Conan Byrne on the double in easy St Patrick’s win over Wexford

St Patrick’s Athletic 4, Wexford Youths 1: As he did when the sides met at the same venue in April, Conan Byrne scored twice as St Patrick’s took out their FAI Cup frustration on hapless Wexford Youths at Richmond Park.

Starting well, St Pats created a host of chances before taking the lead on 20 minutes as they cruised into a 3-0 half-time lead.

Byrne and Christy Fagan were among those initial opportunities before the former made no mistake in breaking the deadlock from Graham Kelly’s through pass.

Frantic defending by Youths prevented a second goal on 25 minutes as Billy Dennehy’s shot was blocked away after Fagan all too easily found him in space. And the chances just kept coming for the home side.

Fagan shot wide on the turn on the half hour before making amends within two minutes, finishing off a move involving Ian Birmingham and Jamie McGrath to rifle past Doyle.

Youths defender Lee Chin then brought down Kelly in conceding a penalty within a further two minutes with Byrne scoring confidently from the spot.

Though Youths were better on the resumption, St Pat’s soon regained control, with Doyle getting down well to push McGrath’s low drive round a post on 65 minutes.

Kelly then got St Pat’s’ fourth goal on 79 minutes, bouncing a downward header past Doyle from Bermingham’s left flank cross.

A fine solo run and deflected shot from Jonny Bonner brought Youths’ consolation goal four minutes later.

St Patrick’s Athletic:

Clarke; O’Brien, Barker, D. Dennehy, Bermingham; Desmond, Kelly; Byrne (McGlade, 71), McGrath (Markey 67), B. Dennehy; Fagan.

Wexford Youths:

Doyle; McCabe, Grace, Chin, Friel; Dempsey (Higgins, 69); Porter (Whittle, 69), Kenny (Dunne, 64), Bonner, Quinlin; Murphy.

Referee:

Anthony Buttimer (Cork).