+34
St Patrick's Athletic defeated Shamrock Rovers 2-0 at Richmond Park, closing the gap at the top of the Premier Division to three points and extending the champions' winless run to seven games in all competitions.
St Patrick's Athletic defeated Shamrock Rovers 2-0 at Richmond Park on Monday night, cutting the champions' lead at the top of the Premier Division to three points.
First-half goals from Jason McClelland and Aidan Keena were decisive as Rovers extended their winless run to seven games in all competitions. The result leaves Rovers still top of the table but their advantage is far from secure. St Pat's and Bohemians are both on 53 points, with the Saints' goal difference better by five. Bohemians staged a stunning comeback from two goals down away to Galway United, keeping them firmly in the title race.
As news filtered through of Bohemians' remarkable recovery at Eamonn Deacy Park, there was a real sense this could be remembered as a momentous milestone in the campaign. McClelland's rifled opener after just four minutes was followed by Keena's clever turn and finish just after the half hour. Both goals were avoidable from a defensive point of view, which will concern Rovers boss Stephen Bradley. His side could not respond.
The goals settled the nerves that infiltrated every corner of the ground, all except the empty Block G which did not house the ultra group due to the partial ground closure. Both players turned and celebrated in that corner, a force of habit perhaps, but were greeted by empty red seats and railings instead. Stephen Kenny raised his hands and celebrated victory at full-time as the Pat's players were clapped off by a jubilant home support.
The reaction of Rovers' fans as their players acknowledged them was a mixture of anger, concern and steadfast support. Understandably, there might have been trepidation among the home support about how St Pat's would react after Saturday's FAI Cup quarter-final defeat to Bohs on penalties. That exit was painful, losing on penalties when they were just moments away from progressing after an enthralling encounter. Tired minds and weary limbs needed a break, but rejuvenation felt swift here, their actions decisive.
Rovers arrived to Inchicore top of the Premier Division but in a slump of their own that is lingering far too long and needs to be rectified. Defeat here means it is now seven games in all competitions without a win for the champions. You have to go back three years for the last time Bradley endured such a run. With six games remaining they need to get the air back in the lungs to get over the line.
Stephen Kenny's Saints could go top of the table if they follow up by beating Dundalk at Oriel Park next Monday night, with Bradley's side not in action. Bohemians can stay in the title race by overcoming John Caulfield's Galway United. This might sound like a straightforward three points for Alan Reynolds's side but the last team to win in Galway were Dundalk on June 12th.
Rovers have the experience and the quality to come through, and there is also the added uncertainty around the ability of their Dublin rivals to be able to take advantage of their wobble. Teenager Ryan Sheridan has been a growing influence for St Pat's. Jamie Lennon, Sheridan's partner in midfield, said: Ryan has been brilliant.
He takes on information really quickly and he has added energy that we needed without Kian Leavy, who has been a big part of our success this season. It is hard to replace Kian but Ryan has similar attributes. It's a credit to the academy and the club for the players we produce. Some have gone abroad and done well.
I am sure Ryan will be the next one. Before Leavy sustained a foot injury last month, the 24-year-old was so impressive for St Pat's that Heimir Hallgrimsson capped him against Canada in June before reports suggested a possible move to Aberdeen in the Scottish Premiership. Lennon continued: I like the way Ryan arrives into the box late.
He is quick and covers ground without the ball and he can drive up the pitch as we saw for Sam's goal in the cup. He's got a lot of improvement to do but he's on the right path. He's got the right people around him. He's got the right mindset.
I think his ceiling can be whatever he wants it to be as long as he stays fit and healthy and keeps working as hard as he has been. Sheridan is expected to feature against Brazil at the under-17 World Cup in November but the injured Rovers midfielder Victor Ozhianvuna is less likely to be included in John Cotter's squad before he joins Arsenal in January for an initial fee of 2 million euro.
Rovers are keen to end their six-game winless streak in the league, although manager Bradley has to plan without another underage prospect as Naj Razi inches back from a broken jaw. However, the former Down Gaelic footballer John McGovern could lead the line for the first time since July. Bradley said: Naj is close, I think another week before he's cleared by the surgeon.
We tried getting Naj a mask, but it wasn't possible to play with it so hopefully he's back in a week. Danny Grant, Danny Mandroiu and Victor Ozhianvuna remain unavailable with injury. Everyone else is fine. There is an enormous match at the other end of the table with bottom side Sligo Rovers looking to eat into a five-point gap to Drogheda United with victory at Sullivan and Lambe Park.
As it currently stands, Drogheda will play UCD in a promotion-relegation playoff. Other fixtures include Drogheda United v Sligo Rovers, Galway United v Bohemians, Shelbourne v Derry City, and Waterford v Dundalk. St Patrick's Athletic: Ananag; Redmond (captain), Hoare, Turner; Elbouzedi (Olusanya 67), Lennon, Sheridan (Forrester 73), Baggley, McClelland (Breslin 79); Edmondson (Brown 67), Keena (Palmer 67).
Shamrock Rovers: McGinty; Grace, Lopes (captain), Cleary (Afolabi 68); Sobowale (Brennan HT), Healy, Watts, Byrne (Mulraney 56), Fitzgerald; Burke (C O'Sullivan 73), Noonan (McGovern 68). Will Bohs now truly believe they could deliver a historic double in their last season at the old Dalymount Park? Will Pat's find the consistency to finish with a flourish no one would have felt possible even a couple of weeks ago when Waterford came here and won in style?
Or will Stephen Bradley be able to summon a response from his men by simply reminding them the destiny of the title is still in their own hands? We will soon find out which is the greater truth. Nothing has been decided yet so much now feels possible.
IrishTimes 
The42_ie:St Patrick's Athletic find a spark to reignite title challenge and close in on Shamrock RoversThis story was compiled and edited by the HeadTopics newsroom and HT AI from the reports above.
Airtricity-League St-Patrick-S-Athletic Shamrock-Rovers St Patrick's Athletic Shamrock Rovers League Of Ireland Premier Division Title Race FAI Cup Premier Division Title Race Bohemians Stephen Bradley
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Patrick Freyne: In Continuity Top Gear, three men cosplay as an early 2000s trio who recall rationing, old money and petrol’s purposeIf The Grand Tour’s new series is masculinity in quiet decline, then The Mandalorian and Grogu is a social services red flag
Read more »
Minister Urges Guarantees for Irish Women's Sports as Integration Efforts StallAfter a setback in the proposed merger of the Camogie Association and the Ladies' Gaelic Football Association with the Gaelic Athletic Association, Minister Patrick O'Donovan emphasized the need for concrete assurances concerning the protection and promotion of women's sports. He met with representatives from all three bodies, highlighting the cultural and operational concerns of the women's organisations and stressing the importance of sustained representation in the newly envisioned governing structures. The minister called for careful planning, warning that a single dissenting vote could derail the initiative entirely.
Read more »
Bohemians Stage Dramatic Comeback to Beat Galway United 3-2 at Eamonn Deacy ParkBohemians rallied from a two‑goal deficit to win 3-2 against Galway United at Eamonn Deacy Park, preserving their title bid in the League of Ireland Premier Division. Key moments included a scissor‑kick by Stephen Walsh, a long‑range strike by Colm Whelan, and a late comeback goal from Ross Tierney. Galway remain three points behind league leaders Shamrock Rovers, while Bohemians keep their position in the title race. The match featured dynamic midfield play, intense defensive battles, and a thrilling finish that saw both teams trade leads before Bohemians secured victory.
Read more »