St Patrick's Athletic made further progress towards a successful title defence at Richmond Park last night by comfortably dismantling the challenge of Sligo Rovers. They move to within one point of Shelbourne and Cork City at the top of the table.

For the most part, it was another competent performance by the champions. Sean Flannery claimed his first goal of the season for Sligo on 17 minutes, but St Patrick's struck back through Stephen McGuinness, Trevor Molloy and Trevor Croly. A late own goal by St Patrick's had no real relevance.

In only his second game in charge, new Sligo manager Tommy Cassidy was forced to field a largely inexperienced side which included three teenagers. However, 19-year-old Connor O'Grady was outstanding at midfield and helped keep the play predominantly in the hosts' half for the first quarter hour or so.

The opening goal was superbly executed. Padraig Moran was sent running deep down the lefthand sideline and just managed to cross before hitting the corner flag. With his first touch, Flannery drove the ball low into the net, giving Trevor Wood no chance.

St Patrick's were a little hesitant in getting their attack off the ground, with loose passing one of the main reasons. Colin Hawkins managed to find the net on 27 minutes, but was quickly ruled off-side.

At the other end, Flannery set up O'Grady for another real opportunity for Sligo and Stepen Birks also tried his luck from distance. Then, just as the St Patrick's supporters were getting increasingly impatient, McGuinness produced the equaliser.

It all came from Molloy's corner on 40 minutes which was directed into the net by the head of McGuinness from five yards. From then on the result was never really in doubt.

St Patrick's were, however, handed a fortunate goal just before the interval. Wesley Charles stumbled with Molloy on the edge of the box, and referee Gerry Perry awarded a questionable penalty. There was no doubt over Molloy's spot kick, which was nothing short of awesome.

St Patrick's were far more confident during the second half and had a succession of chances. After 18 minutes Patrick Lynch played a close-range ball to Croly, who took it on the volley and found the net. Chances from Colin Hawkins and substitute Eddie Gormley could have made it four. The

final word went to Sligo, however, when Shane Harte fumbled the ball into his own net two minutes into injury time.

St Patrick's Athletic: Wood; Lynch, Harte, Croly; McGuinness, Hawkins, Doyle, Russell; Broughan, Hallows, Molloy. Subs: Gormley for Russell (61 mins); Prenderville for Broughan (65 mins); McNevin for Hallows (81 mins).

Sligo Rovers: Broujos; Davey, Lynch, Birks, Sheridan; Charles, Marshall, Gilroy, Flannery; O'Grady, Moran. Subs: El Khaliffi for Gilroy (42 mins).

Referee: G Perry (Dublin).