BILLY DENNEHY’S MISSED penalty, in the first half against Derry, ended up proving costly as Shamrock Rovers failed to capitalise on a night of dropped points all round.
Derry have become familiar opponents for the Hoops, but familiarity is not making them any easier to break down.
After Dennehy had his spot-kick saved, Rovers did take the lead shortly after the break through that man, Gary Twigg. The Scot had a chance to score again 20 minutes later, but was thwarted by Gerard Doherty.
The Candystripes levelled with just over 12 minutes on the clock through David McDaid and held on for the point.
Our featured game at the Showgrounds also ended all square thanks to 12-yard profligacy. St Patrick’s Athletic dominated the clash of the league’s two unbeaten side, but could not make their chances count. They trailed Sligo at half-time because of Kenny Browne’s unfortunate own-goal.
Substitute Sean O’Connor levelled matters with 20 minutes on the clock, but despite openings for Chris Forrester and a chance from the penalty spot for Christy Fagan, the division retains two undefeated teams in the top four. Read how it all unfolded, here.
Back in Dublin, Shelbourne lost out to a Vinny O’Sullivan double. Cork City led at half time after O’Sullivan’s strike, but were pegged shortly after the turnaround by Paddy Kavanagh.
Shels began both halves strongly, but City gradually earned back territory. Tadhg Purcell had a claim for a penalty turned away before O’Sullvan grabbed him second of the night, the winner, with just seven minutes remaining.
On the southside, there was also an 83rd minute strike. Alan McNally ensuring Drogheda would take a point away from UCD just 15 minutes after Daniel Ledwith had put the Students ahead.
Winning
Meanwhile, the most clear-cut result of the night came in Oriel Park where Bohemians were convincing winners over Dundalk. Ryan McEvoy danced through the defence after 26 minutes. The hosts disappointed on the night, over-run by an energetic Bohs.
Stephen Traynor went close to doubling the lead before Peter McMahon did just that, getting on the end of some slick inter-play with twenty minutes to go.
Finally we head for Monaghan, where Roddy Collins’ side suffered late heartbreak via the tough old boots of Jason Byrne.
This game looked destined to be another draw until Kevin Knight picked out Byrne for an 86th minute winner. Three valuable points which now separate Bray from Monaghan at the foot of the table.
Premier Division results:
Sligo 1 – 1 St. Patrick’s Athletic
Dundalk 0 – 2 Bohemians
UCD 1 – 1 Drogheda United
Monaghan United 0 -1 Bray Wanderers
Shamrock Rovers 1 – 1 Derry City
Shelbourne 1 – 2 Cork City
Division one results:
Mervue 3 – 0 Finn Harps
Limerick FC 0 – 1 Waterford
Athlone Town 1 -2 Longford Town
Wexford Youths 2 – 0 SD Galway
