Dundalk finish second
And their immediate reward is a place in the play-offs against Waterford United and the hope that Premier Division soccer at Oriel Park could yet be a reality again next season.
In a game that resembled a good old fashioned ‘70’s mud bath, both teams showed great commitment in the farcical conditions.
Dundalk dominated the first half and really could have had the game wrapped up by the interval. John Flanaghan hit the side-netting after two minutes while Robbie Dunne was put through on goal but could not beat goalkeeper James Gallagher.
Harps only real chance of the half fell to Davitt Walsh who capitalised on a defensive slip to shoot on goal but Chris Bennion reacted smartly to save.
With Dundalk throwing everything forward, Harps occasionally produced a counter-attack to worry John Gill’s side.
But Dundalk finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute when Chris Doran and Keith Dunne combined to set up Ray Scully who found the target from just inside the box.
Shamrock Rovers were crowned First Division champions after a dramatic 1-1 draw with nine-man Cobh Ramblers at a packed St Colman’s Park on Saturday night.
Rovers, who only needed a draw to secure the title, had keeper Barry Murphy to thank on the hour when he saved substitute Willie Bruton’s spot-kick. Cobh were reduced to ten men three minutes later when defender Kevin Murray was shown a red card but Gareth Cambridge headed Ramblers in front with 11 minutes remaining. But Purcell started the party in Cobh when he scored Rovers equaliser, connecting with Ger O’Brien’s free-kick. Cobh were reduced to nine men just before the end, captain John Meade shown a straight red for a foul on Ray Kenny.
Holden; Carey, Meade, Murray, Falvey; O’Neill, Coleman, Yelverton (Bruton h-t), Cambridge; Warren, Cummins.
Murphy; O’Brien, Clarke, Price, Ryan, Kenny, Power, Shields, Purcell, Myler (Rowe 23 mins), Magill (Breen).
P. Sutton (Clare).
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