- Ryan Kilbane
- Fri, Apr 21 2023
Ryan Kilbane reports from Richmond Park
Shamrock Rovers leapfrogged St Patrick’s Athletic in the table after a convincing 2-0 win in Richmond Park.
Goals from Johnny Kenny and Trevor Clarke were enough for Stephen Bradley’s men who have now won 4 of their last 5 games.
The home side started the brightest in what was a high-quality first half, the first chance of the game falling to Chris Forrester - who was making his 300th appearance for the Saints - after one minute.
Gary O’Neill had the ball robbed on him by Jamie Lennon, who played in Forrester who saw his shot blocked.
Graham Burke had the Hoops first chance as he turned inside expertly after receiving a pass and shot with his weaker right foot, the attempt was no trouble for Dean Lyness in the Pats goal.
Jake Mulraney then had a chance to put the home side in front, another Rover’s midfielder had possession stolen from them, this time Markus Poom. Before the ex-Orlando City wide-man fired across goal but ultimately past the post.
Kenny then put Rovers ahead on the 20th minute the Ireland U21 International ran on to a well weighted Lee Grace through ball before smashing a clean strike past Lyness.
Rovers upped their game after the goal and Neil Farrugia who looked dangerous any time he got the ball at his feet saw his shot blocked after a dribble from deep. The half drew to a close with a chance for each for the sides from corner kicks.
First Daniel Cleary headed narrowly wide from Jack Byrne’s corner and five minutes later Forrester flashed an almost identical effort past the post.
The quality dropped for a period in the second half and the game became initially scrappier.
At 49 minutes the game was stopped after a coming together between Sam Curtis and Burke, the latter receiving treatment but carrying on.
Mulraney looked the most likely to score for Tim Clancy’s men and his shot stung the hands of Alan Mannus just before the hour mark.
Rovers had appeals for a penalty waved away, the lively Kenny tangled with Noah Lewis in the area but Rob Hennessy waved away complaints.
The on-loan Celtic striker then could have had his and Rovers second of the game but for a great save from Lyness. He somehow stopped the striker’s header from 6 yards out when Kenny should have done more.
The Saints had arguably their best chance minute later when the ball broke to Jamie Lennon at the edge of the area but he dragged his effort narrowly wide.
The game seemed to turn at that point as on the next attack, Trevor Clarke stormed forward and blasted a shot into the top corner to make it 2-0 to Rovers. An uphill task was made even harder.
Kenny should have had another in truth before being replaced by Aaron Grenne, the on-loan Celtic striker saw did well to battle in the box after retrieving a deflected shot but somehow dragged the ball wide.
Not needing to risk too much Rovers saw out the game reasonably comfortably limiting Pat’s to half chances. Next up for Pat’s on Friday they travel to The Brandywell to face Derry City while Shamrock Rovers host Sligo Rovers in Tallaght.
St. Patrick's Athletic: Dean Lyness; Anto Breslin, Sam Curtis, Noah Lewis, Jay McGrath; Chris Forrester, Jamie Lennon, Jason McClelland (Conor Carty 72), Jake Mulraney (Carl Axel Sjoberg 86), Adam Murphy (Thijs Timmermans 72); Eoin Doyle (Mark Doyle 72).
Subs not used: David Odumosu, Ben McCormack, Mason Melia, Serge Atakayi, Vladislav Kreida.
Booked: Adam Murphy (59).
Shamrock Rovers: Alan Mannus; Daniel Cleary, Lee Grace, Pico; Trevor Clarke (Ronan Finn 79), Neil Farrugia, Gary O'Neill, Markus Poom; Graham Burke (Richie Towell 90), Jack Byrne, Johnny Kenny (Aaron Greene 79).
Subs not used: Leon Pohls, Sean Hoare, Justin Ferizaj, Gideon Tetteh, Darragh Nugent, Conan Noonan.
Booked: Daniel Cleary (16), Trevor Clarke (33).
Referee: Rob Hennessy
Attendance: 5011
extratime.com Player of the Match: Lee Grace (Shamrock Rovers).
