Injury-time strike sees Saints sink Dundalk

Adam O'Reilly's goal in the third minute of stoppage time earned St Patrick’s Athletic a huge three points in the race for Europe against Dundalk at Casey’s Field.

The game looked to be heading towards a draw until the on-loan Preston North End midfielder pounced with virtually the last kick of the game to help Tim Clancy’s side close the gap to their opponents in third to a single point with four games remaining.

While fourth may well be good enough for Europe if Derry City win the FAI Cup, neither of these sides will want to rely on that lottery.

A first home defeat of his reign was a harsh blow on Stephen O’Donnell’s side, who were the better side throughout.

Chris Forrester had given them a 20th minute lead against the run of play but it was deservedly cancelled out by local youngster Ryan O’Kane in first-half stoppage time.

O’Kane looked like he would be in again at the end but a brilliant challenge from Sam Curtis prompted a break which resulted in O’Reilly turning the ball home from about four yards out, sparking a pitch invasion from the away support.

While Dundalk remain in third, the form is with Pat’s in what is set to be a real race to qualify for next season’s Europa Conference League qualifiers.

It was the home side who started on top with Steven Bradley firing just wide after 68 seconds after Adam O’Reilly had been caught in possession.

O’Kane then threatened for the first time on 10 minutes when he turned Sam Curtis inside out at the edge of the box before shooting just over.

John Martin then had an effort deflect just wide with Danny Rogers wrongfooted two minutes later before Pat’s took the lead with their first attempt on 20 minutes.

Sam Bone, a Cup winner with the Inchicore side last season, was guilty of