Ryan Swan struck a brace of goals at Dalymount Park yesterday to help Bohemians end a testing week on a high.

The disappointment of a 1-0 defeat on the field to UCD last Monday was compounded by the news that Gypsies midfielder Danny Mandroiu should have missed the game through suspension. As a consequence, the final result was increased to 3-0 in favour of the Students.

This placed Bohs under pressure on their return to Phibsboro but they ultimately tightened their grip on a European spot courtesy of their 13th victory of the Premier Division campaign. In the absence of the suspended Mandroiu, Swan was promoted to the Bohs starting line-up along with Conor Levingston and Paddy Kirk.

It was far from plain sailing for Keith Long’s hosts in the early stages as they initially struggled to break down a rigid Pat’s defence. Indeed, Saints striker Mikey Drennan forced a fine save out of James Talbot and the Gypsies netminder later denied the Kilkenny native at a tight angle.

Ye with clear-cut opportunities proving to be few and far between, the tie appeared destined for a scoreless opening half. That was until Swan produced the goods two minutes before the interval. Via Kevin Devaney’s enticing cross on the left-wing, the former Exeter City man headed beyond Brendan Clarke.

Pat’s persevered with their challenge after the break with Drennan and James Doona going close. However, Bohs finally sealed the points with an impressive end to the contest. After Levingston expertly slotted a 81st-minute penalty, Swan added his second in stoppage-time.

BOHEMIANS – Talbot; Barker, Finnerty, Leahy, Kirk; Wade-Slater, Buckley (Devoy 93), Levingston, Devaney (Grant 89); Ward (Allardice 78); Swan.

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC – B Clarke; Madden, Desmond, Kelly, Toner; D Clarke, Markey (Forrester 86), Lennon, Bermingham (Doona 71); Coleman (Walker 78); Drennan.

REF – R Rogers (Dublin)