EA Sports Cup Report: Dundalk 0 - 1 St Patrick's Athletic (AET)

St Patrick’s Athletic produced the ultimate smash-and-grab victory over Dundalk at Oriel Park on Monday night, as the EA Sports Cup holders marched into the quarter-finals, winning 1-0 after extra-time.

Dundalk, who bossed the match and kept possession for lengthy spells, will feel aggrieved to have been eliminated from the competition they won two seasons ago, but only have themselves to blame after some wasteful finishing.

Stephen Kenny made eight changes from the side that narrowly defeated Sligo Rovers last Friday while his counterpart Liam Buckley made a total of seven changes from their 4-0 thrashing of Wexford Youths.

The Lilywhites made a bright start to the game with Michael O’Connor, who was impressive throughout, heading just over from a John Mountney corner while St Pat’s had a similar opening moments later when Ian Bermingham, playing in an unfamiliar role at left-midfield, also headed over from Michael Barker’s cross.

And it was the visitors who created the first real chance of the match when Sam Verdon’s 20-yard effort was excellently saved by stand-in keeper Gabriel Sava.

In stark contrast, Brendan Clarke almost gifted Dundalk the lead after he was caught out by Robbie Benson. However, Clarke quickly redeemed himself when a great ball by Mountney set Georgie Poynton off on a run, but he couldn’t find a way past the St Patrick’s Athletic keeper. Benson was next to test Clarke, after he powered his way through the St Pat’s defence and had a shot which was easily saved.

Next Lee Desmond almost put the ball into his own net moments later when he intercepted a Mountney cross, but was relieved to see that Clarke had gathered.

Poynton, latching onto a through ball from Benson, had the best chance of the first half after his rasping 30-yard shot rattled the crossbar. The rebound fell to Ciaran Kilduff, who forced yet another fine stop from Clarke and the resulting corner was headed off the line by Desmond.

Clarke again came to St Pat’s rescue on the stroke of half-time, saving again from Kilduff following a neat interchange between Benson and Mountney.

The second half started much like the first with Dundalk dictating the play and Michael O’Connor created the first chance of the second period, exquisitely turning before unleashing a shot which was well saved by Clarke with Kilduff going close from the rebound.

St Pat’s were dealt a huge blow on 65 minutes when the impressive Clarke was forced off with an injury and replaced by veteran keeper Pat Jennings, and the club’s reserve shot-stopper was called into action almost immediately, saving a header from Dundalk captain on the night Paddy Barrett.

Dundalk were at this point pressing high up the pitch but couldn’t find a way past the St Pat’s rearguard, though the introduction of David McMillan made them look more threatening in front of goal. McMillan had a couple of half-chances before his shot was saved by Jennings right at the end of the 90 minutes, though no corner was awarded as the Oriel Park faithful grew restless.

The match ultimately went into extra-time and both teams appeared to be tiring, though Dundalk still looked the far more likely to make the breakthrough. Dane Massey made an incisive run, cutting inside the St Pat’s penalty area before forcing an impressive save from Jennings and with their backs against the wall, it seemed as though the side from Inchicore were more than content with penalties.

However, Oriel Park was stunned into silence five minutes from the end when defender Rory Feely scored from a Conan Byrne free-kick after his initial effort was saved by Sava.

Desperate for an equaliser, Dundalk started to throw more bodies forward and McMillan headed wide from a Daryl Horgan cross before Mountney missed a great opportunity with the last kick of the match.

Dundalk: Gabriel Sava; Sean Gannon, Paddy Barrett, Dane Massey, Shane Grimes (Andy Boyle 106); John Mountney, Georgie Poynton, Chris Shields, Michael O’Connor (Daryl Horgan 85); Robbie Benson, Ciaran Kilduff (David McMillan 68).

Subs not used: Gary Rogers, Keith Dalton, Jake O’Connor, Anton Reilly.

Yellow Cards: None.

St Patrick’s Athletic: Brendan Clarke (Pat Jennings 65); Michael Barker, Rory Feely, Shane McEleney, Lee Desmond; Dylan McGlade, Sam Verdon, Keith Treacy (Mark Timlin 46), Ian Bermingham; Jamie McGrath, Dinny Corcoran (Conan Byrne 97).

Subs not used: Sean Hoare, David Cawley, Darragh Markey, Jack Bayly.

Yellow Cards: None.

Referee: Paul Tuite

Attendance: 1,000 (estimate)

ExtraTime.ie Man of the Match: Michael O’Connor (Dundalk)

You can see Michael P Ryan and Larry McQuillan's pictures from the game here.