Kian Leavy's brace sees St Pats return to winning ways at Drogheda United

Pats arrived in Drogheda seeking to rediscover their form and an out-of-form United provided the perfect opposition.

AT THE DOUBLE: Kian Leavy of St Patrick's Athletic scored twice against Drogheda United. Pic: ©INPHO/James Lawlor

Drogheda United 1 St Pats 3

Kian Leavy’s first career brace helped St Patrick’s Athletic to returning to winning ways and keep the pressure on leaders Shamrock Rovers at Sullivan & Lambe Park.

Having hit the Premier Division summit at the start of the month, back-to-back defeats had seen the Saints allowe Stephen Bradley’s team to assume control in the title race.

They arrived in Drogheda seeking to rediscover their form and an out-of-form United provided the perfect opposition. Pats had the game all but sewn up at half-time, three goals to the good, after a performance full of purpose and intent in the opening 45 minutes.

Stephen Kenny had restored the returning duo Aidan Keena and Zach Elbouzedi to his team, with Keena paired with fellow striker Ryan Edmondson for just the third time all season.

It reaped immediate benefits, with the visitors in front within 46 seconds. Keena worked space for himself on the edge of the area and his shot, via a deflection, looped over debutant goalkeeper Flynn Talley.

Pats were dominant and the only surprise was that it took 35 minutes for them to double their advantage through Leavy. No sooner was it 2-0, then Pat’s were three goals to the good. It was Leavy again. The in-form midfielder picked up the ball outside the area and slalomed past two United defenders before curling a shot into the bottom corner.

A triple change at the break prompted an improvement from the home side, who nevertheless are now winless in nine league outings. Their consolation goal led to brief hope of an unlikely comeback.

Brandon Kavanagh found the net from 25 yards after goalkeeper Joseph Anang’s sprint off his line to clear went all wrong While the second half was much more competitive though, Drogheda did not do enough to unduly ruffle Pat’s feathers.

Drogheda United: Talley; Bolger (Kareem, 46), Keeley, Quinn; Agabje, Farrell (Brennan, 46), Godden, Kane (Cruise, 46); Kavanagh; Oluwa, Davis (O’Connor, 87).

St Patrick’s Athletic: Anang; Brown, Redmond, Grivosti, Turner; Lennon, Baggley, Leavy (Nugent, 46), Elbouzedi (Forrester, 61); Keena (Breslin, 62), Edmondson (Nzingo, 90+1).

Referee: Lucas Keating.