League Report: UCD 1 - 2 St Patrick's Athletic

Seán O’Connor reports from the Belfield Bowl.

St Patrick’s Athletic picked up their first league victory since March on Monday evening, as Joe Redmond’s injury time strike lifted The Saints to third.

St. Pat’s came into the game in a poor run of form. Tim Clancy’s side have not won in the league since the two sides met at Richmond Park in March.

UCD have been bottom of the league since the opening game, although they have held Shelbourne, Bohemians and Sligo Rovers to home draws in recent weeks.

St Pat’s held the majority of possession in the opening 45 minutes. Jason McClelland’s free kick on ten minutes failed to trouble Kian Moore, who was making his debut for the Students.

Ronan Coughlan and Darragh Burns had early half chances for the visitors. Colm Whelan had two efforts in two minutes midway through the half, as his driving shot was well blocked before the Ireland Under-21 star rolled a free kick to the left and wide.

Chances were at a premium as UCD’s defence remained strong throughout the half. Tunde Owolabi’s header rolled wide just before the break after Moore misjudged a catch.

UCD were extremely lucky to enter half time with eleven still on the pitch, as Sean Brennan evaded a second booking after fouling Mark Doyle on the stroke of half-time.

Brennan was replaced at the break by Ireland Under 21 Liam Kerrigan, while Donal Higgins came in for Adam Verdon.

Coughlan’s shot was well blocked five minutes after the break, as St Pat’s began to turn the screw and send cross after cross into the UCD box. The Students held firm and dealt with the onslaught, with Sam Todd and Michael Gallagher shining in particular.

It was the visitors who took the lead against the run of play with 20 minutes left. Substitute Dylan Duffy’s powerful effort was parried by Anang, and Whelan was first to the rebound to put the Students in front.

Andy Myler’s side only led for five minutes, however. Kerrigan brought Ben McCormack down inside the area and Eoin Doyle stepped up to take the penalty. Moore produced a superb stop to deny Doyle, but McCormack was first to pounce on the rebound to equalise.

Billy King’s effort crashed off the crossbar, but Joe Redmond was to the hero. He got on the end of a late cross to put The Saints ahead in injury time.

Andy Myler’s side play leaders Derry City on Friday night, while St. Pat’s host Finn Harps to Richmond Park.

UCD: Kian Moore; Luke Boore, Michael Gallagher, Evan Osam, Sam Todd; Sean Brennan (Liam Kerrigan 46), Evan Caffrey (Mark Dignam 64), Eoin Farrell (John Ryan 71), Adam Verdon (Donal Higgins 46); Lennon Gill (Dylan Duffy 53), Colm Whelan.

Subs not used: Lorcan Healy, Ryan Bowden, Adam Lennon, Alex Nolan.

Booked: Adam Verdon (44), Sean Brennan (45), Sean Brennan (45).

Sent off: None.

St. Patrick's Athletic: Joseph Anang; Jack Scott, Joe Redmond, Tom Grivosti, Ian Bermingham; Jason McClelland (Ben McCormack 71), Chris Forrester, Darragh Burns (Billy King 64); Tunde Owolabi (Eoin Doyle 64), Mark Doyle, Rónán Coughlan (Adam O'Reilly 81).

Subs not used: David Odumosu, James Abankwah, Anto Breslin, Ben Curtis, Kian Corbally.

Booked: None.

Sent off: None.

Referee: Damien MacGraith.

Attendance: 1200

extratime.com Player of the Match: Chris Forrester