Dundalk see off Sligo to go clear at top

DUNDALK took a step closer to regaining the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division crown when they overcame hosts Sligo Rovers last night. The Louth men, buoyed by rivals Cork City’s slip-up 24 hours earlier when they were held to a draw by visiting St Patrick’s Athletic, had little difficulty in seeing off Rovers, who fell to their fifth defeat of the season. Goals in each half by Michael Duffy and Patrick Hoban combined to make it 13 wins on the bounce for Stephen Kenny’s side as they moved three points clear at the summit of the table. Duffy curled home the game’s opener on 30 minutes following a less than assured start from the visitors. Indeed, goalkeeper Gary Rogers came to Dundalk’s rescue shortly after when he got down well to save from Michael Drennan. Nevertheless, Sligo were fortunate to go in at the break trailing by the minimum as Jamie McGrath shot over when well placed during the closing moments of the half. Rovers made a number of changes during the final quarter in a bid to get back into the tie but it didn’t have the desired result. Kenny’s men, whose last outing saw them advance in the Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup against Cobh Ramblers, took control in the second period and were never in danger of letting their opponents get back into the tie. Dundalk claimed their 22nd win of the campaign when Hoban rose highest and headed home his side’s second goal on 80 minutes. The Lilywhites can now take a break from league action as they turn their focus to the Cup once more and Finn Harps’ visit on Friday night.

SLIGO ROVERS: Beeney, CallanMcFadden, Mahon, McClean, Donelon (Cretaro 70), McCabe (Morrison 82), Keaney, Lynch, Cawley, Twardek (Wixted 64), Drennan. DUNDALK: Rogers, Gannon, Gartland, Hoare, Massey, Connolly (McEleney 70), Shields, Benson (Jarvis 89), McGrath (Mountney 80), Duffy, Hoban. Scorers: Duffy 30, Hoban 80. Referee: B Connolly