Sligo’s title hopes suffer setback after defeat to St Pat’s

SLIGO ROVERS’ hopes of a first Premier Division title since 1971 received a set-back on Saturday night when they lost 1-0 to St. Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park — only their seventh defeat in 34 outings.

The only goal came in the 67th minute when central defender Conor Kenna headed home a Stephen Bradley free kick.

In a game that Sligo dominated for long periods, Alan Kirby struck the woodwork with three minutes remaining.

Then Pat’s ‘keeper Gary Rogers pulled off fine saves in quick succession from Gavin Peers and Rafael Cretaro.

St. Pat’s, now back in the hunt for a Europa League place next season, somehow held on in the dying seconds with Sligo midfielder Richie Ryan hitting the post.

Derry City remain in title contention after an impressive 2-0 victory over an injury-hit Dundalk at Oriel Park. Striker Eamon Zayed gave the Candystripes the lead when heading home a cross from Daniel Lafferty on 13 minutes.

Chris Reilly went close for the hosts only to see his effort blocked by Gareth McGlynn. But it was Derry who made sure of the points four minutes from time when Lafferty headed home after a corner by Stephen McLaughlin.

Bohemians recorded a 2-0 victory over UCD at Dalymount Park with goals from Christy Fagan and Keith Buckley. Striker Fagan opened the scoring on 23 minutes when shooting past Mark McGinley after a defensive error between Hugh Douglas and David O’Connor.

Bohemians had to wait until the last minute before adding to their tally when Buckley latched onto a cross from Stephen Traynor to secure the three points. Then in added time Anto Flood fired a penalty over the bar for the home side after Danny Ledwith fouled Ger O’Brien.

Drogheda United had to come from behind to record a 2-1 victory over Galway United at Terryland Park.

Already doomed to having to contest the promotion/relegation play-off with the team finishing third in the First Division, Galway took a shock lead on 66 minutes courtesy of a neat Alan Murphy chip shot.

But Drogheda were level on 73 minutes when sub Daniel Corcoran headed home a Tiernan Mulvenna cross. Drogheda then had central defender Alan McNally sent off in the 75th minute but produced a winner on 82 minutes when Galway defender Sean Kelly headed the ball into his own net.