Joy for St Patrick's after dramatic derby victory against Dumbarton Academy FPs

09.01.2023 - 18:05 / dailyrecord.co.uk

St Patrick’s emerged victorious from a hard fought derby battle in front of more than 500 fans, to secure their place in the last 16 of the West of Scotland Cup.

As you would expect from a local derby there were plenty of incidents and meaty challenges throughout a tense and dramatic game.

The Saints had plenty of possession but could not get into a rhythm with the game constantly being stopped by niggling challenges.

St Patrick’s had a great chance to take the lead after 20 minutes when Doherty put a pinpoint cross into Lobban whose header was expertly touched over the bar by Accies’ keeper Tiropoulos.

The game then developed into a dour battle which produced a flurry of yellow cards before Saints took the lead with 30 minutes on the clock.

Doherty swung over a dangerous corner which the visitors could only clear to the edge of the box and the waiting Liam Rowan, who smashed a wonderful shot into the roof of the net, giving Tiropoulos no chance.

Their lead lasted only four minutes.

Accies were awarded a free kick in the middle of the park and skipper Jack Buchanan flighted a fine cross to the far edge of the six-yard box onto the head of the unmarked Jack Halley, who netted with ease.

In the 40th minute Saints were inches away from regaining the lead when Ciaran McElroy fired a dangerous ball across the face of goal onto the onrushing Kevin McElroy, but his shot rattled the bar before being cleared by Kenny Wilson.

The derby flashpoint then came in the 43rd minute when goalscorer Halley was given a straight red card for a bad challenge on McColl.

With the visitors now a man down they set out their stall to frustrate Saints and try and hit them on the break.

The second-half produced very few chances with the visitors sitting in and