Leacy confident of big upset for Cork
THE irony was not lost on Lee Steacy as he summarised his first League of Ireland start in 27 months.
His one and only other outing to date came, coincidentally, at Dalymount Park as he deputised for a banned goalkeeper and recorded a shutout for Bohemian against Bray Wanderers. That was the 23rd of May, 2015.
Fast forward to the fourth of August, 2017 and Steacy is seizing on Peter Cherrie’s suspension to grab his second league start and second clean sheet but this time it’s against Bohemians in the Phibsborough venue.
The opportunity for Steacy arose as Cherrie, equalling a club record for consecutive league appearances, was dismissed in the second half against Finn Harps meaning that the record would not be broken. Whilst not overjoyed to see a colleague and friend miss out a chance to make club history, Steacy knows beggars can’t be choosers.
“I have waited over two years to make my second league appearance so hopefully it’s not that long again, but yeah well worth it when you cap it off with a clean sheet.
“Bittersweet under the circumstances really it would have been nice for him to beat the record but that’s a real achievement to even equal it. Anthony Buttimer must like me though because he’s the one (referee) who sent Dean Delany off for me to make my debut for Bohs v Bray.”
Despite their rivalry, Steacy and Scot Cherrie enjoy a very healthy relationship. The pair have a new member of their clan now with Ryan Coulter signing last week. The hometown boy, son of crooner Phil Coulter, has plans to emigrate to the USA next month but has signed on the dotted line until then.
“Peter and I have a brilliant relationship. We work really hard together and always enjoy ourselves. He was really happy for me last night and gave me some kind words and support over the last couple of days which I’m very grateful for.
“I was surprised (when Coulter signed). Ryan trained with us a lot in pre-season and is off to the ‘States in September, so I wasn’t sure if he was coming in to do a bit or potentially challenge to play.
However I did get a phone call before it was due to happen to see if I knew.
But it made no difference I just worked as hard as ever and knew I deserved my chance so I’m glad to have got it.”
Steacy doesn’t know whether he’ll be between the posts or on the bench for Cork City’s visit to the Carlisle Grounds on Saturday but either way, the 24-year old envisages a Cup upset on the cards.
“Whether it’s Peter or myself in goal v Cork I’m fully convinced and confident we can get the result we want here. Both our games v Cork have been really tight with Sean Maguire being the real difference. Hopefully there’s a big crowd with the match being a Saturday and please God we do the business!
“No doubt we can especially if we defend like we did against Bohs”.