Dundalk miss their golden chance to go top in Sligo

DUNDALK missed their chance to top the Premier Division table after a hard fought stalemate with Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.

Aiming to leapfrog Derry into the top spot, Stephen O’Donnell made four changes from the Lilywhites’ win over Finn Harps on Monday.

Mark Connolly, Daniel Kelly, Pat Hoban and Greg Sloggett all returning.

Rovers gave a first start to full back Paddy Kirk, while midfielder Niall Morahan returned to the starting 11 having been introduced as a second half sub in their stalemate with Derry City at the Brandywell.

Both defences had the best of it during a relatively muted opening half, in which neither team could find an opener.

The travelling support saw their team create their first chance of note 15 minutes from the interval.

Steven Bradley saw his shot deflect off the leg of a Rovers defender, before Sligo goalkeeper Ed McGinty brought the attack to a disappointing end.

Opportunities remained scarce for the remainder of the half.

There was, however, a moment of concern for Dundalk ’keeper Nathan Shepperd five minutes from the break when Karl O’Sullivan’s cross looped over the Welsh netminder, before dropping short of his far post.

Dundalk survived a scare early in the second half after Keena charged through the Louth side’s rearguard. Sheppard and Andy Boyle cleared the danger.

Liam Buckley’s charges had the ball in the Dundalk net from a 64th minute corner, but referee Neil Doyle adjudged a foul on a defender in the lead up.

Aidan Keena dragged his next attempt across the face of the goal seconds later after Dundalk had conceded possession straight from the resulting free-kick.

Sligo’s Adam McDonnell wrapped his shot around Sheppard’s far post at the stroke of full time in what was this tie’s final opportunity.

Both of these sides are on the road next week. Sligo travel to Drogheda while Dundalk go to Drumcondra to face Shelbourne.