Premier Division Round-up: Dundalk edge closer to the title as just three goals scored across the league

Dundalk could win their sixth Premier Division title in seven years with a win over Shamrock Rovers on Monday after they edged out Waterford at the RSC.

A Daniel Kelly goal late in the first half proved the difference on a day when just three goals were scored across the entire division.

The winger netted his second goal of the season from close range following brilliant work from striker Patrick Hoban to create the chance.

Hoban dispossessed Rob Slevin on the right-hand touchline and raced into the box before teeing up the former Bohemians man to side-foot home.

Rovers were looking to keep their slim hopes of pipping the Lilywhites to the title when they took on St Patrick’s Athletic at Tallaght Stadium.

The Hoops had beaten Pats in each of their three league games to date but the Saints have since seen a change of manager with ex-Rovers man Stephen O’Donnell stepping into the hotseat.

Stephen Bradley’s side couldn’t find a way past the Saints, however, with Sean Kavanagh going closest for the Hoops late on.

The Athletic were looking for three points to reignite their hopes of snatching the third guaranteed European spot but Kevin Toner saw his first-half shot expertly saved by Alan Mannus.

Pats at least haven’t ceded any ground to their two competitors for third place as Derry City and Bohemians played out a stalemate at the Ryan McBride Brandywell.

Bohs remain two points ahead of Derry, albeit with a game more played, and the Saints as the Gypsies and Candystripes drew for the third time this season.



David Parkhouse had chances in each half to put the home side in front while Luke Wade-Slater blazed over Bohs’ best chance late on.

Read Odhran Crumley’s match report here.

UCD look certs to fill the sole automatic relegation spot after they were beaten 2-0 at home by ten-man Sligo Rovers.

Ronan Murray was shown a straight red card early on for a misjudged tackle on Harry McEvoy but they dominated the remainder of the first period and led 2-0 at the break.

A mistake from Conor Kearns, the UCD keeper fumbling David Cawley’s corner into the net, gave Sligo the lead before Romeo Parkes doubled the lead on the stroke of half time.

Read Andrew Dempsey’s match report here.



And Cork City moved one step closer to safety despite Conor McCormack missing a second-half penalty at home to Finn Harps, who move five points clear of UCD.