BRAY WANDERERS AND Shelbourne played out a 1-1 draw at the Carlisle Grounds this evening.
A Barry Clancy free kick gave Shels the half-time lead, before Kieran ‘Marty’ Waters equalised for a rejuvenated Bray in the second half.
Elsewhere, Shamrock Rovers secured a hard-earned 1-0 victory against Limerick.
Stephen O’Donnell scored the all-important second-half goal for the Hoops, before Limerick were reduced to 10 men after Paudie Quinn was sent off.
In one of the evening’s less high-profile games, Patrick Hoban and Etanda Nkololo scored as Mervue United beat local rivals SD Galway 2-0.
Elsewhere, there was a comprehensive victory for Malahide United, who beat Blarney United 4-1.
Alan O’Keefe, Glen Crowe, Alan Corcoran and Stephen Donnelly scored for Malahide, while Richard O’Brien grabbed a consolation for the visitors.
UCD, however, were made to sweat, as they beat Phoenix 3-1.Goals from Paul O’Conor, Daniel Ledwith and Graham Rusk were eventually enough for the Students, who endured a setback when a Keith Dawson goal brought the sides level going in at half time.
A John Mountney strike helped Dundalk overcome St Pat’s CY 1-0, with Michael Rafter also missing a late penalty for the hosts.
There were no such problems for Bohemians, as they beat Drumkeen United 5-0, courtesy of a David Scully hat-trick, in addition to goals from Dave Mulcahy and Roberto Lopes.
Derry City, similarly, enjoyed a comprehensive 4-0 win against Finn Harps.
A Stephen McLaughlin brace, coupled with goals from Rory Patterson and Barry Molloy, ensured it was a comfortable evening for the Airtricity League side.
Cork City also hammered Athlone 6-1, despite initially finding themselves a goal down in the game.
Brian McCarthy gave the visitors a shock lead, before hat-tricks from Vinny Sullivan and Tadhg Purcell wrapped up their win.
Meanwhile, Sligo suffered a surprise 3-1 loss against Monaghan.Goals for Tony Griffiths, Jason Marks and Keith Quinn helped Roddy Collins’ side to a win, after their opponents had taken the lead through a Mark Quigley penalty.
Finally, Drogheda United enjoyed a comfortable 6-1 victory against Mayfield United.
A hat-trick from Johnny Breen, in addition to goals by Peter Hynes, Declan O’Brien and Gavin Brennan earned them an emphatic victory, despite Greg Kelly registering a goal for the visitors, who also had Stephen Hurley sent off.