FAI Cup third round/ St Patrick's Athletic 2 Dundalk 0: Having seen their league form derail somewhat recently, St Patrick's have turned attentions towards an extended FAI Cup run and attempt to bridge a 45-year gap since their last triumph. But following Saturday's victory over Dundalk, manager John McDonnell is cautiously optimistic his side can secure a European ticket for next season.

"I spoke to the lads prior to the game and stressed that a win would put us in the quarter-finals," he said. "If Derry or Shelbourne were to win the league and then get to the final you'd have a chance at Europe and the Setanta Cup if you were to play them. We're a handful of games from getting there and that was the main focus for Saturday."

Dundalk made the hosts work hard for a victory that was deserved with Paul Keegan and Anto Murphy providing the firepower. They had a chance on the half hour when Robert Dunne Hoey, headed off the bar from Paul Marney's superb cross. That was as close to goal as Dundalk came. St Patrick's scored eight minutes later. Chris Bennion let Mark Quigley's cross slip through his hands and Keegan headed home from close range.

Seán Finn was key to Dundalk's efforts after the break but despite his graft, the visitors were luckless. Robert McCauley's headed goal on 58 minutes was ruled out for pushing. Annoyed with referee Damien Hancock's decision, Dundalk let frustration creep into their game and St Patrick's capitalised. SeáO'Connor's 66th-minute cross was drilled home by Murphy.

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Ryan; Brennan, C Foley, Maguire, Rutherford; Quigley, Mulcahy, M Foley, O'Connor; Keegan, Molloy. Subs: Murphy for Quigley (64 mins), Armstrong for Keegan (76 mins), Grogan for Molloy (83 mins).

DUNDALK: Bennion; Flanagan, Lynch, McCauley, Marney; K Dunne, R Dunne, Finn, Hoey; Hughes, Hynes. Subs: O'Connor for Hughes (44 mins), Kearns for Hoey (59 mins), Vaughan for Hynes (71 mins).

Referee: D Hancock (Dublin)