Clinical St Pat's grasp top spot with victory over Galway 

Not even a numerical advantage for the last 20 minutes, afforded by St Pats' Axel Sjoberg incurring his second successive booking for fouls on Bobby Burns, was availed of as the spark that had kept the westerners in the mix eluded them.

Zach Elbouzedi of St Patrick's Athletic, centre, celebrates with team mates after scoring their side's second goal during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between St Patrick's Athletic and Galway United at Richmond Park in Dublin. Pic: David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

SSE Airtricity Premier Division: St Patrick's Athletic 2 (Leavy 32’, Elbouzedi 38’) Galway United 0

There would be no repeat late drama to deny St Patrick’s Athletic grasping top spot in a title race for the ages.