St. Patrick's Athletic made a solid start to the season with a 2-0 win over 10-man Galway United at Richmond Park. A result made more satisfying after the Tribesmen won all four league encounters between the sides last season.
But this is a new campaign and the Airtricity League began with a bang in Inchicore as Ryan Guy took just eight minutes to open his account. Latching onto a perfectly weighted Stuart Byrne pass, the American smashed a left foot drive high inside the near post and past former saint, Barry Ryan. Cue chants of "We are top o the league" from the fervent support behind the goal.
The small band of Galwegians in the opposite end were understandably less vocal. And they're mood must have sank further when, 10 minutes after conceding, midfield play-maker Stephen O'Donnell was shown a second yellow card for a dive on the halfway line as he looked to counter attack.
But the saints were unable to force home their man advantage until midway through the second half when Jamie McKenzie could only head Gareth Coughlan's cross into the path of Striker Alex Williams, who coolly slotted home with his right foot.
Pat's assistant manager; John Gill had noted pre-match that "Sean Connors' teams are always hard to break down" and evidence of that was in plain view after O'Donnell's first half dismissal. The former Dundalk manager reshuffled his pack and knocked his hosts well out of their rhythm. Symptomised by the normally controlling Byrne, being caught in possession by striker, Jason Molloy on halfway.The fervor of the opening exchanges were replaced by groans before the two sides went in at half time with the score 1-0.
The Tribesmen were hampered by a lack of numbers but a sterling work rate from he front pairing of Molloy and Karl Sheppard kept Pats' back four honest. Sheppard in particular, who took up the task of right winger when defending and reverting to centre forward when his side were on the attack.
Stars of the show for the Saints were wingers Gareth Coughlan and Guy who provided constant threat on the flanks, the Californian also providing an aerial threat which made a mockery of his five foot seven inch frame.
Ultimately however, the men in maroon, shorn of O'Donnell, rarely troubled the home sides goal and Gary Rogers only difficult task of the night was dealing with a handful of back passes, one of which sliced off his boot and went behind for a corner.
But as the clock wore down both teams seemed to accept that the result was no longer in doubt and Pats could have stretched their lead but former Tribesman Vinnie Faherty and Gareth Coughlan could not find the target with headers.
St Patrick's Athletic:
Gary Rogers, Damien Lynch, Connor Kenna, Shane Guthrie, Ian Birmingham (for Derek Pender 85), Ryan Guy, Stuart Byrne, David Mulcahy, Gareth Coughlan (for Brian Cash, 71), Alex Williams, Vincent Faherty ( for Paul Byrne 81).
Subs not used: Dan Conner, David McAllister
Galway United:
Barry Ryan, Seamus Coneely, Thomas Heary, Jamie McKenzie, Rhys Meynell, Gary Curran, Ciaran Foley (for James Craney 85), Stephen O''Donnell (red card 18 mins), Jason Molloy (for Cian Mc Brien 65), Karl Sheppard, Derek O'Brien.
Subs not used: Tom King, Paul Sinnott, Seamus Friel
Referee: Padraig Sutton
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