St. Patrick’s Athletic moved to within three points of Sligo Rovers with a deserved 3-1 win over bottom side Longford Town.
In fact for all their dominance Pat’s should’ve won this by more. The home side were disappointing and offered little.
The visitors bossed the opening half; they created several chances but were thwarted on a number of occasions by Town keeper Lee Steacy.
Stacey tipped over Paddy Barrett’s header in the fourth minute and brought off a superb save to deny a Ronan Coughlan’s free.
Barrett squandered a number of chances for his side while Alfie Lewis and Mattie Smith also came close. The hosts lived off scraps and created nothing to trouble St. Pat’s.
Pat’s pressure eventually paid off in the 41st minute, Robbie Benson heading home John Mountney corner to give Pats the lead.
Town were back on level terms on 48 minutes, Rob Manley was fouled by Alfie Lewis in the box. Aaron Dobbs made no mistake from the spot.
The goal spurred Pat’s into action and they were back in front in the 63rd minute. Steacy pulled off a fine save to deny Chris Forrester but the loose ball fell to Mattie Smith who powerfully finished to the net.
Smith should’ve got a second in the 71st minute but he blasted his effort over while Barrett headed over in the 73rd minute as Pat’s carved out more scoring opportunities.
It was all one-way traffic and the third goal came in the 81st minute when Darragh Burns’ cross from the right was fired home by Ronan Coughlan.
Paddy Kirk denied Pat’s a fourth in the 86th minute as town couldn’t contain them.
Longford Town: L Steacy; A McNally, A O’Driscoll, M McDonnell, P Kirk; A Dervin, D Zambra, A Robinson (D Byrne, 69); D Grimes (C Thompson ht), R Manley (A McCabe, 84), A Dobbs (C Davis, 76).
St. Pat’s: V Jaros, J Mountney, P Barrett, L Desmond, I Bermingham; A Lewis; B King (D Burns, 64), R Benson, C Forrester (B McCormack, 90+1mins), M Smith (J McClelland, 90+1mins); R Coughlan.
Referee: D Tomney (Dublin)
