Derek Mountfield began his new career in the National League on a successful note as Cork City edged an important win at Turner's Cross yesterday.
"This match was all about getting three points," Mountfield said, "and the lads achieved that. I was disappointed with our first half performance, I don't think we got anywhere near what I expected because we spent more time passing to our friends in the crowd than to red shirts on the pitch.
"But we made one or two changes and we had a much better second half."
St Patrick's put their faith in a heavily defensive formation, with Packie Lynch playing deep, just in front of the back four, and they frustrated Cork for long periods. And they came closest to scoring before Cork when Lynch headed against the crossbar from a corner and substitute Marcus Hallows ran clear of the defence, only to see his finishing attempt deflected outside by goalkeeper Noel Mooney.
But their cause was not helped when Stephen McGuinness was sent off for a second yellow card offence on 70 minutes.
The goal came after 65 minutes when substitute John Caulfield crossed into the penalty area from the right wing. Trevor Croly looked to have the ball covered, but he lost it when challenged by Pat Morley and Mark Herrick drove home from 16 yards.
Cork City: Mooney; Horgan, Daly, Napier, Delaney; O'Brien (Moore, 90), Flanagan, Herrick, Cahill; Freyne (Caulfield, 36), Morley.
ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Kelly; Croly, S McGuinness, Foley, Burke; Byrne (Hallows, 56), Harte, Lynch (McGuinness, 56), Russell, Garratt (Drew, 83); Harris.