ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC ultimately overcame UCD by a comfortable 5-0 margin this evening to boost their title bid, as Sligo were beaten 1-0 at home to Dundalk.
However, the game at Richmond Park wasn’t always as straightforward as the score may have suggested, with the sides drawing 0-0 at half-time.
Nonetheless, Killian Brennan opened the scoring just after the break, tapping in after the Students’ goalkeeper Conor O’Donnell could only parry a Kenny Browne header into his path.
Shortly thereafter, Conan Byrne scored a second against his former club, after magnificent build-up play involving numerous passes.
Ireland under-21 international Chris Forrester then made the game safe, chipping the ball over O’Donnell to seal Pats’ victory.
And there was still time for a Jake Kelly brace to make it 5-0 – a scoreline that seemed unimaginable after the first half.
Moreover, the Saints received further good news, as Sligo were beaten by Dundalk at the Showgrounds, thanks to a sole Dane Massey goal.Massey gave his side the lead just before half-time, as his volley narrowly beat Gary Rogers.
Things went from bad to worse for the hosts, as Anthony Elding was sent off for an off-the-ball infringement.
And it could have been even more dire for Sligo, but Pat Hoban struck the post with his penalty, after Rogers fouled Mountney inside the box, before Stephen O’Donnell was sent off in injury time, receiving a second yellow for diving to ensure both sides finished up with ten men.
The loss consequently leaves Sligo five points behind Pat’s at the top of the Airtricity League.
