Galway United 0 St Patrick's Athletic 2
PETE MAHON’S evolving St Patrick’s team claimed all the spoils at Terryland Park with a solid display that featured their eighth clean sheet in 10 matches.
With one defeat in five games a youthful Galway outfit were gaining in confidence, but Pat’s didn’t permit the locals any chance to settle by bossing the opening half.
St Pat’s commenced the contest with admirable enthusiasm and were rewarded by a fifth-minute goal as Galway failed to deal with a right wing Brian Cash cross.Striker Paul Byrne was crafty enough to evade Paul Synott’s challenge before stroking the Saints ahead with a close range finish.
Pat’s added a second in the 19th minute courtesy of a sweet strike from midfielder Stuart Byrne, who arrowed a delightful shot into the bottom corner.
In the minutes leading up to the interval Galway had a penalty appeal waved away by Neil Doyle when Tom King’s cross appeared to hit Ian Bermingham’s arm.
Doyle was also involved in another controversial talking point in the 74th minute when dismissing Galway goalkeeper Ryan for kicking the ball in the official’s direction.
GALWAY UNITED:Barry Ryan; Conneely, McKenzie, Synott, Meynell; King, McBrien, O'Donnell (Molloy, 65), Creaney (Heary, 58); Flood, Sheppard (Keane, 80).
ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC:Rogers; Lynch, Kenna, Guthrie, Bermingham; Cash, S Byrne, McAllister (Mulcahy, 88), Coughlan (Guy, 84); P Byrne (Williams, 90), Faherty.
Referee:N Doyle (Dublin).
Attendance:805
