Report: St Pat's 1 - 0 Galway Utd
Credit:
Ten man Galway United were beaten 1-0 by a superior Saint Patrick's Athletic side who retain their place at the top of the eircom Premier Division table.
The Tribesmen came to Richmond Park with plenty to fear from a Pat's side reeling off the back of their derby victory away at Bohemians last Friday. A tepid opening yielded few chances but the home side drew first blood on eight minutes when Mark Quigley snuck in at the near post to nod a glancing header on target after Stephen Paisley had crossed.
Gary Deegan came closest for Galway on 18 minutes after volleying straight at Pat's keeper Clarke. But the Saints picked up where they had finished at Dalymount last week and worked a goal on 22 minutes, when Gary O'Neill stole in behind the ball watching Galway defence to slide an inch perfect pass into Mark Quigley's path, who made no mistake to slot his first of the season into an empty net.
Galway could have equalised on 32 minutes when Wesley Charles rose unmarked and headed just wide from a corner kick. But Pat's were beginning to find their groove and some neat moves very nearly breached the Galway defence again, most notably on 35 minutes when Alan Kirby picked out Bobby Ryan with a 40-yard pass, who released Gary O'Neill with a deft touch but the striker fired just over from close range. Galway started the second half brightly and Mark Leech was denied a certain goal by Paisley's block after 52 minutes before Bobby Ryan came close to doubling Pat's lead on 66 minutes when his goal bound effort was deflected inches wide.
John Fitzgerald was given his marching orders with just over 20 minutes remaining when he dragged down Mark Quigley who was through on goal just outside the box. The referee appeared to show Fitzgerald a second yellow although Fitzgerald had not already been booked but he headed for the dressing room without protestations.
Pat's continued their dominance and were nearly rewarded when Gary O'Neill sent Alan Kirby through on goal but Gary Rogers was equal to the task and shortly afterwards, Damien Lynch was allowed acres of space by a sloppy Galway defence and had an excellent long range shot tipped over. With 5 minutes to go the Saints defence began to lose their nerve when simple passes and clearances began going a wry and boss McDonnell became tetchy on the sideline.
But they held on for their third successive victory to maintain their unblemished start to the season. Galway will not be completely disheartened and can take many positives from a comprehensive a spirited performance.
St Patrick's Ath: Brendan Clarke; Joe O'Cearuill, Jamie Harris, Stephen Paisley, David Partridge; Alan Kirby, Keith Fahy (Gary Dempsey 77), Damien Lynch, Bobby Ryan (Ryan Guy 81); Gary O'Neill (Glen Fitzpatrick 90), Mark Quigley.
Subs not used: Robert Horgan, Stephen Brennan.
Galway United: Gary Rogers; Regi Nooitmeer, Mark McCulloch (Jay O'Shea 71), Wes Charles (Vinny Faherty 45), John Fitzgerald; Ollie Fenn, John Russell, John Lester, Gary Deegan, Derek O'Brien; Mark Leech.
Subs not used: Alvin Rouse, Ciaran Foley, Jonathan Keane.
Sent Off: Fitzgerald (68).
Referee: Declan Hanney.
