ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC 1, SLIGO ROVERS 0 An early strike from Chris Forrester – and a terrific stoppage time save from Brendan Clarke – made it eight straight home league wins for St Pat's.
In truth, though, it should have been a more comfortable victory than the scoreline suggests for Liam Buckley’s champions as Sligo finished with 10 men.
With James Chambers orchestrating their midfield, St Patrick’s started positively. Forrester shot wide early on before a bit of magic from Mark Quigley saw him beat two defenders and force an awkward save from Gary Rogers with a low drive to the near post.
The home side’s dominant start duly brought its reward on 18 minutes with what proved the decisive goal.
Browne’s ball out of defence found Forrester who fed Fagan. The St Patrick’s striker benefited initially from a slip by Sligo skipper Gavin Peers before cutting across and setting up Forrester, who drilled a crisp right-foot shot across Rogers to the far corner of the net from 20 yards for his 10th goal of the league campaign.
Spell of pressure
Sligo responded with a little spell of pressure which almost brought an equaliser on 21 minutes but for a fine block by Browne from Alan Keane’s shot on the turn after a right scramble in the home box.
St Patrick’s, though, should have been further ahead on 28 minutes from a route one approach. Forrester’s ball over the top put Fagan clean through on goal. The shot arrowed just wide of Rogers far post, however.
Sligo brought on Zayed at the break as they changed their shape to go with two up top. It certainly gave them a bit of impetus with Seán Maguire shooting just wide off his left foot five minutes in. Five minutes later they ought to have been level.
Started the move
Maguire started the move which then involved John Russell and Seamus Conneely. The ball ran into the path of Danny North – who was sent off in the 86th minute – who somehow contrived to shoot wide.
Forrester should have done better after 70 minutes but it didn't really matter as St Patrick's held on thanks to a Clarke save from Zayed. ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Clarke; McCormack, Hoare, Browne, Bermingham; Bolger, Chambers; Byrne, Quigley, Forrester; Fagan. SLIGO ROVERS: Rogers; Keane, Peers (McMillan, 60), Spillane, Davoren; Maguire, Cawley, Conneely, Ledwith (Zayed, h/t); Russell; North. Referee: Rob Rogers (Dublin).
