Aidan Keena proved the difference as St Patrick’s Athletic secured a victory over Derry City, with the striker bagging a brace to lead his side to three crucial points.
The first opportunity of the match came as a result of a pass down the flank that fell to Keena, who was able to cut inside and slip in Mason Melia, who was tripped by Ben Doherty and after a slightly delayed reaction from the referee, a penalty was awarded to St Pats.
Despite Brian Maher going the right way, there aren’t many who could’ve stopped Aidan Keena’s attempt from 12 yards, which was perfectly slotted down the bottom left corner.
Stephen Kenny’s side would continue to put on the pressure, Keena was involved again, with a shot from outside the box but this time Maher was able to palm it out for a corner.
Derry came out fighting in the second half but not the sort of fighting Tiernan Lynch would have hoped for, Carl Winchester was sent off for a tackle on Mason Melia, which was followed by a scuffle between both sets of players, resulting in Pat Hoban and Tom Grivosti being shown yellow cards.
Maher was again called to action around the 60 minute mark, this time it was Mason Melia, whose shot was well saved by the former Ireland U21 goalkeeper.
Adam O’Riley burst forward from right-back to drag a shot from distance wide, just a couple of minutes later O’Riley would foul Aidan Keena in the box, giving St Pats their second penalty of the night.
Keena went left again and although it was a slightly worse placed penalty then his fist attempt, it didn’t matter as Brian Maher stayed standing in the centre of the goal.
In the dying moments of the game, Danny Mullen had an ambitious effort from just past the halfway line go high and wide, despite that attempt being over 40 yards out, it was one of the best chances Derry had in the game. Perfectly summing up the Candystripes performance.
LOITALK MOTM: Aidan Keena
Who else? Keena scored both of St Pats goals tonight, although they were from the spot he was involved in both penalties being given. He was also a complete handful for Derry defenders tonight and continues to look unplayable.