CONAN BYRNE SCORED four goals as St Patrick’s Athletic maintained their one point lead at the top of the Airtricity Premier Division by hammering Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium Friday evening.
Pats took the lead after just five minutes when Byrne pounced on a Derek Foran mistake to find the bottom corner of the net from 12 yards.
Foran’s night was to get even worse on 34 minutes when he was sent off after what the referee deemed to be a foul on Anto Flood.
Byrne made no mistake from the spot kick, sending Rovers ‘keeper Richard Brush the wrong way.
Rovers cause was further undone when Sean O’Connor was sent off for the home side and his response to the visiting fans may well land him in hot water.
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Image: INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Former UCD midfielder Byrne scored his hat-trick on 57 minutes from another spot kick after Ronan Finn brought down Chris Forrester and his fourth just five minutes later when he followed up Flood’s header to tap home from close range.
The result piles even more pressure on Rovers boss Trevor Croly with his side now well adrift of the top four.
Shelbourne 1 – 2 Dundalk
Dundalk overcame a missed penalty from John Dillon after four minutes to remain in second place, just one point behind Pats, with a 2-1 win over Shelbourne in Tolka Park.
The away side had much the better of the early exchanges and took the lead in the very first minute when Andy Boyle scored with a free header in the first attack of the game.
Brian Gartland doubled their lead from a corner after 12 minutes but Shelbourne made it a nervy final twenty minutes for the visitors thanks to a Graham Gartland goal.
However, Dundalk were able to hold on and they remain in hot pursuit of leaders Pats.
Wrap
Elsewhere, Cork scored a late, late winner when the two Danny’s (Murphy and Morrissey) combined in the 94th minute to take all three points against Bohemians.
The result leaves the Dublin club rooted to the foot of the table on 18 points.
Derry City stayed in touch with the league leaders thanks to a 3-1 win over UCD at Belfield.
Two goals from Rory Patterson and one from Michael Duffy were enough to secure all three points; Samir Belhout with the consolation for the students.
In the evening’s other game, Drogheda United ran out 3-0 winners over Limerick in Hunky Dorys Park thanks to goals from Declan O’Brien and brothers Gavin and Ryan Brennan.
Airtricity League wrap: Pats hammer 9-man Rovers but Dundalk keep pace
St Patrick’s Athletic 4 – 0 Shamrock Rovers
CONAN BYRNE SCORED four goals as St Patrick’s Athletic maintained their one point lead at the top of the Airtricity Premier Division by hammering Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium Friday evening.
Pats took the lead after just five minutes when Byrne pounced on a Derek Foran mistake to find the bottom corner of the net from 12 yards.
Foran’s night was to get even worse on 34 minutes when he was sent off after what the referee deemed to be a foul on Anto Flood.
Byrne made no mistake from the spot kick, sending Rovers ‘keeper Richard Brush the wrong way.
Rovers cause was further undone when Sean O’Connor was sent off for the home side and his response to the visiting fans may well land him in hot water.
Image: INPHO/Cathal Noonan
Former UCD midfielder Byrne scored his hat-trick on 57 minutes from another spot kick after Ronan Finn brought down Chris Forrester and his fourth just five minutes later when he followed up Flood’s header to tap home from close range.
The result piles even more pressure on Rovers boss Trevor Croly with his side now well adrift of the top four.
Shelbourne 1 – 2 Dundalk
Dundalk overcame a missed penalty from John Dillon after four minutes to remain in second place, just one point behind Pats, with a 2-1 win over Shelbourne in Tolka Park.
The away side had much the better of the early exchanges and took the lead in the very first minute when Andy Boyle scored with a free header in the first attack of the game.
Brian Gartland doubled their lead from a corner after 12 minutes but Shelbourne made it a nervy final twenty minutes for the visitors thanks to a Graham Gartland goal.
However, Dundalk were able to hold on and they remain in hot pursuit of leaders Pats.
Wrap
Elsewhere, Cork scored a late, late winner when the two Danny’s (Murphy and Morrissey) combined in the 94th minute to take all three points against Bohemians.
The result leaves the Dublin club rooted to the foot of the table on 18 points.
Derry City stayed in touch with the league leaders thanks to a 3-1 win over UCD at Belfield.
Two goals from Rory Patterson and one from Michael Duffy were enough to secure all three points; Samir Belhout with the consolation for the students.
In the evening’s other game, Drogheda United ran out 3-0 winners over Limerick in Hunky Dorys Park thanks to goals from Declan O’Brien and brothers Gavin and Ryan Brennan.
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SSE Airtricity League Premier Division Rout Shamrock Rovers