St Patrick's Athletic (4) - Shelbourne (0)

St Patrick's Athletic 4 - Shelbourne 0

St Patrick's Athletic ran riot in a feisty first half to ensure Damien Duff's Shelbourne endured a less than ideal preparation ahead of next week's showpiece FAI Cup final at the Aviva.

An action packed first half saw the hosts race to a three-goal lead thanks to an Eoin Doyle double and a well taken Anto Breslin finish that secured bragging rights, as The Saints brought the curtain down on another season in Inchicore.

The visitors were close to opening the scoring ten minutes in when Sean Boyd fashioned a yard of space to the right of the area and let rip with a thunderbolt destined for the roof of the net, but he was denied brilliantly by David Odumosu.

This sparked The Athletic into life and just minutes later they got themselves in front in somewhat controversial circumstances. Anto Breslin delivered a delicious ball around the Shels defence finding top-scorer Eoin Doyle to side foot home. The flag was raised for offside initially, but referee Paul McLoughlin seemed to overrule his assistant and pointed to the centre circle.

The Breslin/Doyle combination paid dividends again moments later when Breslin delivered a sweeping pinpoint ball to the danger area, finding the ex-Swindon man who headed home expertly under pressure.

Tackles continued to fly in as the yellow card was seeing more action than the goalkeepers now. Mark Coyle and Jack Moylan both saw yellow for late challenges on Barry Cotter, with the latter being replaced just after the half hour mark to protect him ahead of the Final.

As the break approached, the dynamic duo combined yet again for the Saints third, as Doyle turned provider on this occasion, sliding in Breslin who whipped a shot into the far corner, giving ex-Pat's keeper Brendan Clarke no chance.

Club legend Ian Bermingham was introduced at halftime as he took his final bow after an incredible 12-year stint at the Inchicore side and was given the type of reception their record appearance holder deserved, with each touch greeted with "shoot" from the vocal home support.

A quieter second half was brought to a close when the excellent Ben McCormack showed great composure to get past Clarke and put the icing on the cake. Then, in emotional scenes, substitute Bermingham was given a guard of honour from his side as he departed with just seconds remaining

Tim Clancy's troops now face a nervy week-long wait to find out if their fourth place finish will prove enough to sneak into Europe, hoping that Derry City do them a favour by downing The Reds.

© rte.ie

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St Patrick's Athletic 4 - Shelbourne 0

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