National League: There was to be no fairytale start for newly-appointed Dublin City manager Roddy Collins as St Patrick's Athletic collected three vital Premier Division points at Tolka Park last night to leave Dublin rooted to the bottom of the table.
It was a night of frustration for former Bohemians and Carlisle United manager Collins as his team dominated for long periods.
Striker Gary O'Neill put City in front when heading home after 15 minutes at the far post following a cross by Philip Hughes.
Only the excellence of St Patrick's goalkeeper Chris Adamson denied Hughes and O'Neill in quick succession before St Patrick's grabbed an equaliser just before half-time. Aidan O'Keeffe powered home a header at the far post following a free by Dessie Byrne.
Four minutes after the interval Daragh Maguire made the points safe, heading home from eight yards after good work by David Bell on the right.
Late on City substitute Robbie Farrell, on for Hughes, fired against the upright with the goal at his mercy.
DUBLIN CITY: Ryan; T O'Connor, Deans, Griffin, Foy; C O'Connor, Colwell, Tierney, Brennan; O'Neill, Hughes. Subs: Collins for P O'Connor (65 mins); Ennis For C O'Connor (45 mins); Farrell for Hughes (76 mins).
ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Adamson; Quigley, Foley, Maguire, Byrne Dunne, Casey, Bell, O'Keeffe; Sheppard, Smith. Subs: El Kebir, for Smith (68 mins); Knight for Sheppard (88 mins).
Referee: David McKeon (Dublin).
