Kirby goal inflicts rare defeat on Dundalk

DUNDALK’S eight-match unbeaten run came to an end at the Showgrounds last night when an Alan Kirby goal gave Sligo Rovers victory.

Kirby put the home side ahead in the 55th minute, rifling the ball past Peter Cherrie after Colin Hawkins had blocked a shot by Aaron Greene.

Dundalk had two great chances to level the match but Mark Quigley’s rasping shot was saved by Brendan Clarke in the Sligo goal on 66 minutes and Michael Hector was also denied by Clarke in the closing minutes following a Mark Quigley free kick.

Dundalk keeper Cherrie had little difficulty gathering a shot by Iarflaith Davoren from a Joseph Ndo free at the start of the first half.

Jason McGuinness put a Mark Griffin shot out for a corner on five minutes before Alan Kirby missed a chance for Sligo when his shot was blocked.

Paul Cooke’s side were dealt a blow on 17 minutes when playmaker Ndo had to leave the action with what appeared to be a foot injury.

Sligo substitute John Russell had a blistering angled shot cleared by the hard-working Dundalk defence as the home side kept up the pressure.

Dundalk, who came into the game with high hopes of extending their unbeaten run, dealt with everything that Sligo had to offer during the opening 45 minutes but they could not find a reply after Kirby’s shot found the net 10 minutes into the second half.

SLIGO ROVERS: Clarke, Keane, Davoren, Peers, Ryan (Ventre 58), Dillon, McGuinness, Kirby, Ndo (Russell 17), Doyle (Cretaro 82), Greene.

DUNDALK: Cherrie, Hawkins, Guthrie, Madden, Murphy, Hector, Ward, Bennett, Gaynor, Griffin (Breen 75), Quigley.

Referee P Sutton (Clare).