THE TEEN MACHINE

Sensational Melia can't be stopped and another brace sees off 10-man Bit O'Red

- BY MARK McCADDEN

THIS one turned on a red card that even had opposition fans describing the decision as 'shocking'.

Mason Melia was at the centre of the controversial incident, as it was the Tottenham-bound striker who was sent tumbling by the challenge of Sligo Rovers defender Patrick McClean.

And it was St Patrick's Athletic's teenage star who then punished 10-man Rovers with two quality finishes, after Jake Mulraney's opener early in the second-half.

Referee Damien MacGraith stunned just about everyone inside Richmond Park when he reached for his back pocket three minutes before halftime.

Melia picked the pocket of Rovers fullback Sebastian Quirk. As the youngster raced towards the area, he pushed the ball past McClean and was sent tumbling by the Derryman's challenge.