St. Patrick's Athletic ran out 2-0 winners over Finn Harps in a sun kissed Finn Park. Conor Clifford netted in the first half with Mikey Drennan converting a second half penalty as the hosts remain stuck on two points from their opening 13 games.
St. Patrick's Athletic ran out 2-0 winners over Finn Harps in a sun kissed Finn Park.
Conor Clifford netted in the first half with Mikey Drennan converting a second half penalty as the hosts remain stuck on two points from their opening 13 games.
Harry Kenny's side remain 5th with three points separating them from the side above and below. The game witnessed little to entice the spectators during the opening 15 minutes, as neither side really tested the players between the sticks.
Harps enjoyed a decent spell of play around the 20 minute mark, and came close to breaking the deadlock on the 22nd minute, but the crossbar thwarted a close range effort by Caolon McAleer to keep the game scoreless.
St. Pat's were more than happy with some good possession approaching the half hour point with Conor Clifford pivotal in the visitors dangerous plays.
The former Chelsea Youth player had a number of efforts at goal during his sides pressure, the first cannoned off the base of the post, the second forced a good save from Peter Burke and it was third time's the charm as St. Pat's took the lead.
A short corner by Rhys McCabe found Clifford on the edge of the area and he struck low into the bottom left corner. The balance of play evened out as the half wore on with the away side taking their lead into the break.
The hosts stepped it up a gear after the restart, they created a couple of chances that stung the hands of Clarke in nets as well as an onslaught of corners, one of which heard cries of handball but the penalty appeals from Harps players and fans were waved away.
At the other end, St. Pat's had appeals for a penalty of their own, these shouts were heard as the Ref pointed to the spot after Cowan had brought down Shaw. After a delay in which Finn Harps Assistant Paul Hegarty was sent off, Mikey Drennan kept his cool, stepped up and fired left footed in the bottom right corner to double their advantage.
Harry Kenny's team looked comfortable after netting their second, limiting the hosts to drives from range, although a couple were not far away, with Clarke called up more than once.
Harps pressed late on but couldn't find that killer touch as they succumb to a 10th league defeat in a row. St. Pat's recorded their first clean sheet in four matches as they remain seated in 5th place.
