St Patrick's Ath 2 Bray Wanderers 0:DANNY North scored twice, and wasted opportunities to get his hat-trick, as St Patrick's brought their quest for Europe to their final match at Sligo Rovers next Friday.

With four changes in the side, St Patrick’s promptly put Tuesday’s FAI Cup disappointment behind them to go off full value for their match-winning lead at half-time.

Pete Mahon’s side survived an early scare, when Colm Tresson’s miss-kicked shot was cleared, before bringing the best out of Matt Gregg at the other end on 20 minutes.

David McAllister laid off Ryan Guy’s cross for Garreth O’Connor whose low drive was well stopped by the goalkeeper’s legs. North then sliced badly wide from a Guy cross before making amends to give Saints the lead on 26 minutes. Guy flicked on keeper Gary Rogers’ long clearance and North sidefooted past the advancing Gregg.

An incisive interchange brought the second goal on 33 minutes. McAllister’s cross was set-up by Vinny Faherty and North drilled home from close range.

Bray, consigned to the relegation play-off at Galway United, didn’t lie down and Shane O’Neill’s volley brought a terrific save from Rogers. But Faherty twice went close to extending the visitors’ lead before the finish.

ST PATRICK’S ATH: Rogers; McAllister, Kenna, Haverty, Pender; Stewart, Mulcahy (O’Brien 77 mins), O’Connor (S Byrne 83), Guy (Cash 88); North, Faherty.

BRAY WANDERERS: Gregg; Webster, Byrne, Mitchell, Tresson; Doyle (G Kelly, 66 mins.), Dempsey, D O’Connor (Baker 76), Tuohy; Shields, S O’Neill (J Kelly 79).

Referee: Dave McKeon (Dublin).