A superb strike from Martin Russell capped off a comfortable night for the National League champions at Richmond Park.

Two defeats with a draw sandwiched in between and seen at made a disappointing start to their season but thankfully for them Finn Harps were in a more accommodating mood.

Harps manager, Charlie McKeever, drafted in Allister McMillan, a new signing from Scotland, into the midfield while striker Jonathan Speak found himself curiously omitted from the squad.

In any case they failed to trouble a St Patrick's side who took the lead on 19 minutes when Eddie Gormley converted from the spot after Brian McKenna had impeded Marcus Hallows.

And then nine minutes before the interval Russell struck from 35 yards following a short lay off from Gormley.

Fergal Harkin reduced the deficit on 56 minutes but St Patrick's continued to dominate with Hallows, part of the Richmond new strike force, hitting the crossbar on 73 minutes and then missing an open goal with four minutes remaining.

St Patrick's Athletic: Wood, McGuinness, Lynch, Broughan, Croly, Gormley, Russell, Doyle, Molloy, Gilzean, Hallows. Subs: McNevin for Molloy (80 mins).

Finn Harps: McKenna, Vaudequin, Boyle, Dykes, Minnock, Kenny, McMillan, Harkin, Hutchinson, Sheridan, Mulligan, Subs: McHugh for Sheridan (55 mins), McLaughlin for Harkin (86 mins), McGrenaghan for Kenny (87 mins).

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin)

Home Farm Fingal took the First Division points when they defeated St Francis 4-2 at Hyland Park last night.