- Deniese O'Flaherty
- Sat, Oct 30 2021
Deniese O'Flaherty reports from Bishopsgate
Matty Smith grabbed a hat-trick as St. Pat’s secured European football for next season as they made it four wins from four against a luckless Longford Town side.
Smith scored his first goal in the 29th minute and completed his hat-trick in the first minute of second half stoppage time. He also turned provider for Alfie Lewis in the 86th minute.
It was tough luck on a Town side who competed very well but yet again will rue not putting away chances that came their way. They also had two penalties turned down; one in each half.
Town started well with Pat’s ‘keeper Vitezslav Jaros bringing off saves to deny Dean Williams twice. In the 19th minute a header from Williams was saved by the netminder and in the 25th minute Rob Manley played the ball to Williams but Jaros brought off a fine save to keep his goal intact.
Against the run of play, Pat’s took the lead in the 29th minute when Smith scored with a stunning volley. Minutes later Town had claims for a penalty waved away by referee Ray Matthews; Paddy Barrett bundled over Rob Manley but no spot-kick was awarded.
In the 43rd minute Dean Zambra cleared James Abankwah’s effort off the line and from the resulting corner Pat’s doubled their advantage; Robbie Benson took the corner and it was headed home by Smith.
Just before the break Williams squandered a great chance for the home side; Williams connected with Darragh Nugent’s cross, he then twisted and turned before hitting a weak effort wide.
Six minutes into the second half and Town pulled a goal back; Aodh Dervin with the pass to Williams, who looked offside but continued through before getting in a good position to shoot to the net.
Town had calls for a second penalty turned down in the 76th minute when Aaron Robinson’s shot appeared to hit Ian Bermingham’s arm.
For all the possession they had Town couldn’t add to their goal and in the 84th minute Pat’s got their third of the game. Totally against the run of play, again and with their first chance of the second half; Smith became provider for Alfie Lewis who powerfully shot to the net.
Smith grabbed his hat-trick in the first minute of stoppage time; Darragh Burns played the ball across the box and Smith finished from close range.
Longford Town:Lee Steacy; Dean Zambra, Aaron O’Driscoll, Ben Lynch, Paddy Kirk; Aaron Robinson, Aodh Dervin; Rob Manley (Callum Warfield 86), Darragh Nugent (Dylan Grimes 65), Karl Chambers (Conor Davis 66); Dean Williams (Aaron Dobbs 86).
Subs not used: Mick Kelly, Mick McDonnell, Matthew O’Brien, Aaron McCabe, Joe Manley.
Booked:Dean Williams (10)
St. Patrick’s Athletic: Vitezslzav Jaros; Sam Bone, Paddy Barrett, James Abankwah (Lee Desmond 61), Ian Bermingham; Chris Forrester (Alfie Lewis 68), Robbie Benson (Kyrian Nwoko 78), Jamie Lennon; Darragh Burns, Mattie Smith, Jason McClelland (Billy King 61).
Subs not used: Barry Murphy, Josh Keeley, Nahim Melvin-Lambert, Shane Griffin, Jak Hickman
Booking:Matty Smith 75
Referee:Ray Matthews
extratime.com Player of the Match: Matty Smith (St. Patrick’s Athletic)
