History of sorts was made in the Brandywell last Friday evening as one of the longest streaks in the SSE Airtricity League came to an end. Going into their game against Derry City, Sligo Rovers had gone 379 matches without overturning a half-time deficit into a victory. It looked as if it would become 380 when Jamie McDonagh gave Derry a half-time lead. But Rovers bucked their trend scoring twice inside the last twenty minutes, from first David Cawley and then Caolan McAleer to claim the three points. It was also their second win of the season against Derry in the Brandywell. The home side continues to struggle for consistency.
With Dundalk not in action, Cork City had the chance to go back to the top of the Premier Division if they could win away to their Munster rivals Waterford FC. They duly did, coming from behind to win 2-1. Former Irish international Noel Hunt gave Waterford the lead but goals from Garry Buckley and Graham Cummins gave Cork the points. Bohemian FC were comfortable 5-0 winners against second from bottom Limerick FC in Dalymount Park. Kevin Devaney, J.J. Lunney, Keith Buckley, Daniel Grant and Eoghan Stokes got their goals. Limerick finished with ten as Coleman Hennessy was sent off in the 86th minute. Bray Wanderers also had a man sent off in their 3-0 defeat away to St. Patrick’s Athletic in Richmond Park. Gary McCabe seeing red in the 76th minute. Ryan Brennan, Ian Turner and Graham Kelly on the mark for St. Pat’s.
After their 4-1 win against South Dublin rivals Cabinteely in the Belfield Bowl, UCD now only need two more wins to secure the First Division title and with it automatic promotion to the Premier. Finn Harps are a side who have come up the railing in the past few weeks as they are up to second now, following on from their 3-0 win against second from bottom side Wexford FC in Finn Park. Shelbourne remain third, thanks to their 3-1 win against Cobh Ramblers in Tolka Park. They have been busy as well recently in the transfer market with their stand out signing being striker Karl Moore from Bohemian FC. His experience will be a great addition to their promotion push. Drogheda United have dropped to fourth as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Galway United in United Park. Longford are up to fifth, thanks to their 3-0 Midlands derby win against bottom side Athlone Town in the City Calling Stadium.
You can read about the previous couple of week’s action here and here.
