St. Patrick's Athletic lost 1-0 against English Premiership side West Ham United yesterday at Richmond Park but came out of the game with a lot of credit.

West Ham's win was actually lucky. Pat's made most of the running and could have taken the lead on a number of occasions but a mixture of bad finishing and good goalkeeping from reserve Steven Bywater kept them at bay.

With over 5,000 spectators packed into the Stadium of Light Pat's wanted to show what they were made of. New signing Jamie Harris was the first to test Bywater but his shot was tipped over for a corner.

Barry Prenderville was outstanding in midfield for Pat's and looked goal-hungry as he shot on sight of goal.

A minute after the break St. Pat's should have really taken the lead when a Neil Ruddock slip left Marcus Hallows clear on goal but again Bywater was in the way as he saved the shot from eight yards.

West Ham stole the win in the 75th minute when they won a free just outside the box when Joe Cole was pulled down. Trevor Sinclair stepped up and his shot took a wicked deflection off the Pat's wall giving Seamus Kelly no chance.