A goal by Marcus Hallows gave St Patrick's a crucial win over struggling Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds on Saturday night.

Hallows, who was leading scorer for Sligo last year before his move to the Inchicore club, struck in the 67th minute, tapping home from close range after Matt Boswell had parried a long-range effort from Colin Hawkins.

Sligo had slightly the better of the first-half exchanges, with 16-year-old Keith Gilroy turning in an impressive performance on his home debut and Paul Bonner's close-range effort beaten away by Trevor Wood. But as the half progressed, St Patrick's began to play with more authority and Hawkins missed a great chance in the 20th minute when he headed wide from Martin Russell's free-kick.

SLIGO ROVERS: Boswell, Rossiter, Bonner, Birks, Charles, McLynn, McInally, Gilroy, Shannon, O'Grady, Moran. Subs: Khaliffi for McLynn (75 mins), Marshall for Rossiter (86 mins).

ST PATRICK'S ATH: Wood, McGuinness, Hawkins, Lynch, Doyle, Crolly, Gormley, Russell, Broughan, Molloy, Hallows. Sub: McNevin for Molloy (83 mins).

Referee: D O'Hanlon (Waterford).