Soccer

Mark Timlin grabs two as St Patrick’s Athletic stroll to win

Conan Byrne and Billy Dennehy also on target at Richmond Park

Mark Timlin celebrates scoring the first goal of the game with his St Patrick’s Athletic team-mate Jamie McGrath during the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match against Finn Harps at Richmond Park. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho
Mark Timlin celebrates scoring the first goal of the game with his St Patrick’s Athletic team-mate Jamie McGrath during the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division match against Finn Harps at Richmond Park. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho
Paul Buttner at Richmond Park
Tue May 17 2016 - 21:52

St Patrick’s Athletic 4 Finn Harps 0

Mark Timlin scored twice against his native county club as St Patrick’s eased to victory over Finn Harps at Richmond Park.

The win sees fifth-place St Patrick’s move to within a point of Derry City and Shamrock Rovers, though with a game more played.

Having come close through Billy Dennehy and Sam Verdon, St Patrick's impressive start was rewarded with the lead goal on nine minutes.

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Dennehy sent Conan Byrne away on the right and the winger's end line cross was finished from close-range by Timlin.

St Patrick's added to their lead on 42 minutes. Picked out by Lee Desmond, Byrne surged in from the right between two defenders to strike a left-foot drive that beat Ciaran Gallagher despite Harps' goalkeeper getting a touch to it.

Dennehy added St Patrick’s third goal on 69 minutes, running through from Timlin’s pass to side-foot confidently past Gallagher.

Timlin completed the scoring three minutes from time when finishing neat approach play from Jamie McGrath and substitute Dylan McGlade.

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Clarke; O'Brien, Feely, Desmond, Barker; Verdon, Kelly; Byrne (McGlade, 65 mins), B. Dennehy (Treacy, 76 mins), Timlin; McGrath.

FINN HARPS: Gallagher; Boyle, McNulty, P. Mailey (McConnell, 73 mins), Coll; Molloy; Hanlon, Houston, McNamee (McHugh, 62 mins); Scully (Funston, 72 mins), Curran.

Referee: Ray Matthews (Longford).