St Patrick's Athletic moved to within three points of second-placed Longford Town in the Eircom Premier Division when they proved much too good for the home side on Saturday night at Strokestown Road.
Central defender Darragh Maguire was the Saints hero, netting twice in the first half to ensure Longford's six-match unbeaten run came to an end.
Against the run of play, the visitors took the lead in the 22nd minute when Maguire rose highest to head home Robbie Griffin's corner.
Maguire struck again 17 minutes later when from a similar set piece, this time delivered by Paul Byrne, he was left at the near post to head home through a crowded goalmouth.
The scoring was completed eight minutes from time when substitute Jamie Harris showed wonderful skill on the end line, before squeezing home his side's third goal.
LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien; Murphy, Smith, McNally, W Byrne, Gavin, S Byrne, Kelly, Coyle, Zeller, O'Connor. Subs: Notaro for W Byrne (43 mins); Farrell for Zeller (64 mins); V Perth for Smith (75 mins).
ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: S Kelly; Crolly, Maguire, Foley, Burke, Byrne, McGuinness, Osam, Griffin, L Kelly, McCarthy. Subs: Harris for L Kelly (79 mins); Quinn for McCarthy (90 mins); Holt for Byrne (90 mins).
Referee: P Murphy (Athlone).
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