ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC stretched their unbeaten League to 13 matches with a clinical and convincing win in the west.

Times are far tougher for Galway United, who have lost 14 in all competitions on the spin and this proved to be another game in which preventable goals were conceded.

With Shane McFaul and Stephen Bradley providing the midfield subtlety there were glimpses of the Saints ability in the opening stages as they hit the front in the seventh minute.

Danny North burst clear and though his initial effort was saved by Greg Fleming the former Grimsby Town attacker reacted quickly to steer the rebound over the line.

Galway were failing to contain Bradley, who pulled the strings impressively in the centre of the park and Pat's carved a string of opportunities.

In the 28th minute Derek Doyle's left wing cross found Evan McMillan, but Steve Feeney somehow headed the ball from the Galway line.

Then on the half hour mark the timber came to Galway's rescue as Anto Murphy's low effort hit the post.

Mikey Gilmore had two snap shots one of which required Gary Rogers to make a save as Galway sought to land a shock equaliser.

Fleming was by far the busier custodian and needed to be alert when thwarting Derek Doyle near the interval.

In the third quarter Galway showed traces of improvement with Karl Moore offering skill and subtlety on the left flank.

Moore was unfortunate that a couple of through balls were cut out by a Pat's defence that was anchored superbly by McMillan.

For all Galway's enterprise Gary Rogers wasn't really tested and when Feeney was sent off in the 69th minute for a second yellow card following a foul on substitute Paul Crowley Pat's regained control.

Three minutes later Bradley's smashing corner found Evan McMillan, who made a powerful headed connection to ensure all the points were pocketed by the visitors.

GALWAY UNITED: Fleming; Eduardo, Preston Kelly, Sinnott, G Kelly; Moore, Ryan (Gavin, 72), Curran, Gilmore; Feeney, Caldwell.

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Rogers; Harney (Daly, 72), E McMillan, Shortall, Carroll; Murphy, McFaul (Crowley, 66), Bradley, Doyle; Kavanagh, North (D McMillan, 78).

REFEREE: D Hancock (Dublin).