Melia Brace Sees Pat’s Overcome 10-Man Sligo
St Patrick’s Athletic Cruise Past Sligo Rovers in Controversial Encounter
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St Patrick’s Athletic secured a comfortable 4-0 victory over Sligo Rovers at Richmond Park, but the match was marred by a contentious red card decision that left Sligo Rovers reeling. A brace from Mason Melia, alongside goals from jake Mulraney and Brandon Kavanagh, sealed the win for the Saints, while a questionable dismissal of Sligo’s Patrick McClean proved to be a pivotal moment.
First-Half Controversy Sets the Tone
The game’s complexion changed dramatically in the first half when center-back McClean was sent off by referee Damien MacGraith for a challenge on St Pat’s teenager Mason Melia. While McClean did trip Melia as the youngster attempted to dribble past him, many observers felt the challenge wasn’t a clear goal-denying chance, notably with Sebastian Quirk providing covering support.
The decision incensed Sligo Rovers, and they were almost immediately punished. Jake Mulraney stepped up to take the resulting free-kick, but Sligo goalkeeper Sam Sargeant produced a stunning save, tipping the effort onto the crossbar. Despite the reprieve, the numerical disadvantage proved too much to overcome.
St Pat’s capitalize After the Break
Four minutes into the second half, St Patrick’s took the lead through a goalkeeping error. Chris Forrester’s ball over the top wasn’t dealt with by Sargeant, allowing mulraney to capitalize and calmly slot the ball into the net, despite a collision with Sligo captain Will Fitzgerald.Sligo struggled to regain their composure, and were forced to defend desperately. Sargeant was called into action again moments later,saving well from Melia after the forward had dispossessed Sean Stewart. Simon Power looked poised to score from the rebound,but Ollie Denham produced a crucial goal-line clearance.
However, St Pat’s relentless pressure soon told. A minute later, they extended their lead with another soft goal. brandon Kavanagh’s floated corner found an unmarked Melia, who headed the ball into the bottom corner.
Melia’s Masterclass Completes the Rout
Melia continued to torment the Sligo defense, showcasing his predatory instincts with a brilliant individual goal on the hour mark.Sligo lost possession cheaply, and Kavanagh threaded a pass through for Melia. The young striker accelerated past Denham, then demonstrated remarkable composure, rolling the ball past Sargeant with his studs before side-footing it into the net for his ninth league goal of the season.
The result leaves St Patrick’s Athletic firmly in contention, while Sligo Rovers will be left to rue both the refereeing decision and their own defensive frailties.
Lineups
st Patrick’s Athletic: Joseph Anang; Axel Sjoberg, Joe Redmond, Luke Turner, Jay McClelland; Jamie Lennon (Barry baggley h-t), Chris Forrester (Darren Robinson 79); Jake Mulraney (Kian Leavy 79), Brandon Kavanagh, Simon Power (Jordan Garrick 71); Mason Melia (Conor Carty 71).
Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant; Sebastian Quirk, Ollie Denham, Paddy McClean, Sean Stewart; Ciaron Harkin (matt Wolfe 65), James McManus; Will Fitzgerald; Owen Elding (Ronan Manning 80), Ryan O’Kane; Wilson Waweru (Cian Kavanagh h-t).
Referee: Damien Macgraith (may).
Attendance: 3,190.