St Patrick's prevail

National League champions St Patrick's Athletic took the FAI Super Cup at Inchicore yesterday but precious little else.

The idea that this might provide Liam Buckley's side with some competitive action prior to their Champions League game this month was optimistic at best. Shelbourne, allowed the opportunity to run at St Patrick's in the second half, could barely conjure up a half dozen chances.

St Patrick's for their part showed enough in the first half to suggest that they will again be the team to beat. Paul Osam and Eddie Gormley controlled midfield even if the latter was not on top of his form. And Gormley it was who came closest to breaking the deadlock on 35 minute when shooting over bar following a good move.

The introduction of Dessie Baker for centre half Pat Scully pointed to a more adventurous approach by Shelbourne and his tempting cross after the interval almost led to Neil Ogden finding the net.

Last season's top scorer Trevor Molloy turned in a commendable performance and his stunning volley following a flick on by Ian Gilzean after 52 minutes produced an equally admirable one handed save from Steve Williams. Molloy then set up Marcus Hallowes for a free run on the goal but frustratingly for the home support, the ball clipped Hallowes back foot to hand Shelbourne an unlikely reprieve.

And so to the dreaded penalty shoot-out. Gary Haylock was first to convert for Shelbourne but subsequent misses by Baker and Ogden left them needing to score with their last. Davey Byrne however was unable to oblige with Trevor Wood guessing the right way to hand St Patrick's the trophy.

ST PATRICKS ATHLETIC: Wood, McGuinness, Campbell, Hawkins, Crolly, Gormley, Osam, Russell, Burke, Molloy, Gilzean. Subs: Harte for Russell (28), Doyle for McGuinnes (half time), O Callaghan for Osam ht, Hallowes for Gilzean (62), Morgan for Gormley (79).

SHELBOURNE: S Williams, Heary, T Byrne, Scully, Gifford, Ogden, Vandervelden, D Byrne, Kelly, Haylock, M Williams. Subs: Baker for Scully (half time), O Brien for T Byrne (61).

Referee: G Perry (Dublin).