Colin Notaro, the former Bray Wanderers striker, scored twice in as many minutes against Garda at Dalymount Park last night to earn Cherry Orchard a hat-trick of Metropolitan Cup successes.
Notaro, who was introduced midway through the second half, took less than 10 minutes to make an impact when he shot past Garda goalkeeper Gary Kelly after cleverly turning a defender.
He scored his second with five minutes to go and Derek Smith then completed the rout two minutes from the end.
Garda had their hands full at the back with Paul Kenny dragging his marker each side of the box in a one-sided first half.
The industrious striker had only three minutes to wait for his first chance but was denied by the woodwork. Kenny's frustrations were compounded when Kelly denied him from the penalty spot after 15 minutes.
Garda: Kelly, McElroy, Schutte, McAuley, Coogan, McCarthy, Mulhall, O'Hanlon, Hearne, O'Brien, Cooney. Subs: Hennessy for O'Hanlon (80 mins).
Cherry Orchard: Barnwell, Barry, Madden, Perth, T Cullen, Curley, McNeill, Blood, Kenny, J Cullen, McGlynn. Subs: Notaro for McGlynn (61 mins), Smith for Blood (67 mins), W Kenny for Kenny (88 mins).
Referee: T McPartland (Dublin).
