Saint Patricks Athletic and Shamrock Rovers drew 0-0 in an
eventful game in the Airtricity League Premier Division at Inchicore on Tuesday
night.
In a first half in which there wasn't much to choose between
the two sides Pats started the better.
They had the first chance of the game inside the first five minutes.
Christy Fagan crossed from the right and Chris Forrester found himself in space
in the box. He didn’t get enough power
in his shot though to trouble Barry Murphy.
As the half progressed the home side had most of the play but
didn't create many clear cut chances.
However on the half hour mark Killian Brennan got the better
of Stephen Rice in a 50/50 challenge. Forrester gathered possession and played
it to John Russell who then found Christy Fagan. Fagan made his way across the
Rovers area before firing a right foot shot over the bar.
Shortly afterwards the visitors had their only chance of the
half. Greg Bolger was booked for a foul on Rice. From the resultant free kick
Sean O'Connor picked out Jason McGuinness and the Shamrock Rovers defender
headed just wide.
Fourth official Thomas Connolly took over referring duties
from Graham Kelly for the second half.
Once again there wasn't too much to choose between the sides
after the break but the Saints should have taken the lead 13 minutes after the
restart. After neat build up play Conan Byrne found himself in space on the
right. Byrne picked out John Russell with a perfect cross. Russell had a free
header 6 yards out but somehow he put his effort wide.
Pats also had a chance on the counter attack in the 67th
minute. The busy Conan Byrne broke forward and picked out Christy Fagan. Fagan
eventually found Russell who played it to his left to Forrester. Unfortunately
for the home team their number 17 took a shot which went out of the stadium and
a new match ball was required. A couple of minutes later a Killian Brennan free
kick was just too high.
Rovers should have taken the lead in the 77th
minute. Danny Ledwith took a fine shot from outside the area which Brendan
Clarke could only parry to substitute Ciaran Kilduff. Kilduff had the goal at his mercy but somehow
he shot wide of the post.
Shamrock Rovers, who had already used their three substitutes
were reduced to 10 men shortly afterwards when Ledwith limped off with an
injury.
Five minutes from the end of normal time Liam Buckley's side
had the final chance of the game. Killian Brennan swung in a free kick from the
right and picked out Kenny Browne. Browne headed goalwards but Murphy was there
to palm away his effort for a corner.
The draw means that Saint Patricks Athletic are now three
points behind leaders and champions Sligo Rovers in second place, while
Shamrock Rovers are sixth.
Saint Patricks Athletic: Brendan Clarke: Ger O'Brien,
Conor Kenna(c), Kenny Browne, Ian Bermingham: Conan Byrne ( Jake Kelly 79) ,
Greg Bolger, John Russell, Killian Brennan, Christopher Forrester: Christy
Fagan.
Subs not used: Dave Ryan, Aidan Price, Jake Carroll,
Conor Murphy, Shane McFaul, Sean Gannon.
Booked: Greg Bolger (35)
Shamrock Rovers: Barry Murphy: Pat Sullivan (c) (Shane
Robinson 51), Derek Foran, Jason McGuinness, Danny Ledwith: Sean O'Connor,
Stephen Rice, James Chambers (Ciaran Kilduff 75), Ronan Finn, Billy Dennehy
(Gary McCabe 58): Karl Sheppard.
Subs not used: Richard Brush, Conor McCormack, Thomas
Stewart, David Elbert.
Booked: Stephen Rice (45) Karl Sheppard (85), Sean
O'Connor (85), Derek Foran (89)
Referee: Graham Kelly
Attendance: 2,410
© Seamus Egan 2013
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