St. Patrick's Athletic 2 - 1 Bohemians

Former Bohemians striker Christy Fagan was the hero for St Patrick's Athletic as his late double saw the Saints take all three points against the Gypsies in Inchicore on Friday night.

Fagan struck on the 82^nd minute cancelling out Daniel Joyce's wonderful 10th minute goal before scoring again on the 94^th to grab a late victory.

St. Patrick's Athletic had the game’s first real chance on the 7^th minute. A clever corner kick routine resulted in the ball reaching John Russell but from ten yards out he screwed his attempt wide of the goal.

Minutes later and the deadlock was broken. Bohemians central midfielder Daniel Joyce took possession of the ball 25 yards from goal and drove a shot into the top right corner despite the efforts of Brendan Clarke in the Pats goal.

The home side took control of the game after the opener. Ian Bermingham and Chris Forrester looked enterprising down both wings, and Darren Meenan had a chance but his low effort was easily saved by Craig Sexton.

After a goal stopping clearance from St Pat's Derek Pender, his teammate Luke Byrne seemingly handled Chris Forrester's goalward drive.  John Russell, Greg Bolger and Fagan were then all denied in quick succession by saves from Bohs keeper Craig Sexton.

Pats kept plugging away and soon after Craig Sexton got his wires crossed, allowing a Darren Meenan cross to loop over him and bounce off the post. Kevin Feely was on hand to clear the danger.

As the half wore on, however, St Pat’s threat began to decrease. They looked more comfortable knocking the ball around the midfield, and couldn’t find an opening in a Bohs defence that was growing into the game.

Just before the teams went in for the half time recess, Kevin Feely went in high on Ger O’Brien, who remained down injured. Despite the harsh tackle, it seemed as if Feely slipped into the challenge, thus only receiving a yellow card.

The supporters of both sides clearly have opinions on the developments this week involving the withdrawal of Monaghan United from the league. Fans of both teams displaying flags airing their opinion on the situation.

Bohemians seemed happy to hold what they had and for the most part of the second half St Pats were unable to break through the Gypsies barricades. Chris Forrester had a number of chances but failed to threaten the goal.

The introduction of James Chambers and Dean Kelly changed the game. Both St Pats goals came from Christy Fagan, but the midfield play of James Chambers started both moves. Firstly, he fed Dean Kelly on the 82^nd minute, whose shot came back off the crossbar for Fagan to smash home.

Before St Pats could win the game however, Dave Scully managed to get himself sent off for a second bookable offence.  His challenge on Ger O’Brien seemed weak, but referee Alan Kelly deemed it bad enough for a second yellow.

Then, just as it seemed to be over, James Chambers bustled his way through the Bohs backline to fire a shot at goal, which was blocked by Keith Buckley’s arm. Referee Kelly awarded a corner instead.  The resulting corner was cleared, and when Sean O’Connor swung the ball back in, Christy Fagan was there to nod home.

St. Patrick's Athletic: Brendan Clarke; Ger O’Brien, Conor Kenna, Kenny Browne, Ian Bermingham; John Russell, Greg Bolger, Jake Carroll (James Chambers, 67) ; Christopher Forrester (Dean Kelly, 80), Christy Fagan, Darren Meenan (Sean O’Connor, 60).

Subs Not Used: Barry Murphy, Aidan Price, Jake Kelly, Pat Flynn.

Bookings: None.

Bohemians: Craig Sexton; Derek Pender, David Mulcahy, Kevin Feely, Luke Byrne; Keith Buckley, Adam Martin (Stephen Traynor, 46), Ryan McEvoy, Danny Joyce (Roberto Lopes, 80), Karl Moore (Dinny Corcoran, 46); Dave Scully.

Subs Not Used: Andy McNulty, Keith Ward, Michael Barker, Peter McMahon,

Bookings: Scully (42), Feely (45).

Sent off: Dave Scully (90) - two yellows.

Referee: Alan Kelly.

Attendance: 1,462

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Christy Fagan (St Pats Ath).