League Report: Longford Town 0 - 1 St Patrick's Athletic

Christy Fagan scored the only goal of the game as St. Patrick’s Athletic claimed their first league win of the season over 10-man Longford Town.

Fagan volleyed home from close range in the 65th minute following a fine St. Pat's move.

It was harsh on Longford Town but not surprising after they had defender Conor Powell sent off just before half-time after receiving his second booking.

The home side had started the game brightly with Town defender Noel Haverty having two early chances: Darren Dennehy blocked his shot in the fourth minute, and two minutes later he capitalised on a Pat’s mix-up but his effort went wide.

In the 22nd minute Kaleem Simon was unlucky to drag his shot across the goal after a pinpoint cross from Kevin O’Connor.

Pat's themselves had chances on goal. Ian Bermingham’s shot just went wide and minutes later Fagan came agonisingly close after good play from Billy Dennehy.

Just before the break Town were reduced to 10 men when Powell was shown a second yellow card for a tackle on Conan Byrne.

Although Pat’s had numerical advantage they didn’t create much in the opening exchanges of the second half.

Town sat back but just after the hour they broke and Josh O’Hanlon ran through on goal. Shane McEleney clearly fouled him but referee Jim McKell failed to punish the Pat’s defender.

A minute later Pat’s broke the deadlock after some good build-up play which saw Graham Kelly knock the ball down into Fagan’s path and he made no mistake from close range.

With the extra man and that goal Pat’s piled on the pressure. In the 75th minute Town keeper Paul Skinner pulled off an excellent save to deny Bermingham from doubling his side’s advantage.

Near the end Town went in search of an equaliser but just couldn’t find the target as they fell to their first defeat of the season.

Longford Town: Paul Skinner; Mark Hughes, Noel Haverty (Pat Flynn 80), Mark Rossiter, Conor Powell; David O’Sullivan, Philip Gannon, Kevin O’Connor (Daniel O’Reilly 46), Kealan Dillon (Jamie Mulhall 74), Kaleem Simon; Josh O’Hanlon.

Subs not used: Ian Molloy, John McKeown, Cian Fay, Karl Chambers.

Yellow Cards: Powell (23).

Sent off: Powell (45).

St. Patrick’s Athletic: Brendan Clarke; Ger O’Brien, Shane McEleney, Darren Dennehy, Ian Bermingham; Graham Kelly, Mark Timlin (Mark Treacy 53), David Cawley; Conan Byrne, Christy Fagan (Dinny Corcoran 80).

Subs Not Used: Pat Kennings, Darragh Mackey, Dylan McGlade, Jason McGuinness, Sam Verdon.

Booked: B Dennehy (28), Treacy (83).

Referee: Jim McKell (Tipperary).

Attendance: 725.

Extratime.ie Player of the Match: Billy Dennehy (St. Patrick’s Athletic).

See a selection of photos from the game as taken by Ciara Maher and Seamus McQuillan, by clicking here.