MK Irish cruised into the next round of the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Risborough Rangers on a wet evening at Manor Fields. Despite heavy rainfall before kick-off, Irish wasted no time asserting control.
Within the opening seconds, Irish nearly took the lead. A swift turnover from kick-off saw Hirst loft a perfect ball over the top to Osei-Addo, who was in on goal but struck his effort straight at the keeper. From the resulting throw-in, Brooks whipped a cross to Coleman, but his header lacked the power to trouble the keeper.
Brito was next to go close after a slick passing move at the edge of the Risborough box. Shepherd teed him up for a clean strike, but it whistled just wide of the post. Meanwhile, Risborough had their first foray forward, but Beecher blocked well after a failed clearance gave the visitors a rare sight of goal.
Irish continued to control the game and Shepherd struck one from the edge of the box that curled away from goal and narrowly wide, then a low strike by Coleman was well stopped by the visiting keeper.
Irish’s persistence finally paid off in the 22nd minute. After a succession of corners, Wright’s header was saved, and in the ensuing scramble, Osei-Addo smashed home to give Irish the lead. He nearly doubled his tally minutes later with a powerful shot that was tipped over by the keeper.
HALF-TIME: MK Irish 1-0 Risborough Rangers
Irish maintained their dominance in the second half, continuing to pile on the pressure. Brito, who was lively throughout, flicked the ball over a defender’s head before firing wide.
The lead was extended in the 57th minute. Brito’s corner found Hirst, who directed the ball goalwards with his midriff and past the keeper to make it 2-0. Risborough, struggling to create, managed a flicked header from a wide free kick, but it sailed harmlessly wide.
In the 69th minute, Brooks picked out Shepherd’s late run into the box with a perfect dinked pass, and Shepherd made no mistake, heading home for 3-0.
Irish continued to press for more. Hunt unleashed a 25-yard strike that was just off target, but the fourth goal came in the 80th minute. Hirst won the ball back high up the pitch and played it to Hunt, whose low cross was met by Brito sliding in at the back post to seal the victory.
Risborough had their best moment late on, producing some nice one-touch passing that led to a forward cutting inside and curling an effort just wide of the far post.
Shortly after, the full-time whistle blew, wrapping up a comfortable 4-0 win for Irish.
FULL-TIME: MK Irish 4-0 Risborough Rangers
Goalscorers: Kelvin Osei-Addo, Callum Hirst, Ben Shepherd, Bruno Brito
Man of the Match: Ben Shepherd
MK Irish comfortably advanced to the next round of the Berks and Bucks Senior Cup with a commanding 4-0 win over Risborough Rangers. Goals from Osei-Addo, Hirst, Shepherd, and Brito sealed the victory, as Irish dominated from start to finish. A clinical display and solid defence saw them continue their impressive form. Irish will now turn their attention back to league action as they welcome Colney Heath to Manor Fields on Saturday 14th.
