16.14 – Unfortunately, the action on the pitch is failing to  live up to the atmosphere in the stands.

Dundalk are set up not to lose and are putting Pats under pressure all over the park.

Were this GAA, it would be considered the ‘blanket defence’; basketball ‘the full court press’, etc, etc.

It’s not pretty, but it’s effective so far in frustrating Pats.

16.17 – John Mountney has the game’s first chance for Dundalk but his shot goes wide and fails to trouble the Pats’ goalkeeper.

Down the other end, Forrester wins Pats their first corner of the game after 16 minutes but the Dundalk ‘keeper collects the ball untroubled.

16.22 – GOAL: Kenny Browne, 20 mins

St. Patrick’s Athletic have taken the lead in Oriel Park.

After Pats won a free kick in a great position about 20 yards from goal, Peter Cherrie made a wonderful save to deny Sean O’Connor.

However, the reprieve was short lived as Kenny Browne popped up to give the Dublin side the lead.

16.32 – In fairness to Dundalk, they’ve been the better team since the goal and it means this has turned into an much more open game.

Michael Rafter looks like he might be the key to unlock this Pats defence and the Saints will have to keep a close eye on the 20-year-old.

16.36 – Kenny Browne celebrates scoring St. Pats’ opener earlier:

©INPHO/Ryan Byrne

16.46 – Nice effort by Chris Forrester after making some space for himself for a shot from just outside the Dundalk area.

However, his shot is straight at Peter Cherrie and the game remains 1-0.

Jake Carroll picks up a yellow card for cynically pulling down John Mountney.

The free is taken by Michael Rafter but it could take the ball boys some time to find his effort that was nowhere near the target.

17.03 – The second half is under way and neither manager has seen the need to make any changes.

It goes without say – but I’ll say it anyway because that’s my job – but Dundalk need to score the next goal to make this a contest.

If Pats score, I can’t see any way back for the Lilywhites.

17.26 – Another change for Pats as John Russell comes on to replace Chris Forrester.

With twenty minutes or so left, the Saints just need to control the tempo of the game and they can look forward to a day out in the Aviva stadium and a place in the FAI Cup final.

Eoghan Osborne gives away a free kick on the edge of the Dundalk area but Sean O’Connor is unable to punish them.

17.38 – With just over ten minutes to go this game is petering out and nobody can deny that Pats are worthy of their lead.

Apart from a 15 minute spell in the first half, they’ve dominated this game and will feel confident of ending 51 years without an FAI Cup victory, regardless of who they play in the final.

17.45 – GOAL: St. Patrick’s Athletic, Sean O’Connor, 85 mins

Game, set and match for Pats as Sean O’Connor rolls the ball into an empty net after Dundalk ‘keeper Peter Cherrie comes to the edge of his area to make a clearance only for the ball to land straight at the feet of O’Connor who slots it cooly home.

17.50 – And it’s all over in Oriel Park.

St. Patrick’s Athletic looked a class apart from Dundalk for large spells of today’s game and 3-0 is a fair reflection on their second half dominance.

They’ll have to wait until Wednesday night to find out who’ll be playing but, on this form, they won’t be concerned whether it’s Shelbourne or Derry.