THERE WAS NO separating the sides in the battle of second versus third in the Airtricity League Premier Division tonight.
Derry City and St Pat’s played out a 1-1 draw at Richmond Park, leaving the Candtstripes level on points with Sligo Rovers — though the champions now have two games in hands.
Conan Byrne opened the scoring for the Saints after 21 minutes before Micahel Rafter levelled it up before the break.
Elsewhere, Shamrock Rovers were beaten by cross-town rivals and third-from-bottom UCD on a scoreline of two goals to nil, thanks to a Hugh Douglas strike after 75 minutes and a late, late Russell goal.
Bohemians came out on top after a five goal slugfest with Bray at Dalymount. Goals either side of the interval from Chris Lyons and one from Dave Mulcahy ensured strikes from Gary Dempsey and Kevin Knight weren’t enough for the Seagulls.
In the televised game, Stephen Kenny’s Dundalk side saw off Cork City 2-0 at Oriel Park. It was scoreless at half-time before John Mountany broke the deadlock with an impressive first-time shot from the edge of the area after 75 minutes. Then, with the game won, a set-piece saw the Leesiders’ goalkeeper Mark McNulty caught in two minds under a high ball, until ultimately Patrick Hoban looped a header in with moments left to play.
