St Pat's inflict another loss on toothless Dundalk

Ruairi Keating scored the only goal of the game at Richmond Park to revitalise St Patrick’s Athletic’s season and leave Dundalk in the doldrums at the foot of the table.

The hard-earned victory ended three straight defeats for Jon Daly’s Saints.

Stephen O'Donnell's Dundalk, who’ve now not won on their last seven visits to Inchicore, drew a blank in front of goal for the third match running and have yet to score from play in their four games to date.

St Patrick’s made three changes from their 3-1 defeat in Waterford on Monday, Brazilian goalkeeper Marcelo Pitaluga replaced by Danny Rogers while Kieran Freeman and Kian Leavy came in for Conor Kelley and Ryan McLaughlin.

Following their 5-0 home humbling to Sligo Rovers, Dundalk also rang the changes with no fewer than five, chief among them goalkeeper Ross Munro starting in place of George Shevley, having replaced him at half-time on Monday.

And it was the visitors who started on the front foot, forcing an early corner before Ciaran McGuckin warmed the hands of Rogers with a low drive which might have held more venom.

Saints didn’t come alive until 13 minutes, Anto Breslin breaking on the left to whip over a dangerous cross which neither Keating or Brandon Kavanagh could apply the vital touch to.

Kavanagh did appear to be bundled over by Hayden Muller, but St Pat’s penalty appeals fell on deaf ears.

Referee Ray Matthews further incensed the home faithful, waving play on when McGuckin clearly pushed over Jay McClelland.

Jamie Gullan met the cross with his shot deflected out for a corner by defender Luke Turner.

With the game crying out for a spark to bring it fully to life, St Pat’s thankfully provided it when punishing Dundalk on a counterattack on the half-hour mark.

Chris Forrester