Saints Slip Up in Belfield
Sunday, February 3rd, 2002

UCD 0 - Saint Patrick's Athletic 0

St Patrick’s Athletic left Belfield for the second time this season without scoring and with only a single point to show for their efforts. Way back in August of last year these two played out a drab scoreless draw at this venue and there was little improvement on that display for the unfortunate supporters who chose to return this Sunday.

The Saints remain third in the eircom Premier League table yet their continued inability to break down the UCD defence will be a definite cause of concern among the Saints technical staff as Shels and Rovers both won this weekend.

Both goalkeepers were tested at times but clear cut chances were few and far between.

St Pat’s almost edged ahead in the opening minute when set piece expert Martin Russell saw his free kick sail just over the crossbar. Moments later, Michael Holt saw his shot saved by UCD ‘keeper Barry Ryan.

David Quinn and Mick O’Donnell both wasted useful openings for UCD late in the half while St Pat’s midfielder Paul Marney should have done better from Mbabazi-Livingstone's drag-back which had opened up the resilient UCD back four.

St Pat’s pushed on after the break. Barry Ryan needed to be sharp to deny Michael Holt while centre half Colm Foley’s header looped over the bar.

On 65 minutes, Barry Ryan was again to the rescue for the home team when he scrambled across his goal to tip Paul Osam’s header over the bar.

David Quinn’s left foot shot in injury time was well saved by St Pat’s ‘keeper Seamus Kelly. Introducing livewire subs Gavin Doyle and Ger McCarthy, Pat's tried to force the issue late into the second half but it was too little, too late and UCD manager Paul Doolin was delighted to have picked up 5 points in 2 draws and a win over the Saints this season as our poor form against the students continues.

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Kelly; Croly, Maguire, Colm Foley, Burke (Griffin 89); Marney, Osam, Russell, McGuinness (McCarthy 63); Mbabazi, Holt (G. Doyle 80).

UCD: B. Ryan; Mahon, Delaney, Purdy, McAuley; J. Martin, Doolin, Quinn, O’Donnell; R. Martin (Martyn 75), Grogan.

Referee: P. McKeon (Dublin).

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