Resilient Shamrock Rovers hold Dundalk

Dundalk 1 Shamrock Rovers 1: Shamrock Rovers put a dent in Dundalk’s title hopes at Oriel Park last night by showing the same sort of resilience the champions produced in Alkmaar last week to claim a hard-fought point.

Sami Ristilla’s side were gifted the lead in the 33rd minute when Dundalk keeper Gary Rogers miscontrolled a backpass from Andy Boyle, allowing Gary Shaw to slot home to an empty net.

They were then forced to defend in numbers and despite Brian Gartland levelling matters for the Lilywhites on 59 minutes there was to be no winner despite the home side having strong penalty appeals turned away near the end.