Pat’s throw down the gauntlet

Bohemians 1 St. Patrick’s Athletic 1

St. Patrick’s Athletic confirmed their title credentials and remain a point clear of champions Bohemians at the top of the table after a riveting Dublin derby at Dalymount.

Saints were excellent in the first half, having a Paul Byrne goal disallowed before taking the lead on 17 minutes. Stemming from a fine move in from the left; Brian Cash and Paul Byrne worked the ball onto Vincent Faherty who curled a right-footed shot into the corner from the edge of the area.

Bohs struggled to cope with St. Pat’s intensity, but rallied at the break to level within two minutes of the restart.

Killian Brennan’s header from Conor Powell’s left wing cross ricocheted back to Jason Byrne and the striker rifled home for his fourth goal of the season as Saints conceded for the first time in 498 minutes of league football this season.

Madden then thought he’d headed Bohs in front from Byrne’s terrific cross on 54 minutes, but Ciaran Delaney- as with Saints “goal” in the first half, raised his flag for offside.

Madden was then guilty of a dreadful miss on 72 minutes when he blazed his shot over from close range after Gary Rogers produce a stunning parry save from Glenn Cronin’s header.