- Deniese O'Flaherty
- Sat, May 01 2021
Deniese O'Flaherty reports from Richmond Park
Chris Forrester scored a brace and Ronan Coughlan added another as St. Pat's continued their fine start to the season remaining top of the table above Shamrock Rovers on goal difference.
Coughlan, introduced as a half-time substitute, took just two minutes to break the deadlock. Forrester got his first of the game in the 52nd minute with a terrific finish and he grabbed his second in stoppage time; showing his talent.
It wasn't a great performance by the Athletic but that's the sign of a good team, getting wins when they're playing below par.
This was Town's fifth defeat of the season and they drop to the bottom of the table. Defensive mistakes and not doing enough in the final third, have been the main problems this season.
In what was a scrappy first half, chances were at a premium. Both sides had one chance apiece while there were a few half chances. Neither ‘keeper had to make a save of note in the first 45 minutes.
The visitors battled throughout the opening half and didn’t allow the home side much time on the ball.
In the 12th minute Sam Bone got into a decent position but he blasted the ball over the bar. Town went down the other end and Aaron Dobbs hit a shot from just outside the box but Vitezslav Jaros was able to gather.
Dobbs should’ve done better in the 31st minute when the chance fell to him, but he hit his effort wide. Chris Forrester hit a shot in the 44th minute which Michael Kelly got down to claim.
The second half was only two minutes on when the Saints opened the scoring; Darragh Burns crossed from the left and substitute Ronan Coughlan toe poked it home at the far post.
Town came close to replying minutes later but Karl Chambers’ powered his header over the bar from close range.
Pat’s doubled their advantage in the 52nd minute; Coughlan with the pass and Chris Forrester found the top corner of the net with an excellent finish. Town tried hard to get back into the game but Pat’s were able to soak up the pressure.
Town sub Dean Byrne put in a cross in the 86th minute but Rob Manley was able to get a touch to it and it went out for a goal-kick.
In stoppage time Forrester was on target again with a fine finish to make it 3-0. Right at the end Rob Manley's effort went wide.
St. Patrick’s Athletic: Vitezslav Jaros; Sam Bone; Paddy Barrett, Lee Desmond, Shane Griffin (Ronan Coughlan ht); Darragh Burns (Ian Bermingham 57), Alfie Lewis, Jamie Lennon (John Mountney ht), Chris Forrester, Billy King (Ben McCormack 85); Mattie Smith.
Subs not used: Barry Murphy (gk), Nahum Melvin-Lambert, Danny Morris. Kian Corbally
Booked: Sam Bone (44), Billy King (66), Mattie Smith (83).
Longford Town: Michael Kelly; Joe Manley, Aaron O’Driscoll, Joe Gorman, Paddy Kirk (Sam Verdon 57); Aaron Robinson, Aodh Dervin; Dylan Grimes (Dean Byrne 77), Aaron Bolger (Callum Thompson 77), Karl Chambers; Aaron Dobbs (Rob Manley 70).
Subs not used: Lee Steacy (gk), Michael McDonnell, Dean Zambra, Aaron McCabe, Luke Dennison.
Booked: Aaron Bolger (64), Aaron Robinson (87)
Referee: Ray Matthews
extratime.com Player of the Match: Chris Forrester (St. Pat's)
