Dublin play-off hopes dashed by Cats

Division One strugglers Kilkenny City recorded only their second win of the eircom League season today after surprising Dublin…

Division One strugglers Kilkenny City recorded only their second win of the eircom League season today after surprising Dublin City 4-3 at the Morton Stadium.

Kilkenny's win, courtesy of a fine Aiden O'Keefe hat-trick, puts a stop to Dublin City's heartening run of form - four wins in five games - and severely dents their play-off aspirations.

The result is unlikely, however, to save Cats manager Billy Walsh who is expected to stand down at the end of the season. Walsh said this week he would make a decision on his future at the weekend.

The visitors got off to a flyer when on loan St Patrick's Athletic striker O'Keefe found the net after just two minutes.

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Derek McGrath pulled the contest level in the 33rd minute only for O'Keefe to edge the division's basement boys ahead again two minutes later.

The striker completed his hat-trick two minutes after the restart but Paul Crowley pulled one back for the Vikings within minutes.

Alan O'Connor nipped in to put the result beyond doubt 16 minutes from time. Brendan Markey's goal 60 seconds later was mere consolation for John Toal's side.