In the first Dublin derby of the fledgling 2023 season, it was the hosts St. Pat's who took bragging rights in a hotly contested clash in front of nearly 5,000 at a chilly Richmond Park.
Super-sub Eoin Doyle struck brilliantly late on to ensure the three points stayed in Inchicore, breaking the Shels hearts in the dying embers that had battled bravely throughout, probably feeling. draw would have been deserved.
Having had some epic encounters last season that only stoked the flames of the old rivalry, tonight was a slow burner in comparison, but caught fire late on.
In came pacey wide men Serge Atakayi and Jake Mulraney from the start, following their electric impact in last week's come-from-behind draw with title hopefuls Derry City.
Despite having the majority of possession and a couple of early half chances, the sold out home fans grew frustrated at the lack of goalmouth action in the opening period.
The well organised visitors began to grow into the game and really should have tested the shaky looking David Odumosu but having worked the ball well up the left, eventually saw Gavin Molloy's strike drift wide.
It was the home side who came closest to breaking the deadlock as the half drew to a close. An almighty goalmouth scramble saw Lennon's low strike bravely blocked before falling to the feet of Noah Lewis, who was eventually crowded out.
The game continued in the same tense, tight nature with little in the way of goalmouth action, as neither team gave an inch on the pitch.
With a quarter of an hour remaining, tensions began to rise echoing last season's encounters with every coming together met with vociferous roars from both sets of fans.
And it wasn’t until just moments remaining when the deadlock was eventually broken and it was that man, Eoin Doyle who calmly slotted home when a dangerously whipped corner wasn’t dealt with by the Shels rearguard.
With just a minute remaining, ex-Saints man Paddy Barrett rattled the crossbar with a powerful header but the Saints held firm for a valuable three points.
Damien Duff’s Shelbourne remain on the hunt for just their second league win since last July and will hope to seal the deal when they welcome another Dublin rival, Bohemians, to Tolka Park next Friday.
St Patrick’s Athletic: David Odumosu, Sam Curtis, Noah Lewis, Joe Redmond, Anto Breslin, Jake Mulraney (Ben McCormack, 75’), Chris Forrester (Conor Carty, 84’), Vladislav Kreida, Jamie Lennon, Serge Atakayi (Mark Doyle, 59’), Tommy Lonergan (Eoin Doyle, 59’)
Subs not used: Darragh Mooney, Tom Grivosti, Jason McClelland, Thijs Timmermans, John-Alan McGrath
Shelbourne: Conor Kearns, JR Wilson, Paddy Barrett, Luke Byrne, Gavin Molloy Tyreke Wilson, Mark Coyle (Kian Leavy, 79’), JJ Lunney, Evan Caffrey (Kyle Robinson, 86’), Matty Smith, Jack Moylan (Shane Farrell, 59’),
Subs not used: Scott van der Sluis, Andrew Quinn, Brian McManus, Lewis Temple
Referee: Neil Doyle (Dublin)
