5-0 win for Saint Pat’s against UCD in Airtricity premier league match

Ciarán D’Arcy

Image above, kDamo.

An invigorating five-star display from Saint Patrick’s Athletic saw them overcome south Dublin rivals UCD with consummate ease in Richmond Park on Monday night.

With the chasm widening at the top of the table and the season fast approaching its conclusion, the Saints knew that only a win would do to keep up the pressure on champions-elect Sligo Rovers. Vinny Faherty’s hat-trick complemented by goals from Jake Kelly and Anto Flood saw them achieve what they needed in resounding fashion.

After a less than enthralling opening quarter hour, Kelly got the ball rolling for Liam Buckley’s side on 16 as he seized upon Chris Forrester’s incisive pass to bury a curling effort past UCD stopper Ger Barron.

Despite practically monopolising possession for the rest of the half, the Inchicore outfit simply couldn’t capitalise on their dominance. This was put right on 58 however, as man of the match Faherty latched onto strike-partner Flood’s centre to double the home side’s lead.

With the Saints now well on top, Faherty was again on hand to double his personal tally eight minutes later as he headed home the rebound after midfield maestro Forrester saw his chipped effort rebound off the upright.

With Dundalk long since destined for the relegation trap-door, it’s been a while since Martin Russell’s Students had anything to play for, and that fact was evident on Monday as Forrester in particular systematically dismantled the visitors’ midfield before squaring to Flood to shoot into an empty net on 72.

The rout was completed 13 minutes later as Faherty produced a sublime finish to collect the match ball and, more importantly, prolong the title race for another week at least.