Clive Delaney destroyed St. Patrick's Athletic's hopes of their first home victory of the season when he snatched a late goal in the dying moments of the game to claim a point for the Students. The 6'6" tall defender's goal was the death sentence to the Supersaints' fine team performance throughout the game. Michael Holt, a recent signing from Preston North End, was put under immense pressure by the home crowd in the first half, when a penalty was granted to the home side by referee John Stacey. Holt, on his debut for the Supersaints, duly had his shot saved comfortably by UCD 'keeper Barry Ryan. In fact, the Students struggled to keep up with the pace of the game. But despite their great control over the game, the Saints failed to score before the half time whistle, and it was honours even at the break. They showed their superiority however, ten minutes after the restart, when Martin Russell curled a free kick into the top left-hand corner of Ryan's net. Cue the roar from the terraces - but Delaney tarnished the dreams and the three points for the fans by that late goal. Full report, manager's view and what the newspapers say later.

Team: Seamus Kelly, Willie Burke, Stephen McGuinness, Colm Foley, Keith Doyle, Trevor Croly, Paul Osam, Robbie McGuinness, Martin Russell, Michael Holt, Jamie Harris.
Substitutes: Marcus Hallows for Holt, Ger McCarthy for Russell, Shane Harte for Osam.

An anticipation unmet with in recent years approached this game with Cork City - the Saints' supporters, of course, deprived of European competition after the club's sixth place finish last season. They arrived in Cork by buses, cars and trains, all to see how their side would fare against the Leesiders, fresh from their narrow UEFA Cup 1st leg defeat to Lausanne. They soon found out. From the off, Cork looked more composed than the away side, but very little came of their composure. Indeed, it fell to captain, Packie Lynch, finding himself in an unfamiliar position ahead of the back four of Willie Burke, Colm Foley, Stephen McGuinness and Trevor Croly, to produce the best chance of the first half. A corner supplied by Martin Russell was met by Lynch, only for it to hit the crossbar; Foley's follow-up sailed over the roof of the Shed. Indeed, Pats had more ample opportunity to score in the first forty-five minutes, but City came out with all guns blazing for the second. With new manager Derek Mountfield withdrawing Patsy Freyne midway through the second half for John Caulfield, the difference was noticeable within the Cork side. Pats in return appeared even more in disarray than ever, and it was left to Mark Herrick to score after 64 minutes had elapsed. Even the Pats supporters had no argument with this - from almost the time referee Dick O'Hanlon blew the whistle for the second half to get underway, the home side had pressurised St. Patricks' 5-man defence. Sure enough the Dubliners' misery was complete five minutes later when central defender McGuinness was dismissed for a second bookable offence. With half an hour left, the Saints' case had never appeared so hopeless, but they did have chances - Marcus Hallows, a second half substitute for midfielder Paul Byrne, lost an opportunity to score on more than one occasion, due to the clearances of the City defence, and his losing the ball several times. Teenager Robbie McGuinness, himself a replacement for Lynch, also tried a shot which unluckily ended up in the side netting. So it ended 1-0 and leaves the Saints with no points so far from the league campaign. Next up are the students from UCD who are sure to prove a test as always. For the newspapers' views, click here.

Manager's View:

"I was afraid it might only be a matter of time with Stephen McGuinness before he was going to be sent off, I had an official comment made to me before the start of the season about Stephen McGuinness and it is unfortunate that he is a marked man. He didn’t help himself today but it’s not right. There should be a clean break from one season to the next and people should not have preconceived ideas about players. But I’m not complaining about the sending off because I think he deserved to go, and that made it very, very difficult for us."

An experimental St. Patrick's Athletic side proved too weak to overcome English First Division club Blackburn Rovers on Saturday night. Two first half goals for Blackburn, who featured Irish internationals Alan Kelly and Damien Duff in their line-up, was enough to banish Pats and secure a win. Blackburn 'keeper Kelly was later rushed to St. James' Hospital with suspected concussion after a collision with Saints' defender Colm Foley, but was released the following day.
Meanwhile, the Supersaints are now completely focused on their season opener against Cork City in Turner's Cross. The game is to be played next Monday, the 14th of August, in order to accommodate the Leesiders, who face Swiss side Lausanne on Thursday in their UEFA Cup clash. There are reportedly no injury doubts for Pat Dolan, apart from Paul Donnelly, who is said to be back in training. All fans are advised to get down to Cork to support their team. A supporters bus will be running from Inchicore to Cork, and for more details you can contact the club office at 4546332.

Four of the five games of the Nissan Festival of Football have passed, but despite promising performances from the Saints overall, they still await their first victory of the new season. After losing to Dundee United, the Saints took on Premiership side West Ham United. Despite facing experienced opponents, Pats did very well, and indeed, new signing Jamie Harris threatened to score on more than one occasion. However a late goal gave the Londoners the victory. The following Tuesday, a total contrast met the home side when they met Crewe Alexandra in a near-deserted Richmond Park. Falling behind to an early goal, they equalised through former Drogheda defender, Colm Foley, but a Crewe goal early in the second half did enough for them to win. It was more of the same against Cardiff City tonight, two days later, a small crowd assembled in Inchicore to watch the two sides, including a group of Cardiff fans. A very dull game in which Cardiff just about had the upper hand with more convincing efforts on goal ended scoreless and even.
The new signings have largely performed fairly well, however the lack of goals is a worry. With strikers Marcus Hallows, Ger McCarthy, Alan McNevin, Jamie Harris and Ciarán Quinn all having made appearances, there is certainly not a lack of personnel up front. At the back, Colm Foley looks likely to improve further when he settles in fully, while Willie Burke is by far improved since the last time this writer saw him, and acquitted himself excellently at all times. The midfield welcomes Paul Byrne from Bohs, who has signed for the Saints. Byrne, a former Celtic hero, has great passing ability, and when things have calmed down there is a chance that he and Martin Russell could compliment each other very well. Robbie McGuinness, who made his first team debut only last November against Finn Harps, in which he scored the Saints' equaliser, looks to have 'come of age' judging by his performances against Cardiff and late on against Crewe. A far finer player than some expected is the result. Goalkeeper Seamus Kelly looked to have shaky moments against Crewe in particular, but nonetheless overall has performed very well.
The fifth and final friendly will be against Blackburn Rovers, on Saturday next, the fifth of August. With Blackburn having quite large 'support' in Dublin, it's time to get out there and show them what they're missing in the eircom League! The game kicks off at 7:30 p.m.

Former Under-16 European Championship gold medallist, Dessie Byrne (19), has signed for English Nationwide First Division side Wimbledon. The transfer fee is believed to be in the region of £100,000. The teenager, who featured regularly in the Supersaints' starting line-up last season, was previously across the water as an apprentice with Stockport County. Byrne had made it into the first team at Stockport, only to be sent home in disgrace after an incident in a city nightclub. The Ballyfermot man is to earn the Saints more money if he appears as a regular in the Wimbledon first eleven or goes on to get full international honours. We at Supersaints Unofficial wish Dessie all the best and feel he has a very bright future at Selhurst Park.

Former Celtic midfielder Paul Byrne has been snapped up by manager Pat Dolan from Dublin rivals Bohemians. Byrne featured as a substitute in the Supersaints' first pre-season friendly against Dundee United. The match was a 2-0 defeat for the Saints, although it is apparent that many of the players need time to settle in. Also making his first appearance for Pats was teenage striker Ciarán Quinn, signed from Manortown United, who have also produced former Saints stars such as Liam Buckley and Brian Morrisroe, and other new acquisitions Seamus Kelly, Gavin Doyle, Colm Foley, and Jamie Harris. Defender Packie Lynch was stretchered off late in the second half and replaced by Des Byrne.
TEAM: Seamus Kelly, Willie Burke, Keith Doyle, Packie Lynch, Stephen McGuinness, Trevor Croly, Paul Osam, Shane Harte, Ger McCarthy, Ciarán Quinn, Pádraig Drew.
SUBS: Jamie Harris, Colm Foley, Des Byrne, Paul Byrne, Marcus Hallows, Gavin Doyle, Trevor Wood, Liam Kelly, Alan McNevin, Barry Prenderville, Robbie McGuinness (all used).

It was finally announced today that 26-year-old goalkeeper Seamus Kelly has been signed from Cardiff City. Kelly originally played with UCD in the National League before moving to Cardiff two years ago. Other signings made by the Saints are Drogheda United's Colm Foley and St. Francis' Gavin Doyle. Bohemians' forward Jamie Harris is still rumoured to be on his way to Inchicore, as Trevor Molloy swaps the Saints for the Gypsies. Also part of the package is a transfer fee for Molloy in the region of £30,000.

The 2000/01 season will see changes on Camacside with Pat Dolan bringing in changes to the current squad. Trevor Molloy is almost certain to depart, while Colin Hawkins has signed for English Conference side Doncaster Rovers. It is also unlikely that Eddie Gormley will stay at Richmond Park, and his former club Bray Wanderers are reportedly interested. Meanwhile, the future of Trevor Wood with the Supersaints looks rocky, as Dolan sets to bring in former UCD 'keeper Seamus Kelly from Cardiff City. Several other Cardiff players are rumoured to be arriving in Inchicore, including Irish star Kevin Nugent. Among eircom League players, Bohemians' Jamie Harris and Shelbourne's Karel Van Der Velden are rumoured to have been approached by the St. Pats manager, while Tony Sheridan of Portadown has also been linked with the club. The League and League Cup fixtures have also been announced, with a tough opening fixture for the Inchicore men when they travel to Turner's Cross to meet Cork City. The Saints' League Cup group also comprises Shelbourne and St. Francis, while their supporters can enjoy five pre season games over the summer, including a visit of English Premiership side West Ham to Richmond Park. For the full fixture lists, click here.

The final game of the 1999/2000 season will not go down in the memory of St. Patrick's Athletic supporters as one to particularly treasure. From the off, it was clear that the Saints' strikers had other things on their mind; and indeed, some of their defenders - Dessie Byrne, for one, could have easily scored in the first half; his shot needlessly wide. Marcus Hallows, too, should have hit the target - and Ger McCarthy's shot was saved by Eddie Hickey. Upon the whole, in the first half it was the away side who largely threatened, however, the Tribesmen had their moments also. In the second half they came out with a more attack-minded outlook, although they did not really take control until the dismissal of St. Patrick's midfielder Paul Osam, after he was seen to push Daragh Sheridan. From then on, Saints' supporters were on tenterhooks as Galway pressed forward, and news of Waterford United's goal versus Harps filtered through to the teams. It seemed to be heading for a scoreless draw, which for Supersaints, would not have done with UCD and Shamrock Rovers winning, but in the dying minutes of injury time, the home captain, Billy Clery, got the goal which the home fans had been waiting for. Jubilation followed on the Terryland Park pitch afterwards, while Pats supporters saluted Galwayman Colin Hawkins, due to leave the club for Doncaster, in this being his final game for St. Pats. We can take comfort though, in the fact that the Leinster Senior Cup final against Shamrock Rovers is yet to come, and the Reserves side are currently leading the Reserve Division with two games in hand over their nearest challengers UCD. For the newspapers' views, click here.

This very uninspiring game saw both teams off-form, particularly since both have suffered scoreless draws in recent games. This could have been no exception. Of the two sides, St. Pats looked the more threatening, with Alan McNevin challenging several times. However this was the main highlight in a fairly lifeless game; the only other notable incident was the yellow carding of Ger McCarthy after a clash with Rovers' 'keeper Robbie Horgan. For the newspapers' views, click here.

It will be known as the night Shelbourne won the title, but United Park seemed a million miles from the RSC last night. With St. Pats concerned with their European hopes and Drogheda with relegation, there was little interest in the game in Waterford, and much more focused in the one in Co. Louth. Despite early pressure from the Boynesiders, Trevor "Billy Boy" Molloy scored the opener, after 18 minutes, a fairly simple goal hit just under the crossbar. The second was fired home from 20-year-old Ger McCarthy, his first goal at last for the Supersaints, and Robbie McGuinness, fresh back from the Irish Under-18's trip to France, scored the last after replacing Alan McNevin. Good performances from his Ireland teammate Dessie Byrne in particular, although Trevor Croly looked positive when he came on for Willie Burke. The final substitution was in the final minutes when goal hero McCarthy made way for Pádraig Drew. For the newspapers' views, click here.

It was reflected how well regarded the game was, that the headlines in the newspapers concerned Pat Dolan's outburst in the official programme, rather than the proceedings on the pitch itself. The absence of Dessie Byrne and Robbie McGuinness, due to former Supersaint manager Brian Kerr's insistence on using the 5-day-rule so that the teenagers would not be available for club football, was lamented by an irate Dolan. Almost instantly, The Saints, who fielded a young front line, with 20-year-olds Alan McNevin and Ger McCarthy both in the line-up, showed promise, as Waterford goalkeeper Michael Devine struggled to keep some great shots at bay, particularly one from Paul Osam midway through the half. However the away side too threatened, and indeed early in the second period were incredibly unlucky in hitting the crossbar. A paltry crowd turned up at Richmond Park, showing the lack of morale among supporters, and it was only after 56 minutes that Pats began to get their act together again. Pádraig Drew replaced the unfortunate Ger McCarthy, who had also troubled Michael Devine with a powerful shot from inside the penalty area, but had failed to create a lasting impact. The main concern for the home side must be to improve on their accuracy at headers, with Osam and Colin Hawkins in particular guilty of some unlikely misses. The introduction of striker Trevor Molloy for the struggling Keith Doyle, brought mixed emotions among the scant home support, after comments made by Molloy about his possible departure from the club to Bohemians. However he brought an added hope to the attack, and the late arrival of Liam Kelly for Marcus Hallows saw Dolan play a desperate ploy to get one goal to snatch it. The Blues scared Saints' defenders near the end however, but the final whistle was far more welcome to the relegation-threatened Suirsiders than the demoralised Saints. For the newspapers' views, click here.

St. Patrick's Athletic beat Bohemians by a solitary goal to nil at Dalymount Park last night. The only goal of the game came after 83 minutes from the penalty spot, after Ger McCarthy was upended in the box. Eddie Gormley's finish was the only thing that separated the two sides. The game, live on RTE Television, did not live up to expectation, particularly in the first 45 minutes. The best chance of that half came from teenager Alan McNevin, whose diagonal run, resulting in a finish that was only just denied by Bohs' 'keeper Michael Dempsey. Luckily for television viewers at home, and the small crowd present (the low attendance being attributed to the bus strike), the game slowly picked up pace after half time, and Bohs began to dominate, however chances came to the Saints also, and Liam Kelly and Ger McCarthy can rue them in particular. Glen Crowe was unlucky for the Gypsies on more than one occasion, but after Gormley's spot kick, it looked like Bohs' unbeaten run was at an end. For the newspapers' views, click here.

Dessie Byrne and Robbie McGuinness have been selected to represent Ireland against France in Brest on April 5th. The teenagers are the only eircom League representatives in the squad. Meanwhile the Supersaints prepare for their live televised clash with Dublin rivals Bohemians on Friday night.

Once again, a relatively poor performance early on in the game cost the Supersaints dearly, as, on the feast day of Ireland's national saint, and the club's namesake, they failed to shake off the problems that have dogged them recently. After all the controversy concerning Colin Hawkins' ability to play for the Saints again, he turned up again in the first eleven to partner Marcus Hallows up front. The latter replaced the suspended Ger McCarthy, who himself today started a two-match ban after his dismissal against Finn Harps. However, there was no sign of the apparently fit Barry Prenderville. Despite the changes, it was all the same from the Saints in the first half, with very few chances made, the first real opportunity was a corner supplied by Martin Russell, met with a header from Pádraig Drew, which hit the crossbar. Unfortunately from then on, the play from the Saints was frustrating for their supporters, who saw set-pieces wasted and many chances lost, as the Inchicore side continuously lost the ball to their Drumcondra counterparts. This pattern continued throughout the majority of the match, with Pats inability to keep possession or to contain Shelbourne. However Shels rarely caused trouble themselves in the first 45 minutes and their only goal of the half was a penalty, after 38 minutes, duly converted by Stephen Geoghegan. The expected comeback from St. Patrick's did not materialise, and, in fact, it gave Shels the kickstart they needed. Only a few minutes after the restart, Tony McCarthy found himself in acres of space and finished only a few yards from Saints 'keeper Trevor Wood. This howvever did not reflect brilliant play from Shelbourne, only a lack of heading ability from the Pats players around the box, particularly Osam who was outjumped by McCarthy. Still the home side seemed to be taking it easy - almost too easy. Manager Pat Dolan decided to take action and withdrew Willie Burke and Martin Russell, for Trevor Croly and Thomas Morgan to take their places. However it was not until 15 minutes before the finish that the Supersaints really began to get their act together. With the Shelbourne defence caught napping, Alan McNevin had no trouble at all running forward, and after an initial miss, did not hesitate with the second effort, which landed in the back of the net. Sheer relief for St. Patrick's Athletic fans, but the goal seemed to start and end their side's contribution to the game. Apart from a few sterling performances from players such as Dessie Byrne, who dealt quite well with the tricky Richie Baker, Trevor Croly, whose second half performance was admirable, and Packie Lynch (who saved the Saints on more than one occasion, by clearing the ball away), one has to question the motives of the majority of the first team players after this performance. The visible disappointment on their faces as they left the field were the first and only signs of seeming commitment. UCD's clash with Cork City now proves vital for the Saints' chance of taking a European place. Click here to see what the newspapers had to say....

After a poor defensive display in the first half, St. Patrick's Athletic came out with all guns blazing in the second to grab two goals and a precious point to keep their European hopes alive. The first 45 minutes were largely all Sligo's, although were it not for the careless possession of the Pats midfield in particular, the away team could have dominated. A brilliant 25-yard shot from Conor O'Grady gave Sligo their first, and Seán Flannery their second. But it was not all doom and gloom when the Saints emerged after half time with their spirits raised, and proceeded to undo most of the damage with a Packie Lynch goal only a few minutes later, and, after Liam Kelly had come on as a substitute, the Saints' luck changed as a penalty was awarded, which Trevor Molloy duly converted. Despite a late flurry, a winner could not be found, which perhaps was a fair result. Click here to see what the newspapers had to say....

20-year-old striker Ger McCarthy is suspended for two games after being sent off against Finn Harps last month. It is thought that he will miss the Supersaints' ties against Bohemians and Waterford United. Marcus Hallows, meanwhile, will miss the next match away to Sligo, due to a sending off against UCD in February also.

A live TV clash with Cork City showed the Saints up well, as they fought for the points against the Leesiders, but in the end had to be content for a share of the spoils. It was the away side who controlled the majority of the possession in the opening stages and it was always likely that they would score first. A Trevor Molloy corner was curled neatly into the goalmouth, where it was deflected off Cork defender Declan Daly. An unlucky goal to concede for City, but was the least that the Champions deserved. However slack defending let Pat Morley through only 2 minutes later, he crossed to Colin O'Brien who knew where to place it. Although the playing conditions left a lot to be desired, there were still many yellow cards brandished by the referee, and this unfortunately could lead to suspension for some players. This pattern continued in the second half, when Cork were well on top and Pats did well to contain their attacks. Overall it was a fair result, as Cork had the more possession, but Pats had the better opportunities (with missed chances from Pádraig Drew and Ger McCarthy). See the newspapers' verdict here.

Are the Champions back to winning ways? Last night, the St. Patrick's Athletic side was considerably altered from the previous week's. With striker Trevor Molloy suspended, and the 2-1 defeat to UCD still firmly in manager Pat Dolan's mind, a changed team was expected. The new additions to the side included youngsters Ger McCarthy, Alan McNevin and Pádraig Drew. Drew in particular was sparkling, running at the Harps defence with ease and creating some good opportunities. Overall the first half was very promising, but it was soured by the sending off of McCarthy following a headbutting incident. Harps' Jonathan Minnock was also dismissed. The following forty-five minutes were less explosive, and hardly as entertaining, seeing the substitution of Drew, Robbie Devereux and Barry Prenderville, the latter seemingly injured. Devereux's replacement Marcus Hallows got the decider from a Dessie Byrne cross, Byrne also being a substitute. The last ten minutes saw the Saints cling on as third substitute Eddie Gormley left the field injured, and left his side with just nine men. See the newspapers' verdict here.