Bohemians 2 - 1 Dundalk
Bohemians overtook Dundalk and climbed to 2nd in the league following an impressive home win against the Lilywhites on Friday night.
2 first half goals sealed all 3 points for Bohs. A powerful Danny Grant header on 6 minutes was followed by a superb Keith Buckley strike from outside the box. The dazzling Kris Twardek was instrumental in creating both as he troubled Dundalk’s Sean Gannon all evening. Just before half-time, Micheal Duffy headed past Stephen McGuinness to pull one back for Dundalk, but they could not find an equaliser in the 2nd half as Colovic & Hoban both missed good chances.
The result leaves Bohs 2nd while Dundalk drop to 3rd place. Vinny Perth’s side must improve if they are to close the gap on Shamrock Rovers, who are currently 8 points ahead of Dundalk.
St. Patrick’s Athletic 2 - 0 Finn Harps
Finn Harps' troubles continue as they drop to 9th place following their loss and Sligo’s win this weekend. 2 first half strikes from loanee Georgie Kelly sealed St.Pat’s first win since the restart.
Kelly’s first beat Mark McGinley from close range with the help of a Robbie Benson assist. On 30 minutes Sadiki’s appalling back pass was intercepted by Kelly, who rounded McGinley to slot home his second. In the 2nd half, Finn Harps rarely threatened to pull one back , as St.Pat’s went close to a third and comfortably saw out the victory.
St.Pat’s rise to joint fourth although Waterford have a game in hand, while Finn Harps, winless in 6 games continue their woeful run of form.
Waterford 0 - 0 Cork City
After suspending all club activity last week due to two players being tested for Covid-19, Waterford’s match on Saturday went ahead after the first test returned negative. If there is one team you would want to face following a week off, it would probably be bottom placed Cork City, with 1 win in their last 6 games.
While the 1st half was largely uneventful, the 2nd half began with huge disappointment for Waterford. The Blues had a penalty appeal waved away after Micheal O’Connor had clearly handled the ball inside the box. Immediately afterwards, Dylan McGlade’s effort clattered the crossbar as Cork almost took the lead. The Rebel’s were lucky to escape with a point after clearing a Waterford effort off the line in added time. Cork remain joint bottom with Finn Harps,while Waterford climb to 5th with a game in hand.
Sligo Rovers 2 - 1 Shelbourne
Sligo’s second win on the bounce saw them climb out of the relegation zone on Saturday evening, as Jesse Devers' header on 30 seconds sent Sligo on their way to 3 points.
Devers rose to meet Ryan De Vries cross inside the opening minute to put Sligo a goal up, with the fastest goal of the season so far. On 50 minutes Sligo added a second through David Cawley, who volleyed in from close range. To their credit Shelbourne did attempt to get back into the contest and pulled one back in stoppage time as Gary Deegan’s spectacular strike from outside the box beat Ed McGintey. The result will be a huge boost for Liam Buckley and his team following the disappointment of their postponed game last week.
Derry City 1 - 2 Shamrock Rovers
Shamrock Rovers extended their lead at the top of the league to 6 points after coming from behind to beat Derry, with Roberto Lopes snatching the winner yesterday.
Following Bohemians win on Friday, the pressure was on Stephen Bradley and his men to maintain their advantage at the top. Walter Figueira put Derry ahead on 36 minutes, as his cross evaded Lopes and Mannus to find the corner of the net. Bradley’s 4 2nd half substitutions paid dividends as Dean William’s cross hit the post before bouncing off Colm Horgan for an own goal. Rovers deserved the bit of luck following sustained pressure and good link up play in the second half. Lopes hit Rovers’ winner 3 minutes later, capitalising on a goal mouth scrabble to fire past Peter Cherrie. The points would certainly have been shared if it wasn't for a super injury time save from Alan Mannus, who rushed to his far post to save an effort from Eoin Toal, who was man of the match.
The win at the Brandywell sees Rovers maintain their 100% league record and extend their lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity league to 6 points. Derry who played quite well in spells, will also be disappointed to concede twice late on, especially an own goal. Rovers certainly don’t look like slipping up anytime soon, and could run away with the title if they continue their recent form.
(All pictures: Sportsfile.ie)
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