Ten-man St Patrick’s Athletic put Thursday’s European exit behind them with victory over Sligo Rovers at Richmond Park.
erge Atakayi’s first-half strike on his league debut proved the distinction, in St Pat’s first win over Sligo in 5. Tim Clancy’s outfit closed the hole on third-place Derry Metropolis to 6 factors.
The Bit O’Pink have been victorious on their final go to to Inchicore in February however couldn’t make the most of Mark Doyle’s sixty fourth minute sending off, as John Russell’s aspect stay fifth.
Forward of kick-off, St Pat’s confirmed West Ham loanee Joseph Anang had left the membership, with the goalkeeper carefully linked to a transfer to Derby County.
Referee Ben Connolly exhibits a purple card to Mark Doyle of St Patrick’s Athletic
The announcement of former Eire U-21 goalkeeper Daniel Rogers preceded the information, because the 28-year-old made his debut for the Saints, with David Odumosu injured.
Rogers was known as into motion within the first minute, as he denied Will Fitzgerald’s effort with a wise save low to his left.
The Saints got here again minutes later as Doyle performed Atakayi by means of, who’s shot was bravely blocked by Shane Blaney.
The hosts took the lead on the half-hour mark, as Eoin Doyle slotted in Atakayi.
Blaney appeared to have it below management, however a mix-up between the defender and Luke McNicholas allowed the Finn to pounce and slot his first league objective.
Rogers produced a surprising save on the hour mark to disclaim Niall Morahan, earlier than Doyle noticed purple for a excessive foot on Paddy Kirk’s head.
Atakayi went inches from a second however pulled his shot vast after he capitalised on Nando Pijnaker’s mistake.
Substitute Kailin Barlow was denied an harm time leveller, however Rogers pulled off one other terrific save to safe three factors for the Saints.
St Patrick’s Athletic: Rogers; Brockbank (Lennon 67), Redmond, Grivosti; Breslin, O’Reilly, Forrester, Cotter; M Doyle; Atakayi (Owolabi 87), E Doyle (Coughlan 80).
Sligo Rovers: McNicholas; Banks, Pijnaker, Blaney, Kirk; Liivak (O’Sullivan 65), Burton, (Bolger 65), Morahan (Barlow 77), Fitzgerald; McDonnell (Heaney 88), Mata.
Referee: B Connolly.
