St Patrick's Athletic 1 Longford Town 0: Colm Foley's 66th-minute header was enough to preserve Premier Division status for St Patrick's after this hard-earned victory last night. In truth Longford Town will regret a number of missed chances in the first half; but it was Eric Lavine's 55th minute miss that cost the visitors at least a point.

When Keith Fahey was caught in possession, Vinnie Perth presented Lavine with a glorious chance to put the visitors in front; but his effort was blocked by Brendan Clarke.

Showing five changes from their FAI Cup triumph, Longford looked the more threatening in the first half. With 20 minutes gone a move on the right-hand hand side involving Barry Ferguson and Paul Keegan ended with the latter's acrobatic kick forcing a good save from Clarke at his right-hand post.

Longford with Ferguson controlling his defence superbly, pressed in the first half. Seán Dillon's pass found Perth, whose chip over Clarke forced Barry Prenderville to clear off the line.

On the resumption both sides upped the pace. Aidan O'Keeffe's effort from just outside the box forced a good save from Stephen O'Brien in the Longford goal. Lavine's shot was thwarted. St Pat's pushed forward and from Fahey's free on the left, Foley headed home.

The home side held firm from then on; four added minutes were met with disapproval from St Patricks fans; but they held on for another season at least.

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Clarke, Prenderville, Maguire, Foley, Quigley (Casey 80 mins), Quinnless, Donnelly, Fahey, O'Keeffe, Doyle (Knight 94 mins), Markey (Dunne 78 mins).

LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien, Dillon, Paisley (Martin 85 mins), Ferguson, Gartland, Kirby, Keogh, Perth(Baker 85 mins), Prunty, Lavine, Keegan.

Referee: D Hancock (Dublin)