St Patrick's Athletic 0 Longford Town 0: The carefree swagger with which St Patrick's applied themselves to their work earlier in the season may have waned, but John McDonnell's men have the tools to excite, as they demonstrated in spells at Richmond Park last night.
Both sides were keen to get about their opponents, and passes aplenty set the tone during an energetic opening spell. However, the unusual speed which both sets of players closed down their opponents ensured a tight contest.
That said, St Patrick's pushed on when afforded space and Mark Quigley and Trevor Molloy were menacing.
But despite their endeavour, the visiting defence, in which Kevin Doherty made a number of crucial interventions, often thwarted advances before goalkeeper Mick Dempsey was called upon.
Doherty had the ball in the net midway through the second half but his header from Steven Gough's corner was ruled out for pushing.
It was as close to a goal as the visitors got.
ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Ryan; S Quigley, C Foley, Maguire, Rutherford; Fahey, Mulcahy, Brennan; M Quigley; Armstrong, Molloy. Subs: Rooney for Molloy (73), Keegan for Armstrong (73), M Foley for Brennan (84).
LONGFORD TOWN: Dempsey; Murphy, Doherty, Gough, Prunty; J Martin, O'Connor, Fitzgerald, Kirby; Freeman, R Martin. Subs: Mooney for J Martin (68). Booked: Martin (51), Murphy (65).
Referee: R Winters (Dublin)
