IT WAS AN emotional evening at Tallaght Stadium, as Gary Twigg scored a brace in his final home appearance for Shamrock Rovers.
Rovers ultimately beat UCD 2-1, thanks Twigg’s two goals inside the opening 20 minutes.
Following Twigg’s well-taken strikes, David McMillan then responded almost immediately for the Students, beating the goalkeeper from distance, after being set up by Gary Burke.
Meanwhile, Drogheda clinched a late winner to beat league champions Sligo Rovers 2-1 at Hunky Dorys Park, securing a European spot for next season in the process.
A powerful Alan McNally header had given the hosts the lead on the half-hour mark, before Liam Buchanan equalised just after half-time, as Rafael Cretaro’s cross shot was tapped in by the striker.
Drogheda were reduced to ten men, when Declan O’Brien was given a second yellow, after protesting the legitimacy of Sligo’s equaliser, amid suspicions that it was offside.
Brian Gannon then won it in the dying minutes, with a superb curling strike against the run of play, as the visitors were made to pay for failing to capitalise on their man advantage.
At the Brandywell, Derry City earned a hard-fought 2-1 win over St Patrick’s Athletic.Simon Madden’s cool finish had given the hosts the lead, before a powerful David McDaid strike doubled his side’s advantage just before half-time.
Chris Forrester slotted home on 57 minutes, after Stewart Greacen had conceded possession in a dangerous area, but it ultimately proved to be little more than a consolation for the visitors.
Elsewhere, Bohemians hammered Bray Wanderers 4-1 at the Carlisle Grounds.
Following a goalless first half, goals from Dave Mulcahy (51) and Keith Buckley (53) put the visitors firmly in control, before Jason Byrne’s goal (60) got his side back into the game.
However, nine minutes later, Andy Mulligan effectively ended the game as a contest, and Ryan McEvoy’s injury-time strike added to Bray’s misery.
Finally, Cork earned a comfortable 3-0 win against Dundalk at Turner’s Cross this evening.
They opened the scoring on 23 minutes, when Gearóid Morrissey launched an unstoppable shot from the edge of the box.
A Vinny Sullivan volley made it 2-0 five minutes later, before Shane Duggan sealed the victory just after half-time with an accomplished finish, after being played through by Morrissey.
