Shamrock Rovers continue to lead the way in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division as they beat Sligo Rovers 3-0 in the first ‘Clash of the Rovers’ which was played in the Tallaght Stadium. Daniel Carr, Ronan Finn and Jack Byrne with their goals. Byrne, who was formerly with Manchester City and Oldham Athletic scored the pick of the bunch; a well-hit curling effort that was his first for the club. Ominously though, for Shamrock and the rest of the teams in the league the defending champions Dundalk look to have found their groove. They followed up their win against Waterford last week by beating Derry City 2-0 in the Brandywell.
Sean Murray and Patrick Hoban got the goals with Hoban’s coming from the penalty spot. Cork City are starting to find form as well. They beat Bohemian FC 2-0 in Turner’s Cross thanks to strikes from Conor McCarthy and Dan Casey who was with Bohs last season. Two goals from Aaron Drinan saw Waterford FC beat St. Patrick’s Athletic 2-0 in the Regional Sports Centre. In the Belfield Bowl, UCD recorded their first win of the season beating Finn Harps 3-0 in what was a clash of the two promoted sides. Richie O’Farrell got two with Timmy Molloy getting the other.
Athlone Town’s resurgence in the First Division continues this season. They secured their first win in the Carlisle Grounds in nearly 20 years as a goal from Aaron Brilly meant they beat Bray Wanderers 1-0. That was Bray’s first defeat of the season. Shelbourne capitalised on that defeat by beating Wexford FC 3-0 in Tolka Park to go top of the table. All their goals came in the second half with Darragh Noone, Ryan Brennan and Daniel Byrne the scorers. Cabinteely could be a side to watch this season. They were impressive 4-1 winners away against Drogheda United in United Park. Rob Manley with a hat-trick – two of which were penalties. The fourth was an own goal from Luke Gallagher. Mark Hughes pulled a goal back for the home side to give the fans something to cheer about.
Limerick recorded their first win of the season by beating Munster rivals Cobh Ramblers 3-1 in the Markets Field. Kieran Hanlon scored two with Connor Ellis getting the other. Jaze Kabia was the scorer for Cobh. Despite the inclement weather over the weekend only one game was called off and that was the meeting of Longford Town and Galway United in the City Calling Stadium.
