A DOUBLE FROM Patrick Hoban inspired Dundalk to beat Shamrock Rovers 3-1 at Oriel Park this evening.
Hoban scored his first goal after just two minutes, capitalising on an error at the back from Rovers, before his header from a corner doubled Dundalk’s advantage after just 14 minutes.
A spectacular long-distance effort from Karl Sheppard got Rovers back in the game, but Kurtis Byrne sealed the hosts’ victory, converting the rebound after Andy Boyle’s header from a free kick had been saved.
Meanwhile, leaders St Patrick’s Athletic failed to break down Drogheda United, with the game ending in a 0-0 stalemate.
Despite much pressure from the hosts, with Killian Brennan, Christy Fagan and Anto Flood all going close, Drogheda stubbornly held out, prompting a setback to Pat’s title prospects.
Elsewhere, Sligo beat Derry 2-1 at the Brandywell to continue their title challenge – a result which left them four points off the lead.
Good work from Séamus Conneely and David McMillan allowed David Cawley to score a well-taken goal to put the visitors in front midway through the second half.
Danny North then scored Sligo’s second with ten minutes remaining, as he showed good composure to finish calmly when through on goal.
Sean Houston’s effort then ensured a nervous finish, after the Rovers defence failed to deal with a dangerous ball into the box, nevertheless it proved too little too late for the hosts.
Meanwhile, at Thomond Park, Limerick overcame Cork 2-1.
The first goal came ten minutes after half-time, as Craig Curran latched on to Rory Gaffney’s flick-on before finishing well.
Shaun Kelly made it 2-0 with 20 minutes remaining, capitalising after Gaffney’s effort had been saved by Mark McNulty.
Daryl Horgan was then sent off on 83 minutes, after his off-the-ball push on Kelly caused a row to erupt between the two sides.
Danny Morrissey then grabbed a consolation for Cork with two minutes remaining, after being set up well by Ciaran Kilduff.
In addition, UCD secured a much-needed victory, beating Bohemians 3-1 at Dalymount Park.
Anto Murphy put Bohs ahead after seven minutes, heading home after some hesitant defending from a corner.
Ten minutes later, Cillian Morrison got the Students back in the game, blasting home from another corner.
Shortly thereafter, David O’Connor put UCD in the lead, striking in a rebound after Craig Walsh’s free kick had hit the bar.
In the final ten minutes, Dean Clarke made the game safe for UCD, finishing well following a goalmouth scramble.
First Division results:
Salthill 1-4 Waterford UnitedAthlone Town 2-1 Finn Harps
Wexford Youths 0-0 Longford
