Stephen Bradley hails Shamrock Rovers as Dundalk’s title hopes fade

Dundalk 0 Shamrock Rovers 1: Less than 72 hours after crashing out of Europe, Shamrock Rovers took a significant step towards a return to the Europa League next season with a first league win over Dundalk at Oriel Park in almost six years — and put another dent into any lingering hopes the champions may have had of catching Cork City.

Gary Shaw’s fifth minute strike ensured the Hoops won away to the champions for the first time since September 3, 2011 and afterwards manager Stephen Bradley declared it a huge step towards cementing third place.

“I always felt that Dundalk and Cork were that bit too far ahead,” said Bradley. “We still have a lot to play for though and we showed today we’re ready to compete with the top teams.”