Longford 0
St Pat’s 3
ST PAT’S EASILY collected all three points on the road against Longford Town with Christy Fagan, James Chambers and Aaron Greene sealing the victory, as the home team never really showed the intent to affect the match.
The visitors had the perfect start early in proceedings when Aaron Greene found space behind the Longford defence and with his next touch, picked out Christy Fagan. The striker controlled well and calmly slotted the ball into the corner of the net, with the hosts punished for a lack of communication at the back.
The Town looked for a quick equaliser and their positive intentions nearly paid off when Gary Shaw played through Dean Kelly, who from close range, produced a powerful shot at the goalmouth. However, Conor O’Malley was equal to the effort, getting his fingertips onto the ball and helping it onto the crossbar to the relief of his team mates and fans alike.
Kelly was involved again shortly thereafter, when he returned the favour to Gary Shaw, who failed amid a one-on-one opportunity, as his low shot was not enough to beat the keeper.
St Pat’s then put outcome virtually beyond doubt before the break, when James Chambers scored a well drilled free-kick just outside of the area. His effort found the top corner, with Paul Hunt not even moving before the ball hit the back of the net, giving Longford Town an uphill battle going into the second-half.
The second half rarely had the tempo of the first, with chances few and far between and the away team happy to rest on their laurels. Longford did come close to getting back into the game when Kaleem Simon hit the post.
St Pat’s rounded off their impressive display midway through the second half, when Aaron Greene caught Longford sleeping and guaranteed his side all three points. The Saints consequently continue their pursuit at the top of the table as Longford feel the breath from their rivals firmly on the back of their necks.
LONGFORD TOWN – Hunt, Haverty, Rice, Shannon (Salmon 45’), Shaw, O’Connor, Powell, Sullivan, Simon (Mulhall 75’), Gorman, Kelly (O’Sullivan 75’)
ST.PAT’S – O’Malley, Browne, Bermingham, Hoare, O’Brien, Byrne, Brennan (Langley 78’), Bolger (Morris 64’), Chambers, Greene, Fagan.