Two second half goals see St Pat's past Bohs

League of Ireland Premier Division 

Bohemian FC 0 St. Patrick’s Athletic 2

St. Patrick’ s Athletic took bragging rights in a keenly contested Dublin Derby as 4,084 braved the terrible conditions in Phibsboro.

Second half goals from Mark Doyle and the hardworking Conor Carty proved enough for The Saints to land a huge psychological blow on The Gypsies ahead of next month's showpiece.

Yes it was a dress rehearsal for the FAI Cup final but could potentially prove crucial in the race for European football next season with Shelbourne breathing down their neck.

On the drenched pitch, which was beginning to cut up slightly, both sides tried their utmost to play attacking football but a swirling wind played havoc with the players judgement.

The home side forced the first good chance of the game when starman James Clarke burst in from the left wing but saw his shot blocked by David Norman.

Building a head of steam, the home side forced set-piece after set-piece but failed to make the breakthrough and almost fell behind midway through the first half when Saint's talisman, Chris Forrester, was played through on goal on the inside left channel but was met bravely by James Talbot who stood big to keep the score level.

Just before the hour mark the home side’s pressure almost told but were denied by an incredible wonder save from Dean Lyness who somehow tipped Bartlomiej Kukulowicz’ top corner bound free kick around the post at the very last second.

Lyness was at it again minutes later when he clawed out Adam McDonnell’s powerful header from the top corner.

Declan Devine’s side suffered a massive blow just before the end of a feisty first half when influential skipper, Keith Buckley, came off worse in a crunching 50/50 in the