Dundalk close on title
It's looking increasingly likely that the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division title is Dundalk's to lose with just four games to go, as the Lilywhites maintained their four point advantage over Cork City at the top of the table with a 3-0 win at Tallaght Stadium against Shamrock Rovers.
A potentially tricky game to negotiate was goalless at half time, but once Brian Gartland opened the scoring eight minutes into the second half, the outcome was never in doubt.
Gartland's goal was his fourth goal in his last six league starts, and he was involved in the build up to his side's second goal, linking with Ciaran Kilduff inside the area to set up Dane Massey for an easy finish.
Kilduff made it three at the same end of the stadium where he scored against Maccabi Tel-Aviv two weeks ago in the Europa League, this time coolly slotting home from Ronan Finn’s right wing pass.
The win keeps Dundalk on track for a third league title in a row, a feat last achieved by Shamrock Rovers in the mid 1980’s.
Cork keep up the pressure
Cork City's hopes of pipping Dundalk to the title may be receding, but they none the less kept the title chase alive for the time being with a 2-0 win over Finn Harps at Turners Cross.
In monsoon like conditions, free flowing passing football was impossible, and it tyook until a aminute before the break for the Leesiders to break the deadlock.
A corner from Kevin O’Connor was swung into the six yard box, and Harps' Damien McNulty sliced an attempted clearance past his own keeper to give the home side a half time advantage.
City wrapped up the points with a second goal just on the hour when Sean Maguire set up Stephen Dooley to fire a low shot past Gallagher in the Harps goal, and although there were fears that the referee might abandon the game late on as standing water was appearing on the pitch, City held out to secure the win and keep the title race going for another week at least.
Derry secure a European place
A late winner from talisman Rory Patterson clinched a 2-1 win for Derry City over Bohemians at the Brandywell, a result that secures European football next season for Kenny Shiels' side.
Bohs had taken the lead in the 17th minute when Kurtis Byrne rounded Derry keeper Ger Doherty to opening the scoring, but Derry drew level five minutes into the second half when Aaron McEneff converted a penalty.
The winner arrived in the 63rd minute when Rory Patterson pounced on a loose ball after a goalmouth scramble from close range and ensure that European football will return to Foyleside next season.
Drogs and Cobh contest play offs
After an exciting final day in Division One, the combination of results ensured that Drogheda United and Cobh Ramblers will contest the promotion play off.
Drogs' 2-1 win over UCD - who could themselves have made the play offs had they won the game - and Cobh's 2-0 win at Athlone Town on Saturday evening set up the two legged tie.
Ramblers will be at home in the first leg of the play-off this coming Friday, and the return leg will take place at United Park on the following Friday.
The winners will then face either Wexford Youths or Finn Harps in the two legged play off final.
RESULTS
Premier Division:
Bray Wanderers 2 St. Patrick's Athletic 1, Cork City 2 Finn Harps 0, Derry City 2 Bohemians 1, Shamrock Rovers 0 Dundalk 3, Sligo Rovers 1 Longford Town 0, Wexford Youths 5 Galway United 4.
Division One:
Athlone Town 0 Cobh Ramblers 2, Cabinteely 0 Limerick 1, Drogheda United 2 UCD 1, Shelbourne 0 Waterford United 1.
