Dundalk 2-0 Shamrock Rovers
DUNDALK RE-ESTABLISHED AN eight-point lead at the top of the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division with a 2-0 victory over Shamrock Rovers tonight.
4,000 fans showed up at Oriel Park as the current champions entertained the third-placed Hoops. The teams had played out a 2-2 draw when they met at Tallaght Stadium back in April, with David McMillan, Ronan Finn and Mikey Drennan on target that night.
All three started here and it was former Rovers midfielder Finn who opened the scoring. on 15 minutes. Richie Towell won possession in midfield and Finn beat Murphy after being fed by McMillan.
The Lilywhites doubled their advantage on 68 minutes through another ex-Hoops player when full-back Sean Gannon drove into the box and drilled a strike into the bottom corner for his first league goal of the season.
Luke Byrne prevented a third with a well-timed tackle on Ciaran Kilduff late on and Dundalk move a step closer to retaining their title with seven games remaining. They play Sligo Rovers at home on Saturday evening, while Rovers face Dublin rivals Bohemians earlier that day.
DUNDALK: Rogers, Gannon, Gartland, Boyle, Massey, O’Donnell (c), Horgan, Mountney (Meehan 66′), Towell, Finn (Shields 62′), McMillan (Kilduff 74′).
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Murphy, Madden, Kenna (c), Webster, Byrne, G Brennan, Blanchard (R Brennan 85′), McCabe (Cregg 75′), Miele (McCaffrey 75′), Drennan, North.
Aw the poor guy. This is what players work towards all year. To be dealt this blow as the finishing line is in sight must be devastating for him. Speedy recovery to you Aidan Kilcoyne.
Thought it was mcmannaman from Dublin when I took a quick glance
Wtf!!I will be careful the next time i sit down!Hope he recovers quickly though.
Hope he recovers soon. Was playing really well and looked a certainty for mayo senior panel in 2014, having just moved back from the UK. Still one of the top forwards within the county