Updated at 09.13
Goalkeeper
Dean Delany (Bohemians) – He saved Killian Brennan’s 70th-minute penalty to keep his team in the game and also couldn’t be blamed for the only goal of the contest, having denied Conan Byrne when he was through on goal. Bohs finished the game empty-handed but Delany certainly wasn’t to blame.
Defence
John Kavanagh (Cork City) – The Cork City right back could have scored two first half goals had it not been for the heroics of Micheal Schlingermann in Drogheda’s goal. A constant menance going forward, he also put in some vital blocks at the back.
Derek Pender (Bohemians) – Reliable as always, the Bohemians captain was his side’s best player on the night. Pender got forward at every available opportunity and sent in a couple of good crosses. He also made a crucial first-half interception with a brilliant tackle to deny Ciaran Kilduff what would almost certainly have been a goal.
Alan McNally (Bray) - The veteran centre-back has played a key role in the Seagulls’ recent revival as he adds experience to the defence. Derry didn’t threaten the Bray rearguard too often on Friday but McNally marshalled the troops to a hard-earned away point.
Midfield
Ryan McEvoy (Bray) - The Bray midfielder did superbly in breaking up the play and for much of the game he hounded and frustrated Derry’s midfield duo of Barry McNamee and Philip Lowry. Put in a superb shift protecting the Bray back four and was always willing to venture forward on the break.
Chris Shields (Dundalk) – Marshalled the area in front of the Dundalk back four and helped to keep Rovers’ chances to the bare minimum until Rogers’ dismissal early in the second half.
Greg Bolger (St Pat’s) - He was ruled out of the draw with Cork City due to illness, but Bolger didn’t take long to remind Pat’s fans what they were missing against the Leesiders. A typically faultless display from the midfielder, who regularly broke up the play when Pat’s were on the defensive, and was creative in attack when his team were in possession. Seldom puts a foot wrong and will be crucial to the Saints’ hopes of success this season.
Billy Dennehy (Cork City) - Having scored the opener and provided the delivery for the decisive second, the elder Dennehy brother proved the difference between the sides at United Park. He linked up well with Ross Gaynor down the left and much of Cork’s good play went through him. His goal continues an excellent scoring record since his return to Leeside.
Forwards
Mark Timlin (Derry City) - The Buncrana man was Derry’s main threat throughout and although his constant runs down the left wing and crosses into the box came to nothing in the end, he was a nuisance for the Bray defence. His performance deserved better and he can’t be faulted for his maximum effort.
Mikey Drennan (Shamrock Rovers) - Have Rovers finally found the man to replace Gary Twigg? Drennan’s double earned Rovers a point and took his league tally to five goals in six starts. His second was a beaut, but he was still left kicking himself after missing a sitter for his hat-trick late on.
Enda Curran (Galway United) - The striker scored a crucial brace as Tommy Dunne’s side picked up a priceless win over fellow strugglers Limerick. The 22-year-old calmly converted from the spot in the first-half and then restored the hosts’ lead in the final quarter.
