5 talking points from this weekend's LOI as Cork and Hoops lose ground

Meanwhile, Sligo Rovers were left frustrated at a penalty miss while Limerick are still without a win.

Dundalk out on their own

NOW LAGGING 16 points behind Dundalk, St Patrick’s Athletic’s title challenge looks all but over. Shamrock Rovers, in third, are 10 behind and if Dundalk win their game in hand over Cork City right behind them, they will be nine points ahead of the Leesiders.

Job done? Well maybe it is too soon to be polishing their crown but it is hard not to look ahead to their European adventure which gets underway in about two months time. The league champions play a superb brand of passing football but can also be direct while their strength and conditioning is top class.

They are a physical team who will not be bullied and have a very solid looking defence which has conceded just five goals in 13 league games. Dundalk fans must be feeling very excited about what the Champions League may bring this year because with a favourable draw, this team really do have the ability to make a big impression on the competition.

- Stephen Doyle

Rebels and Hoops cancel each other out again

Cork City hosted Shamrock Rovers on Friday night and it was Dundalk who emerged victorious. While the Premier Division’s second and third-placed teams cancelled each other out on Leeside, Dundalk were in Inchicore extending the gap between themselves and the pretenders to their crown.

A draw did little for both City and Rovers, who now trail the champions by six and ten points respectively. Regarded by many as the two biggest clubs in the SSE Airtricity League, Friday’s unremarkable game at Turner’s Cross certainly didn’t live up to that billing. There hasn’t been a goal yet during the 180 minutes of action between City and Rovers this season.

Given the safety-first approach of both teams, we’re not too confident about seeing one either when they meet for the third and final time this season in Tallaght on 17 August.

- Paul Dollery

Sligo left to rue missed penalty

Sligo Rovers appeared to be on course for a second successive league victory and the bragging rights in the North West derby at Brandywell when City defender, Dean Jarvis bundled Dinny Corcoran to the ground inside the penalty area with eight minutes on the clock.

With the scores level at 1-1, up stepped Bit O’Red defender, Alan Keane to take the resultant spot-kick and with Derry already reduced to 10 men after the sending off of Mark Tinlin, there looked to be no way back for the Candystripes.

However, Keane surprisingly crashed his penalty kick off the crossbar and it was cleared to safety as Derry hung on for a well-earned draw as they avoided a fourth home loss on the bounce.

- Simon Collins

Drogs relying on home form

Against in-form Galway, this looked a tough proposition for Drogheda. But in securing just their second win in 13 attempts in the league, they excelled throughout the park.

Three of Drogheda’s four wins in the division this season have come at home, as did the point in the draw against Limerick. But with some tough home fixtures to come, can this performance inspire them to better form all around?

- Barry Landy

Limerick rock bottom and struggling

The early signs from Limerick have been all but promising this season as they are bottom of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division table and seem destined for the drop. Yet to win this season, the Blues appear to be on the same track as Athlone Town last year.

These are desperate times and they need a first victory to get them going. There were promising moments during Friday’s 1-0 defeat to Longford but consistency is key and that is something Limerick do not have.

- Michael Spencer