St Pat’s splendid start to the season continues as the Supersaints delivered a fifth straight league success in front of a sizeable Terryland Park crowd.
Mark Quigley’s opportunistic strike on the half hour steered Pat's to another satisfying win that delighted the vociferous travelling supporters, who went away heartened by the character that was demonstrated against a gritty Galway United outfit.
Pat's, loaded with confidence after such a splendid start to the campaign, were busy and industrious early on.
John McDonnell has assembled a polished footballing outfit and Pat's were eager to deliver another purposeful 90 minutes.
Galway, energetic and positive, tested the visitors with right-sided midfielder Derek O’Brien using his pace intelligently.
Though Galway enjoyed some productive moments it was Pat's who pilfered the lead when Mark slipped home a cute opener.
Stephen Paisley and Gary O’Neill fashioned the opportunity for Mark Quigley, who added an ice-cool finish.
Galway responded by creating a flurry of chances, but keeper Barry Ryan was having a solid game between the posts.
Ryan denied Barry Moran with an assured stop, while Galway midfielder John Lester headed Iarlaith Daveron’s cross over the bar.
Lester and Stephen O’Flynn drilled crisp shots wide in the third quarter, but the Pat's defence, marshalled by the towering Darragh Maguire, remained solid.
Galway United: Rogers; James, Nootimer, Charles; O’Brien, Foley, Lester, Murphy (Russell, 75), Daveron (Cooke, 70); O’Flynn, Moran (Glynn, 70).
St Patrick’s Athletic: Ryan; Maguire, Brennan, Foley; Kirby, Fahey, Ndo, Mulcahy, Paisley; Quigley (Rooney, 75), O’Neill (Guy, 83).
Referee: Alan Kelly (Cork)
