Richmond Park was rocking as a bizarre 55th minute goal and a late Killian Brennan penalty earned St. Patricks Athletic a deserved 2-0 victory over ten-man Shamrock Rovers. Ten minutes into the second half, Conan Byrne swung over one of Pat’s many
Richmond Park was rocking as a bizarre 55th minute goal and a late Killian Brennan penalty earned St. Patricks Athletic a deserved 2-0 victory over ten-man Shamrock Rovers.
Ten minutes into the second half, Conan Byrne swung over one of Pat’s many corners. Defender Kevin Toner won a header at the back post. The ball bounced and spun toward the near post. Whether Ian Bermingham or a Rovers defender got a touch is a matter of some debate but the ball eluded Rovers keeper Kevin Horgan and ended up in the back of the net.
Despite some nervy moments, Liam Buckley’s men saw it out from there with Ryan Brennan’s 89th minute spot kick, after fellow substitute Thomas Byrne was fouled, sealed a huge Dublin derby win for the Saints.
Referee Graham Kelly brandished a 40th minute red card after Joey O’Brien’s heavy challenge on Ryan Brennan near the touchline sparked a melee in front of the home bench. The Rovers defender could have few complaints.
St. Pat’s were the superior side in the opening 45 minutes, forcing six first half corners to none for Rovers. The Hoops did grow into the game as the half progressed with Sean Kavanagh shooting wide and Dan Carr forcing Barry Murphy into a smart save.
The home side also owned the ball for long periods of the second half and merited their convincing victory. A curling Conan Byrne free kick and Kevin Toner’s far post header from Byrne’s left-wing corner represented Pat’s best efforts in the first half.
