CHRIS FORRESTER SCORED a hat-trick at Richmond Park tonight as St Patrick’s Athletic routed Shelbourne 4-0.
The defeat sends Alan Mathews’ side to the bottom of the Airtricity League on goal difference below UCD. Both sides have accrued just a single point after eight games.
As the game threatened to enter the break scoreless, Pat’s struck having dominated possession in the early stage.
The home side’s exciting attacker, Forrester, hitting a firm close-range shot which Ger Hanley couldn’t push wide of the post.
Three minutes after the break, Forrester added an assist to his name as he flicked on Killian Brennan’s corner for Conan Byrne to double the lead.
With Shelbourne still searching for a goal away from Tolka Park this season, that all-but sealed the game. But Forrester’s contribution was only at the half way point.
In the 53rd minute, the midfielder took aim from 25 yards and curled a wonderful effort into the top corner.
With just over 1,200 in attendance in Inchicore, the visitors had no opportunity to rest easy, especially with the knowledge that a fourth would pin them into 12th position.
Bobble
That inevitable goal arrived with eight minutes remaining; but while his second was all his own craft, Forrester had the turf to thank for the match ball.
Once more he took aim outside the area and the low shot bobbled off the grass and sneaked around Hanley who despite making some stunning saves during the game, must end the night feeling he should have done better with two of Forrester’s goals.
