Dundalk were no fools as they edged St. Patrick's Athletic in this April EA Sports Cup encounter. The rain was arguably the most influential factor in the opening exchanges as both sides scored in the opening 13 minutes. With five minutes on the cl
Dundalk were no fools as they edged St. Patrick's Athletic in this April EA Sports Cup encounter.
The rain was arguably the most influential factor in the opening exchanges as both sides scored in the opening 13 minutes. With five minutes on the clock, Pat's keeper Barry Murphy failed to take control of Georgie Kelly's attempt at goal, allowing the ball to roll over the line after an initial save.
Eight minutes later, James Doona cut in from the left before firing in a shot from long-range, which was deflected past Dundalk keeper Aaron McCarey As the rain continued to pour, Conor Clifford attempted a shot from about 30 yards which McCarey as able to parry.
Dundalk regained the lead after 34 minutes through a Dean Jarvis header from a Jordan Flores corner. The Lilywhites could have had another minutes before half-time as Georgie Kelly was played through with a superbly-executed pinpoint pass by Lido Lotefa.
Saints defender David Webster got back just in time to make a tackle. The second half began with very few chances before Simon Madden came close for the home side on the hour. A period of Pat's pressure was followed by the best chance of the second half for Dundalk.
A fine through ball by Flores found substitute Daniel Kelly but his effort was knocked onto the post by the hand of Barry Murphy. On 73 minutes, Saints introduced top scorer Mikey Drennan in the fray in the hunt for an equaliser.
It was he who came closest to one as his 88th minute free kick went inches wide. In the end, Dundalk held out to win 2-1. While Pats' perseverence ensured a grandstand finish, the game certainly wasn't a repeat of the 4-4 thriller between the sides at the same stage of the competition last season.
The Lilywhtes will return to Inchicore this Friday night when Pat's host the champions in the league.
