Sligo Rovers moved five points clear at the top of the Premier Division table, with a game in hand, as they beat Shelbourne 3-1 at Tolka Park.

Airtricity Premier Division leaders Sligo Rovers, bidding for a first league success since 1978, can keep on course for the title by collecting another vital three points in tonight’s clash with Shelbourne at Tolka Park (8 pm).

In a game which looks pivotal to their hopes of retaining their title, Shamrock Rovers host leaders Sligo Rovers in the Airtricity League Premier Division this evening in front of the Setanta cameras at Tallaght Stadium (8pm).

With the top of the table clash between Sligo Rovers and Drogheda United not taking place until tomorrow and St Patrick’s Athletic engaged this week in Europa League action, Shamrock Rovers will be looking to take advantage by narrowing the seven-point gap which separates them from the leaders when they face UCD at the Belfield Bowl this evening.

Turner’s Cross has been a place of real entertainment so far this season, with 27 goals in eight league games, but last night, with arch-rivals Shelbourne in town, the fervent Cork support were forced to endure their first blank of the season.

A terrific second half goal from Ronan Finn earned Shamrock Rovers a vital 1-0 win at Derry City to relief the pressure on under fire manager Stephen Kenny.

Many might have come to worship at the shrine of Man U but, on a balmy evening when a packed Turner’s Cross was looking its best, the majority would surely have left at the end imbued with much admiration for Tommy Dunne, his players and what Cork City football club as a whole are doing for the game of football on Leeside.

One former Chelsea legend met another in the Turner’s Cross boardroom last night as Bobby Tambling exchanged warm greetings with Gianfranco Zola.

Tottenham started the Juande Ramos era by reaching the Carling Cup quarter-final at the expense of Blackpool but the new boss was shown how tough his new job will be.

Blackpool boss Simon Grayson has immediately set his sights on taking the Tangerines into the Premiership.

Southend confirmed their League One title with a 1-0 win at home to Bristol City – and they will be joined in the Coca-Cola Championship next season by Colchester, whose goalless draw at Yeovil was just enough.

David Johnson, the striker who cost Nottingham Forest £3m four years ago, ensured Gary Megson’s side began their Coca-Cola League One campaign in winning style today.

SHEFFIELD UNITED enhanced their Coca-Cola Championship play-off hopes last night with a 4-0 victory at home to Crewe.

Sheffield United enhanced their Coca-Cola Championship play-off hopes tonight with a 4-0 victory at home to Crewe.

Blackpool manager Colin Hendry was delighted with his side’s performance after they came within eight minutes of a famous win at Leicester.