Manley proud to enter Cabinteely's record books as play-off run continues

On a night when several Cabinteely records tumbled, Robert Manley wrote himself into the club’s short folklore.

The South Dublin side ended their hoodoo against Limerick FC when they claimed a 3-0 victory on Friday at Stradbrook – having lost all six previous games in all competitions to the Shannonsiders since 2016.

The 3-0 success meant that the White and Greens have defeated every other side in the SSE Airtricity League First Division in 2019 – the only club to do so far this season.

It also took the clubs points tally to a record 43 in a season; most wins league in a campaign (12); most home league triumphs (7) and most clean sheets (10) in a league competition.

Then there’s the record nine lower flight fixtures unbeaten.

To top it all, Manley created a new First Division scoring record for Cabinteely with his first half brace taking his goals to 16 – surpassing Kieran Marty Waters’ mark of 15 set back in 2017.

“It’s a big achievement for myself sand the club; I’m just proud to be doing it for Cabinteely. Hopefully, we’ll just keep pushing on.”

The attacker praised the work of wide men Paul Foix and Daniel Blackbyrne for his two headers against the Munster outfit.

“Foxy and me know each other really well. We know the runs each other is going to make. I know were he’s going to put the ball in. Dan’s was unbelievable. His tackle, his determination to win the ball. His ball in was brilliant. He put it on a plate for me” beamed Manley.

The 21-year-old insists Cabinteely’s collective team spirit is pushing the team on ahead of their Extra.ie FAI Cup clash with Cork City.

“We have to try to get better and better. These are the type of games you want to play in. Cork have been in the final for the past four years. They are going to be up for it. But so, will we. We’re all looking forward to it.”