Airtricity League wrap: Hoops still in title hunt after win over Derry

Sean O'Connor scored a terrific double as Shamrock Rovers maintained their charge back into the title race with a 2-1 win over second-placed Derry City at Tallaght Stadium.

Winger O'Connor put Rovers deservedly ahead with a goal of the month contender when volleying to the net from just outside the area on 38 minutes.

Michael Rafter equalised for Derry four minutes into the second half from a penalty after Billy Dennehy had fouled debutant Eoghan Osborne inside the area.

But O'Connor won it for Rovers with another brilliant goal three minutes later, curling the ball past Ger Doherty from the right corner of the box.

Pat Hoban scored a hat-trick as Dundalk heaped further misery of struggling Bohemians with a 3-0 win at Oriel Park.

Bohs keeper Dean Delany misjudged the flight of a Dane Massey cross to allow Hoban head the opener on 26 minutes.

Hoban struck again ten minutes into the second half with another header from a Kurtis Byrne cross.

The hat-trick then arrived on 63 minutes when Hoban's low cross was only helped into the net by Delany for his 11th goal of the season.

Without a league win now in 11 games, second bottom Bohs' frustration boiled over on 71 minutes when they had veteran skipper Owen Heary sent off for a bad challenge on Hoban.

Having had what appeared a good goal disallowed on his debut last week, Lee Murtagh wasn’t to be denied at Tolka Park as bottom side Shelbourne stoked up their battle for survival with a rousing 2-1 win over Cork City.

Murtagh struck for the vital lead ten minutes into the second half with substitute Darren Tinnelly adding a late second as John McDonnell’s side edged to within a point of Bohemians.

Kalen Spillane got a goal back for Cork on 88 minutes as they were left livid in having had two penalty shouts denied as goalkeeping coach Anthony Fennelly was sent from the dugout for protesting.