League of Ireland/Longford Town 1 St Patricks Athletic 2:Mark Quigley was the hero for a resurgent St Patrick's Athletic as they continued their impressive start to the season with victory over cash-strapped Longford Town.

St Patrick's did a lot of the early running in this entertaining encounter and were deservedly in front after 15 minutes. Quigley got on to the end of a St Patrick's counterattack, but was fortunate to see his strike bounce awkwardly in front of goalkeeper Shay Kelly before flying into the net.

The same player doubled the lead just eight minutes later. This time a deft flick from former Longford player Alan Kirby put the striker through and he slotted the ball past Kelly.

However, St Patrick's were still celebrating when Dave Mooney got the home side right back into the contest. Dave Freeman slid the ball into Mooney's path and the Dubliner poked the ball past Barry Ryan.

Longford tried to stage a rally midway through the half but could not find a way through. In one last attack Longford almost snatched a draw but Barry Ryan saved well from Dave Mooney.

LONGFORD TOWN: Kelly; Sullivan, Brennan, Doherty, Prunty; Freeman, Rutherford, J Martin, Wexler (Reilly 76); R Martin, Mooney.

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Ryan; S Quigley, Foley, Brennan, Frost; Murphy (Maguire), Fahy, Ndo, Kirby; M Quigley (Rooney 66), O'Neill.

Referee: P Tuite (Dublin)