Goalkeeper
Ger Doherty (Derry City) – The only Derry player who really performed on the night and Sligo could have been 3-0 ahead if it wasn’t for Doherty. Saved superbly from Liam Martin and parried Cretaro’s shot from a one-on-one situation.
Defence
Simon Madden (Shamrock Rovers) – The Hoops full-back got forward well and provided an assist for Dean Clarke in their 2-0 win over Bray.
Alan Bennett (Cork City) – Strong in defence and made one beautifully-timed tackle as Cork recorded a clean sheet at home to Pat’s.
Brian Gartland (Dundalk) – The champions continued their fine away form by seeing off Bohs at Dalymount Park and the result was built on a solid defensive display from Gartland and partner Andy Boyle.
Midfielders
Daryl Horgan (Dundalk) – The winger netted both strikes in their win including a majestic free-kick from 25 yards. Aside from his sublime finishes, he breached the Bohs defence time and again with his searing pace.
Ronan Finn (Dundalk) – Finn’s creativity and penetrating runs caused consternation in the Gypsies backline as he also controlled the tempo of the game in the hole.
Andy Mulligan (Wexford Youths) – Shane Keegan’s men claimed another point on Friday thanks to Mulligan’s composed finish in the second half.
Karl Sheppard (Cork City) - The greater options available to John Caulfield mean that competition for places in the three behind the lone striker is tough. Notched a third goal in eight days against Pat’s since coming off the bench to score in the win over Finn Harps.
Forwards
Josh O’Hanlon (Longford Town) – The on-loan Bournemouth striker looks to be a real find for Tony Cousins. The 20-year-old didn’t get the service in the first-half but still look threatening. When he got his chances in the second-half he made no mistake.
Dean Clarke (Shamrock Rovers) - Took his chance to impress with both hands. Used his pace to good effect in both halves, and when the opportunity arose he finished well for his goal.
Raffaele Cretaro (Sligo Rovers) - The diminutive front man was making his 450th club appearance and was a magnificent from the start. Opened the scoring in the first half when he peeled off his marker at the back post and headed into the corner.
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