Dundalk (0) - St Patrick's Athletic (2)

Match Report

Dundalk 0 - St Patrick's Athletic 2

St Patrick's Athletic made it maximum points from their opening two games thanks to a comfortable victory over a disjointed Dundalk side at Oriel Park.

Liam Buckley's men took a deserved lead in the 9th minute. Greg Bolger's raking pass cut the the Dundalk back four open and Stephen O'Flynn was left totally unmarked to knock Dean Kelly's lay-off home from just 10-yards.

Bolger, who played with Dundalk last season, looped a half-volley just off target moments later and Sean O'Connor headed into the side netting with Peter Cherrie stranded as Pat's looked to build on their lead.

The home side created very little from open play. The Dundalk supporters were given some encouragement when Dan Cunningham fired a free-kick over the bar in the 34th minute but there was very little to get enthused about otherwise as Sean McCaffrey's men struggled to get going.

Pat's played out the first-half in cruise control and they had another half chance to pull further ahead in the 42nd minute when Dean Kelly latched on to a bad mistake by Derek Foran but his shot was deflected over the bar.

Dundalk opened the second half a lot brighter and they were almost level in the 51st minute. John Mountney peeled away at the back post to head a Stephen McDonnell cross against the bar and Michael Rafter then tested Clarke with a low drive.

They were rocked on their heels just three minute slater as Pat's went up the other end and took firm control of the game. Bolger's pass found the feet of John Russell and the former Sligo Rovers midfielder capped a great run from midfield with a fine finish.

McCaffrey threw on youngsters Bob McKenna and Chris Reilly in a bid to salvage something from the game, but it was the visitors who finished strongly with O'Flynn going close to a second and sub Darren Meenan striking the post late on.

© rte.ie

Match Info

Date: 09/03/2012
Competition: League
Venue: Oriel Park

Home Team

Peter Cherrie; Derek Foran, Luke Danville, Liam Burns, Dan Cunningham; John Mountney, Stephen McDonnell, Robert Waters; Gary Shanahan (Bob McKenna 59), Michael Rafter (Chris Reilly 59), Shane O'Neill (Gareth Coughlan 77).

Away Team

Brendan Clarke, Ger O'Brien, Kenny Browne, Conor Kenna, Ian Bermingham; James Chambers, Greg Bolger, John Russell, Sean O'Connor; Dean Kelly (Darren Meenan 80), Stephen O'Flynn (Ian Daly 75).