Pat’s do enough against Ballinamallard

Ballinamallard 0 St Patrick’s Athletic 1

Airtricity League champions St Patrick’s Athletic take a narrow 1-0 lead to the second leg of this Cup tie.

The Dublin side didn’t look extended for much of the game after Chris Forrester shot them into the lead after 21 minutes, neatly sidefooting home a corner. He went close again shortly after heading wide from another corner.

St Patrick’s controlled most of the half in atrocious conditions with the home side posing little or no threat

Just before the break midfielder Dwayne McManus found himself in space in the St Pat’s box but was tackled before he could pull the trigger.

However, it was an encouraging second half from the Irish League side against the Airtricity champions.

They finished strongly with a handful of good chances to show for their efforts.

Striker Richard Lecky got himself away from Oman and Browne at the centre of the St Pat’s back line, but couldn’t get his shot away after getting into a a dangerous position.

Substitute Cathal Beacom’s vicious free kick from the right flew inches wide as David Kee just failed to get a touch with his head at the back post.

Then striker Andy Crawford pressurised the visitors defence in the mud. The ball fell nicely for the Ballinamallard man whose low shot was superbly saved by goalkeeper Rene Gilmartin with his legs.