St. Patrick’s Athletic missed out on fourth spot in the Premier Division after going down 2-1 to Bohemians in the Dublin derby. A second-half Andre Wright penalty proved to be the winner in a fast-paced contest played out at Richmond Park. Pat’s ne
St. Patrick’s Athletic missed out on fourth spot in the Premier Division after going down 2-1 to Bohemians in the Dublin derby.
A second-half Andre Wright penalty proved to be the winner in a fast-paced contest played out at Richmond Park.
Pat’s needed a win over Bohs, a Waterford defeat and Sligo Rovers to slip up against Dundalk, to earn a possible place in Europe.
But despite Waterford losing to Finn Harps, a win for Sligo against Dundalk saw the men from Inchicore miss out on the top four.
The home side dominated possession in the early exchanges but it was the visitors who were denied a goal in somewhat controversial fashion.
Sixteen-year-old Evan Ferguson turned the ball into the net for what would have been his first League of Ireland goal but it was adjudged to have been handled on the line and was ruled out despite protestations from Bohemians.
The game became a much more open affair as both teams went in search of the opener and in the 37th minute it was St. Pat’s who broke the deadlock.
Billy King broke down the left and played it inside the area to Shane Griffin. He showed great awareness to find Jordan Gibson at the back post who was allowed space to fire home past James Talbot.
On the stroke of half-time Bohs were back level. Ireland Under-21 international Danny Grant got onto the end of a pin-point pass before steadying himself inside the area and finishing from 16-yards out for 1-1.
Pat’s should have retained their lead in the 55th minute but for a superb save from Talbot to deny Robbie Benson from close range.
But the game winner came eight minutes later. Promise Omochere was brought down in the box and Andre Wright stepped up to give Bohs the lead and complete the comeback for Keith Long’s men.
The hosts pushed hard for a foothold back into the game but Bohemians held firm to earn the win.
