It was a frustrating night for Stephen Kenny’s side last night
Dundalk’s title hopes were dealt a major blow last night after they went down to St Patrick’s Athletic 2-0 in Richmond Park.
The result means that Stephen Kenny’s side now lie three points off the Inchicore outfit with just five matches to play and to add insult to injury they will also be without suspended captain Stephen O’Donnell for at least next Friday’s clash with Limerick FC following his late dismissal for a push on Ger O’Brien.
Chances were at a premium in the first-half but Dundalk arguably looked the more likely to open the scoring with Richie Towell having a cutback to Pat Hoban cut out early on before firing straight down the throat of goalkeeper Brendan Clarke just before half-time after a good burst from midfield.
It was Pat’s who hit the front six minutes after the restart, with O’Brien beating Kurtis Byrne on the right before crossing to the unmarked Chris Forrester, who headed home from about eight yards out.
Before Dundalk had a chance to respond, the home side doubled their advantage on 58 minutes. Daryl Kavanagh brilliantly controlled a Conan Byrne pass with his right foot before latching it with his left foot into the top right hand corner of the net.
A disappointing evening then went from bad to worse for Dundalk on 78 minutes when O’Donnell was shown a straight red card for a push on O’Brien after he took issue with Pat’s running down the clock.
Dundalk were down but hopefully not out of the title race. With three points to make up, as well as a superior goal difference, it’s very much advantage Pat’s right now though.
St Patrick’s Athletic: Brendan Clarke; Ger O’Brien, Conor Kenna, Kenny Browne, Ian Bermingham; Conan Byrne (Sean Gannon 68), John Russell, Killian Brennan, Chris Forrester, Daryl Kavanagh (Jake Kelly 79); Anto Flood.
Dundalk FC: Peter Cherrie; Mark Rossiter, Brian Gartland, Andy Boyle, Dane Massey; John Dillon (John Sullivan 65), Stephen O’Donnell, John Mountney (Vinny Faherty 63), Richie Towell; Kurtis Byrne (Tiarnan Mulvenna 79), Patrick Hoban.
Referee: Tom Connolly (Dublin).
