Hoban goal steers Dundalk back to top

Shamrock Rovers 0 Dundalk 1

In truth, though, it was deserved and Patrick Hoban’s 66th minute winner keeps Dundalk fans dreaming of a first league title in 19 years. The manner of the win should at least give them real belief that the challenge can be sustained through a period where continued European involvement will stretch resources and reserves of energy.

Dundalk had plenty of the latter, as well as the game’s most creative players in Richie Towell, Daryl Horgan and Darren Meenan, and Stephen Kenny’s jubilant fist-pump on the final whistle reflected the importance of the win. It was also a release after a tense, often fractious, encounter.