Liverpool-based Unibond Premier side Prescot Cables advanced into the next round of the FA Cup Qualifying stages with a 5-2 thrashing of First Division side Kendal Athletic on Saturday, courtesy of a hat-trick from now local hero, and ex-Swan, Karl Connolly. The veteran-journeyman was all set to play a big part for Brian Flynn's Swansea last season, but after a disastrous twelve months in South Wales, the striker was released by Kenny Jackett in the summer. So how exactly did Connolly go from playing against Preston in the FA Cup, to playing for Prescot Cables in the same competition, just six months later?
Signed on a free transfer from QPR in the summer of 2003, Connolly made his debut in the 4-2 opening day victory against Bury. Just days later, Connolly sent a large visiting support delirious as he equalised for the Swans away at Bristol City in the Carling Cup First Round. Unfortunately, these are just about the highlights of Connolly's Vetch Field career...and just five minutes after scoring his Carling Cup goal, Connolly sustained an ankle injury that forced him out - virtually until Christmas.
The Connolly that returned looked slightly unfit and as the ex-Wrexham forward struggled with yet more injuries and form, with his Swansea career passing him by. Connolly was reduced to odd appearances here and there, but did play the first 50 minutes of Swansea's famous 2-1 victory over First Division Preston in the FA Cup. Finally after 12 appearances and two goals, Connolly was released almost immediately after the arrival of new manager Kenny Jackett in March 2004.
Now Karl Connolly is embarking on what will surely be the last chapter of his footballing career, that has seen him stop at Wrexham, QPR, Swansea and, the less glamourous, Prescot Cables. The truth is that after an injury-plagued few seasons at his last two clubs, the striker is just looking to enjoy football again and has chosen to do so back in his hometown of Prescot.
So how has Connolly got on in his new surroundings? He was both hero and villain on his debut in Liverpool, where he scored Prescot's equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Frickley, before being sent off in the second half. Since then, Connolly has helped guide his side to the top half of the division, with goals against the likes of Burscough and Marine. However, Connolly really hit the local headlines on Saturday, when he netted a twenty minute second-half hat-trick to dump Kendal out of the FA Cup.
It would probably take a minor miracle for Prescot Cables to reach the first round proper of the FA Cup and meet the Swansea side that released him just over six months ago. For now, Connolly appears to be enjoying his football at local level and will probably be attempting to forget his nightmare year in South Wales...as he continues to plod on with Prescot Cables!
Signed on a free transfer from QPR in the summer of 2003, Connolly made his debut in the 4-2 opening day victory against Bury. Just days later, Connolly sent a large visiting support delirious as he equalised for the Swans away at Bristol City in the Carling Cup First Round. Unfortunately, these are just about the highlights of Connolly's Vetch Field career...and just five minutes after scoring his Carling Cup goal, Connolly sustained an ankle injury that forced him out - virtually until Christmas.
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Now Karl Connolly is embarking on what will surely be the last chapter of his footballing career, that has seen him stop at Wrexham, QPR, Swansea and, the less glamourous, Prescot Cables. The truth is that after an injury-plagued few seasons at his last two clubs, the striker is just looking to enjoy football again and has chosen to do so back in his hometown of Prescot.
So how has Connolly got on in his new surroundings? He was both hero and villain on his debut in Liverpool, where he scored Prescot's equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Frickley, before being sent off in the second half. Since then, Connolly has helped guide his side to the top half of the division, with goals against the likes of Burscough and Marine. However, Connolly really hit the local headlines on Saturday, when he netted a twenty minute second-half hat-trick to dump Kendal out of the FA Cup.
It would probably take a minor miracle for Prescot Cables to reach the first round proper of the FA Cup and meet the Swansea side that released him just over six months ago. For now, Connolly appears to be enjoying his football at local level and will probably be attempting to forget his nightmare year in South Wales...as he continues to plod on with Prescot Cables!