A STUNNING STRIKE by Anto Flood salvaged a point for league champions St Patrick’s Athletic on a night of merriment at Richmond Park.
Derry City were more than happy to play the role of party-poopers in Dublin as Barry McNamee hit the target just after the half hour mark. The Candystripes, who have European ambitions and a fourth place finish in sight, took a 1 — 0 lead into the break but the home side rallied to claim a deserved point.
Killian Brennan and substitute John Russell went close but Flood, sprung from the bench on 65 minutes, made a telling impact to ensure the spoils were shared. The midfielder let fly from 20 yards out, as play ticked into the final 10 minutes, and his effort dipped in. The game ended 1 — 1 and the trophy-lifting celebrations began.
Bray Wanderers defeated Bohemians 1 — 0 at Dalymount Park to condemn Shelbourne to relegation. Marty Waters struck with 15 minutes to play to give his side a crucial win. Bray could yet overtake UCD and avoid a promotion/relegation match against either Mervue or Longford Town. The Galwegians won the first leg of their promotion playoff 1 — 0 at Fahy’s Field this evening.
Dundalk are close to securing second spot after thrashing Cork City 4 — 0. Richie Towell opened the scoring with a cracking strike before Pat Hoban, John Kavanagh [own goal] and John Dillon added to Cork’s misery.
Shamrock Rovers’ hopes of securing fourth and getting into Europe next season were aided by a 4 — 1 win over UCD. Shane Robinson and Gary McCabe [penalty] put Rovers in command at half-time. Robbie Benson gave the Students hope of snatching a crucial point but McCabe and Thomas Stewart hit the target for the visitors in the space of three minutes.
