Brilliant Pats pick up first title in 14 years

A sublime first league goal of the season from Greg Bolger, with topscorer Anto Flood adding a second, duly sealed the deal on a first Premier Division title in 14 years for St. Patrick’s Athletic, as they beat Sligo Rovers 2-0 to jubilant scenes at Richmond Park.

The win, which stretched their unbeaten run to 13 games in the league, was all the sweeter given it came against the reigning champions who, 12 months to the day, had beaten St. Pat’s 3-2 at the Showgrounds to win last year’s crown.

With President Michael D Higgins and Republic of Ireland interim manager Noel King in attendance, it was the reigning champions who started the better, creating two chances inside the opening five minutes through Alan Keane and Evan McMillan.

But St. Pat's gradually settled and they had their fans in raptures on 33 minutes when taking the lead from a stunning goal.

A weak headed clearance fell for Bolger some 25 yards out. And the anchor midfield took a controlling touch before unleashing a cracking right-foot drive that flew into the corner of Gary Rogers’ net for a wonderful first goal of the season.

Rogers prevented a second home goal on 41 minutes, diving full stretch to push Killian Brennan’s free kick round a post before St. Pat's did double their lead a minute later. A terrific break down the right by John Russell resulted in his perfect low cross giving Flood a simple tap in.

In a less exhilarating second half, Sligo almost got back into it on 74 minutes. But twice St. Pat's 'keeper Brendan Clarke did well to save, first from Keane and then from a David Cawley follow up.

Fittingly, man-of-the-match Bolger was then there to clear off the line six minutes from time in the final countdown to the ecstatic scenes that welcomed Alan Kelly’s final whistle.

Bray Wanderers did their survival hopes a power of good as they beat Limerick 1-0 at the Carlisle grounds, a timely first win in 15 games which lifts them three points above Shelbourne off the foot of the table with two games to play.

Bray skipper Danny O'Connor brought a dour first half to an end by putting his side in front in the final minute.

Kieran "Marty" Waters swung over a free kick to the far post where O'Connor arrived to head past Shane Cusack.

Limerick's hopes of getting back into the game receded on the hour mark when central defender Sam Oji received a second yellow card for a foul on Ismahil Akinade.

So incensed by the decision, Limerick boss Stuart Taylor was then sent from the dugout for his protests.