Pat’s come good in second half to defeat Drogheda
By Daire Walsh
Chris Forrester and Robbie Benson bagged second half goals at Richmond Park on Friday evening to seal a 2-0 win for St Patrick’s Athletic at the expense of Drogheda United in a SSE Airtricity League Premier Division clash.
Having dug deep to overcome Derry City in the same venue seven days earlier, Pat’s were hoping for another profitable night amongst the Inchicore faithful.
The home form of the Saints has been impeccable since spectators were permitted to return and another victory (their 12th of the campaign) keeps their title ambitions alive ahead of an away encounter with champions Shamrock Rovers on July 30.
As it stands, Pat’s are slightly adrift of the Hoops on score difference – albeit with a game more played than their fellow Dubliners.
There was reason for the Saints to be wary of the challenge posed by Drogheda, who secured a 3-1 win when the sides met at Head In The Game Park back in May.
While St Pat’s claimed the spoils in Richmond Park at the beginning of the season, a last-minute Billy King goal was required to see off the stubborn Drogs challenge.
The newly-promoted Co. Louth men were fourth in the table in advance of their visit to the capital, with Knocklyon native Dane Massey proving to be a crucial addition to Tim Clancy’s ranks.
Darragh Burns and Lee Desmond both went close to breaking the deadlock, but chances were ultimately few and far between during a scoreless opening period.
Burns was a lively presence throughout, however, and he was the provider for the Saints’ breakthrough goal just past the hour mark.
After racing onto a ball over the top, he released Forrester for a simple finish from close-range.
Although this offered them considerable breathing space, there was a sense that a second goal was needed to officially place the outcome beyond doubt.
When Matty Smith was set free down the left-flank with 11 minutes of normal time remaining, there was an ideal opportunity for Pat’s to strike gold.
Drogs netminder David Odumosu was equal to his effort, but skipper Benson was on hand to slot home the rebound and thus propel the Saints towards a hard-earned win.