STEPHEN KENNY’S DUNDALK have moved seven points clear of Cork City in second place following a 1-0 win over Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds, ending the Bit o’Red’s unbeaten run at home.
David McMillan’s first-half goal was enough to secure the Lilywhites all three points.
Dundalk, despite being in the midst of a hectic schedule, would have been heavy favourites in this tie from the off, but Sligo’s home record this season would have given the hosts a glimmer of hope prior to the game.
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But that optimism was dashed with nine minutes on the clock, as the Bit o’Red were reduced to 10 men.
Referee Paul McLaughlin brandished a straight red card following Craig Roddan’s lunge on Daryl Horgan — the second time McLaughlin has sent off Roddan this season.
And Dave Robertson’s night got even worse as they found themselves trailing after 13 minutes.
The Lilywhites, who boasted the best of the early chances, made light work of the Sligo defence, with Ronan Finn and John Mountney involved in the build-up before Patrick McEleney squared the ball into the path of McMillan.
The former Rovers man only needed to get a light touch to the ball to beat Schlingermann in goal, scoring his 14th of the season.
Horgan, who was on the books at Sligo Rovers in 2011, could very well have won a penalty later in the half, as Tobi Adebayo-Rowling attempted to stop him in his tracks as he ran into the Sligo box, but the Galway native stayed on his feet, seeing the ball run out of play.
With mere minutes left on the clock, the Lilywhites almost made it two. Horgan’s cross was knocked on to the post by McMillan, and Mick Leahy just got his foot to the ball in time to make a crucial clearance inches from goal.
Sligo Rovers: Micheal Schlingermann, Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, Jimmy Keohane, Gavin Peers, Michael Leahy, Liam Martin, Daniel Kearns, Craig Roddan, Kieran Sadlier (John Russel, 67), Raffaele Cretaro, Achille Campion (Mikey Place, 86).
Subs not used: Ciaran Nugent, Gary Boylan, Pat McCann, Regan Donelon, Phil Roberts.
Dundalk: Gary Rogers, Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Andy Boyle, Dane Massey, Ronan Finn, Stephen O’Donnell, Daryl Horgan, John Mountney (Darren Meenan, 70), Patrick McEleney (Robbie Benson, 62), David McMillan (Dean Shiels, 89).
Subs not used: Gabriel Sava, Chris Shields, Paddy Barrett, Ciaran O’Connor.
Referee: Paul McLaughlin
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Dundalk edge past 10-man Sligo to go 7 points clear of Cork
Sligo 0
Dundalk 1
STEPHEN KENNY’S DUNDALK have moved seven points clear of Cork City in second place following a 1-0 win over Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds, ending the Bit o’Red’s unbeaten run at home.
David McMillan’s first-half goal was enough to secure the Lilywhites all three points.
Dundalk, despite being in the midst of a hectic schedule, would have been heavy favourites in this tie from the off, but Sligo’s home record this season would have given the hosts a glimmer of hope prior to the game.
But that optimism was dashed with nine minutes on the clock, as the Bit o’Red were reduced to 10 men.
Referee Paul McLaughlin brandished a straight red card following Craig Roddan’s lunge on Daryl Horgan — the second time McLaughlin has sent off Roddan this season.
And Dave Robertson’s night got even worse as they found themselves trailing after 13 minutes.
The Lilywhites, who boasted the best of the early chances, made light work of the Sligo defence, with Ronan Finn and John Mountney involved in the build-up before Patrick McEleney squared the ball into the path of McMillan.
The former Rovers man only needed to get a light touch to the ball to beat Schlingermann in goal, scoring his 14th of the season.
Horgan, who was on the books at Sligo Rovers in 2011, could very well have won a penalty later in the half, as Tobi Adebayo-Rowling attempted to stop him in his tracks as he ran into the Sligo box, but the Galway native stayed on his feet, seeing the ball run out of play.
With mere minutes left on the clock, the Lilywhites almost made it two. Horgan’s cross was knocked on to the post by McMillan, and Mick Leahy just got his foot to the ball in time to make a crucial clearance inches from goal.
Sligo Rovers: Micheal Schlingermann, Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, Jimmy Keohane, Gavin Peers, Michael Leahy, Liam Martin, Daniel Kearns, Craig Roddan, Kieran Sadlier (John Russel, 67), Raffaele Cretaro, Achille Campion (Mikey Place, 86).
Subs not used: Ciaran Nugent, Gary Boylan, Pat McCann, Regan Donelon, Phil Roberts.
Dundalk: Gary Rogers, Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Andy Boyle, Dane Massey, Ronan Finn, Stephen O’Donnell, Daryl Horgan, John Mountney (Darren Meenan, 70), Patrick McEleney (Robbie Benson, 62), David McMillan (Dean Shiels, 89).
Subs not used: Gabriel Sava, Chris Shields, Paddy Barrett, Ciaran O’Connor.
Referee: Paul McLaughlin
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