Bray Wanderers 0 - 4 St. Patrick's Athletic

• Philip O'Rourke
• Tue, Apr 20 2010


Saint Patrick’s Athletic went back to top of the Airtricity League with a comprehensive win against a struggling Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds.

It was a poor display by both sides in the opening minutes with possession given away cheaply and a lot of long balls being played. It was clear that Bray had a game plan to play counter attacking football and try getting the ball up to Shane O'Neill, hoping he could slip past the Saints defence.

It wasn't until the 20th minute when the first chance of the game fell to Vinny Faherty who rounded the on rushing Bray goalkeeper, Brian Kane, but failed to apply the finish.

The visitors did finally break the deadlock in the 27th minute when David McAllister crossed in and former Seagulls striker Paul Byrne headed into the top corner.

Five minutes later Faherty was denied by a great save by Kane as he stood up well. But there was nothing the young goalkeeper could do for the Saints next goal as a Conor Sinnott free-kicked was flicked in off the head of Kenna to double the advantage.

St. Pat's were on the up after that and made it three with a third headed goal, this time from centre half Shane Guthrie. This sent the travelling fans singing chants of 'We are top of the league'.

The Inchicore side made sure the points were safe in the 40th minute when Gareth Coughlan’s 35-yard screamer flew into the top corner.

The second half started off slowly and it was clear that St. Pat's were just playing out the game as they strolled round while Bray were just trying to keep the score down.

The St Pats defence had yet to be tested and Gary Rogers might as well have been over at the burger stand as he barely had a touch of the ball.

With 55th minutes gone Brian Kane saved well from a Coughlan free-kick taken just outside the box. 14 minutes later substitute Alex Williams went clear through but failed to beat Kane who saved well.

Bray did have an attempted shot on goal but Dane Massey's effort went well wide and it really summed up the home sides night. St. Pat's could have made it five but Williams effort was ruled out for offside and so the score line stayed 4-0 and the Saints went marching back to the top of the league.

Bray Wanderers: Brian Kane, Daire Doyle, Dane Massey, Shane O' Connor(David Webster, 45), Colm Tressan, Chris Shields, Dean Zambra, James Kavanagh (Stephen Brennan, 59), John Mulroy, Shane O' Neill, Richie Baker(Robbie Doyle, 50).
Subs Not Used: Mark O'Brien, Pablo Rodriguez.

St Patrick’s Athletic: Gary Rogers, Derek Pender, Ian Bermingham, Conor Kenna (Damien Lynch, 81), Shane Guthrie, Brian Cash, Conor Sinnott, David McAllister, Gareth Coughlan (Derek Doyle, 73), Paul Byrne (Alex Williams, 67), Vinny Faherty.
Subs Not Used: Ryan Guy, Dan Connor.

Extratime.ie Man Of The Match: Gareth Coughlan