On a humid Inchicore night, Dundalk’s inexorable march continued as three second half goals gave the league leaders a 3-1 win over gallant St. Patrick’s Athletic. The Lilywhites trailed 1-0 at the break but two goals early in the second half turned
On a humid Inchicore night, Dundalk’s inexorable march continued as three second half goals gave the league leaders a 3-1 win over gallant St. Patrick’s Athletic.
The Lilywhites trailed 1-0 at the break but two goals early in the second half turned the game. Pat’s took the lead just short of the half hour mark. Simon Madden’s industry won a corner down the Pat’s right.
Ryan Brennan swung the kick across the box and Jake Keegan’s downward header beat Gary Rogers. It might have been against the run of play but to a man Pat’s pressed Dundalk high in the first and gave Stephen Kenny’s men planty of problems.
There were chances for Patrick Hoban Dylan Connolly and impressive right back Sean Hoare but Dundalk couldn’t make the first half breakthrough. That all changed five minutes into the second half.
Pat’s the ball away cheaply in defence. Michael Duffy transferred the ball quickly to Patrick Hoban and the top scorer smashed a shot low past Brendan Clarke. Shortly afterwards, Michael Duffy embarked on a mazy dribble from well inside his own half.
The ball found its way to Chris Shields who angled a drive across Brendan Clarke and into the bottom corner. To their credit, Pat’s continued to battle and forced three corners in quick succession in stoppage time.
From the third of these, Dundalk broke upfield and with Pat’s caught short at the back, Benson placed Hoban for the clincher.