St Patrick’s Athletic shared a point with Sligo Rovers in a 0-0 draw at Richmond Park on Friday evening in what turned out to be a highly competitive affair.

 

The Bit O’Red were high on confidence following the midweek victory over Shamrock Rovers that secured their place in the final of the EA Sports Cup.

 

So it was hardly surprising that Paul Cook’s side started on a lively note with Richie Ryan blasting over after controlling a smart cross from Romauld Boco.

 

With the pressure on the home side, Sligo continued to dominate as Gary McCabe cut in from the left and slid a shot past St Pat’s keeper Gary Rogers, although defender Conor Kenna was there to intercept.

 

There were few chances for the hosts in the first-half as Ryan Guy blasted wide, but they made up for their lack of activity in front of goal in the second period as they stepped up the pressure.

 

Ian Bermingham tested the alertness of Sligo keeper Ciaran Kelly, while David McAllister saw his shot from close range deflected over when it looked to be on its way into the back of the net.

 

St Pat's were really turning on the style with McAllister smashing a shot against the post, Derek Doyle volleying off target and both Guy and Garreth O'Connor shooting wide.

 

But Sligo held on to extend their unbeaten run to five games and pick up a crucial point, although the Saints will feel that they could have taken all three points on the night.

 

St Patrick’s Athletic: Rogers; Pender, Kenna, Guthrie, Bermingham; McAllister, S Byrne, Mulcahy (O’Connor 20), Doyle (Cash 76); Guy, North (Faherty 51). 

 

Substitutes Not Used: Bennion, O’Brien. 

 

Sligo Rovers: Kelly; Keane, Peers, Lauchlan, Davoren; McCabe (O’Grady 67), Ryan, Ndo, Boco, Doyle (Dillon 76); Amond (Blinkhorn 61). 

 

Substitutes Not Used: Gibson, Ventre. 

 

Referee: A Kelly (Cork).