The Dugout

We came close to getting off to the perfect start to the season. With just minutes remaining and the match scoreless, a point away to the defending champions looked like being a decent outcome.

However, the manner in which the closing minutes unfolded meant we came away from Tallaght Stadium disappointed.

After taking the lead in the 87th minute, it's not unreasonable to hope to win. However, Shamrock Rovers are champions for a reason. Even though it was a poor goal to concede from our perspective, they showed good character to equalise and, in the end, we had to make do with a point. There were a number of positives to take from the game and, while we were disappointed not to win, the draw was probably a fair outcome, all things considered.

We had a number of debutants on the pitch last Friday and we were happy with how they performed, as well as those who have been at the club for longer. There is always some room for improvement, no matter who you are, but everyone who played for St Pat's last Friday put in an honest, hard shift. You cannot find fault with that.

For fans, we appreciate that the viewing experience remains a strange one. It goes without saying that you would prefer to be in the ground, cheering on the team as the action unfolds before your eyes. By the same token, players and managers look forward to the return of supporters, whenever that may be.

Usually the epicentre of match-day atmosphere, stands and terraces across the country are now eerily silent places. That silence will disappear one day, and when it does, it will be replaced by the buzz of expectant supporters. That buzz can spur