St Patrick's Athletic 2-0 Sporting Fingal

St Patrick’s Athletic secured their place in the semi-finals of the FAI Ford Cup with a convincing 2-0 quarter-final replay win over Sporting Fingal at Richmond Park writes Mark Cummins.

Mark Quigley’s first half goal, his 22nd in all competitions this season, and Glen Fitzpatrick’s second half header secured the win. The win could have been of a larger margin but for some excellent saves by Fingal ‘keeper Steve Williams.

Pat’s now go into the last four along with Galway United, Bohemians and either Cork City or Derry City.

Attacking the Inchicore end, the home side had a much better start than Fingal with Ryan Guy heavily involved in the action.

On five minutes he floated a wonderful ball into the box but Fingal defender Derek Tyrell cleared before Quigley could connect. Seconds later, Guy had a low shot that Williams turned around his post.

Things looked promising for the Northsiders on 12 minutes when Tyrell broke away from the back with just two Pat’s defenders in front of him.

Conan Byrne was calling for the ball deep on the right but when Tyrell decided on this option Pat’s had more men back and Fingal ultimately played the ball back to Williams.

Keith Fahey normally has several shots from distance in every game for Pat’s and he duly obliged with his first of the night on 16 minutes.

His shot from 25 yards brought out a fine save from Williams. The Fingal ‘keeper again denied Guy 12 minutes later when the American sent another low drive toward goal.

The Pat’s pressure eventually paid off on 42 minutes following an excellent passage of Pat’s work around the right of the area with Fahey, Dessie Byrne and Alan Kirby all involved before Quigley blasted a super shot high into the net.

He nearly made it two just 90 seconds into the second half. The striker chased a long ball down the middle but Williams got to the ball just before him.

On 51 minutes Guy sent a cross in from the right but Glen Fitzpatrick inexplicably ducked away from the ball – possible thinking that Kirby, racing in behind him, had a better chance of getting on it. He didn’t, and the chance was lost.

The two were then involved when Pat’s doubled the lead on 61 minutes. Kirby’s ball from the left fell invitingly for Fitzpatrick and he headed strongly past Williams.

Guy then had a clear chance at number three on 63 but sent his shot wide of Williams’ left hand post while Quigley’s deft shot went wide of the other post on 73.

Chasing the game, Fingal made three second half substitutions which included the introduction of former Pat’s player Brian Morrisroe.

Ironically, Morrisroe had made his league debut for the Saints exactly 15 years ago to the very day.

The 36-year-old looked lively enough but never looked like celebrating that ruby anniversary with a dramatic comeback.

St Patrick’s Athletic: Ryan, Brennan, Dessie Byrne (O Cearuill 81), Demspey, Rogers, Harris (Haverty 78), Kirby (O’Neill 75), Fahey, Guy, Fitzpatrick, Quigley.

Sporting Fingal: Williams, Tyrell, Gannon, Deans, Philip Byrne, Collins, Conan Byrne, James, Paul Byrne (Morrisroe 77), Caffrey (Hynes 66), McArdle (Corcoran 58).

Referee: D Hancock (Dub).