincerely thought they would not be at this stage of the championship after last years heartache but they are and they seem to be getting better with every game. If they had one more forward of the calibre of Moran they’d be very hard to beat. Kerry on the other hand had to rely on their vast experience to counter-act a sub-par performance, are they as bad as they were yesterday or was it just a blip? Anyway, hopefully the replay will be as good a game, look forward as a neutral to another enthralling game.

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    Mute Jake Heenan
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    Aug 21st 2017, 5:14 PM

    Interesting. The Kerry full back line looked like a herd of sheep going into a field for the first time. Maybe a billy could help them out instead of Tomas’ buddy.

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    Mute Vinny Hughes
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    Aug 21st 2017, 6:43 PM

    Agree with some of the analysis but for me Mayo pushed up and hadnt the legs to get back to defend as we will see Tyrone and Dublin will filter back. I thought Moran was outstanding for Kerry. Its 50/50 for the replay but Mayo by one for me so the Dubs can beat them in another Final pg.

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    Mute Rory Murphy
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    Aug 21st 2017, 7:55 PM

    @Vinny Hughes: I didn’t know the other semi final was already played!

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    Mute Mike Daly
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    Aug 22nd 2017, 10:35 AM

    @Vinny Hughes:

    Remember the red HAND OF ULSTER Vinny .your not there to beat anyone yet ,,,!!!!!!!’

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