Saints revival continues apace as they thrash Derry City

Saint Patrick's Athletic underlined their status as the league’s in-form team with a statement demolition of title challengers Derry City.

Goals from Jay McGrath and Eoin Doyle had the Saints two-nil up on the hour mark, before Cian Kavanagh got one back to spark thoughts of a City comeback.

However, Jon Daly’s men were always the better side today and ran-out comfortable winners after Chris Forrester and Mark Doyle found the net late on.

Their sixth win in seven games, the Saints now occupy third in the table, level on points with Derry and just four behind leaders Shamrock Rovers.

For many home fans here tonight, this was about revenge. The Candystripes came here and embarrassed them with a 4-0 trashing last season, before cruelly returning to take fan-favourite Adam O'Reilly from Inchicore at the end of the season.

Chants throughout the night made it clear those events were still fresh in the mind. And that's what made victory all the sweeter for the 4,000 home fans who celebrated long into the summer sunset.

Starting with six players under the age of 23, the Saints, led by their young stars, bubbled with confidence.

Teenager Sam Curtis led the effort from right-back, while Adam Murphy worked tirelessly to win his midfield battles.

The latter’s success allowed Ben McCormack to strike an early volley. However, Brian Maher gathered it well.

Derry, for their part, jabbed back.

Meandering down the line, Ronan Boyce cut inside brilliantly before finding Patrick McCeleney, who struck an effort just wide.

Both sides swung at each other, but it was Pat’s that deservedly took the lead.

On loan from Coventry City, 20-year-old McGrath couldn’t have had an easy week after being told that his contract won’t be renewed beyond this month.

Howeve