SSE Airtricity League Premier Division: St Patrick’s Athletic V Waterford – The Irish Independent – April 21 2021

St Patrick’s Athletic 1 Waterford 0

Darragh Burns’ second-minute goal at Richmond Park was enough to give St Patrick’s Athletic victory against Waterford in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

This moves the Saints onto 14 points towards the summit of the table, with defending champions Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers marginally in front of them on goal difference.

Despite being much-changed from their away draw with Dundalk on Saturday, Pat’s immediately took the game to their struggling southern opponents. Burns was drafted into the team at right wing-back and his left-footed effort deflected off Waterford defender Kyle Ferguson for a second-minute opener.

This was a dream start for the Saints and they continued to create chances as the action progressed. Waterford eventually grew into the game, but Pat’s remained comfortable and ultimately brought a one-goal cushion into the interval.

Having coughed up a late equaliser to Dundalk three days earlier, Pat’s were eager for a second to prevent a similar backlash by their latest opponents. Paul Martin denied Chris Forrester with a low save, before Ronan Coughlan had a goal ruled out on 67 minutes for a foul on the Waterford goalkeeper.

An insurance score didn’t materialise in the end for Stephen O’Donnell’s men but with skipper Ian Bermingham expertly marshalling their defence, they held on to extend their unbeaten start to the season.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC – Jaros; Desmond, Barrett, Bermingham; Burns, Forrester, Lewis (Lennon 81), Griffin (Mountney 53); McCormack (Smith 62), Coughlan, King (Benson h/t).

WATERFORD – Martin, Power, Ferguson, Evans, Mascoll; O’Keeffe (Stafford 72), O’Reilly, Sobowale, Griffin (Mutswunguma 62); Martin, Waite.

REF – G Kelly (Cork).

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