St Patrick’s Athletic 4-1 Waterford Utd
Following their dispiriting 4-2 defeat at the hands of Waterford United earlier in the season, St Patrick’s Athletic exacted satisfying revenge on the Blues with a comfortable victory as the eircom League returned from its summer break on Monday night.
David Freeman got the chance to shine alongside top scorer Tony Bird in the home side’s attack, and the former Nottingham Forest youngster duly grasped the opportunity with both hands.
He caused all sorts of problems for Waterford throughout the 90 minutes, going close to opening the scoring twice in the opening half before making the points safe with a second half brace.
Pats dominated proceedings early on, but it took them almost half an hour to force the breakthrough. When it came, its source was entirely predictable, Bird getting on the end of a right-wing cross from assist-king Keith Fahy.
Waterford, in their first game without first-choice striker Gary O’Neill, were short of ideas in attack and being overrun in defence. It was no surprise when, five minutes before the break, Pats extended their advantage, fit-again centre half Colm Foley heading Anthony Murphy’s cross to the net.
The visitors picked up the pieces somewhat after the break, but they failed to greatly bother Chris Adamson in the Saints goal, and Freeman struck his first – fortuitously following a deflection – after 61 minutes to make it 3-0.
Less than 60 seconds later Daryl Murphy pulled on back for the Blues after getting on the end of a pass from strike partner Vinny Sullivan.
Seven minutes from time, Freeman added his second of the night, rising well to head home Fahy’s corner.
